Review
Last time we studied that the Bible claims that its writers were inspired by God through the Holy Spirit. All the Bible is inspired by God and thoroughly equips us for everything we need to do good works on earth. We studied that Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to the apostles and His promise came true in Acts 1:1-9 and 2:1-4.
The Bible contains the complete message from God. The Bible’s message is for all time and is not to be changed. This means there is no need for any further revelation ever.
What the Bible Can Do For Us
Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Where does the Scripture come from? God. How much Scripture comes from God? All of it. What does it mean to be thoroughly equipped for every good work? What is the Word capable of doing in your life? All you need, lacking nothing.
Illustration: If you are undergoing brain surgery, which surgical instruments do you want the surgeon to forget, or to not have? None, of course! You want him/her to have all the necessary instruments and equipment. How would you feel if he/she had some automotive tools or kitchen utensils mixed in with the surgical instruments? It is dangerous to mix together incorrect tools and the incorrect instruments. It is the same when it comes to God’s teachings as revealed in the Bible. We have all we need to know in order to live to please God. We need it all, but it is all we need!
Now read Hebrews 4:12. What kind of tool does this verse tell us the Word of God is? Sharp, alive, capable sword. This would be like a doctor’s scalpel, or other fine cutting instrument. What is the Word capable of doing for us in our lives? Cut out the evil.
2 Peter 1:3-4: What has God done for us? He has given us all we need for life and godliness. Notice it is in the past tense - complete. How do we know how to escape evil and live godly lives? Through our knowledge of God and His promises, which can be found in the Bible. What will His promises do for us? Allow us to be partakers of the Divine Nature through the knowledge of Him.
To emphasize the importance of the Bible, we can read 1 Peter 1:25, which says that the Bible will be the standard by which we are judged.
The Word also endures forever. What does that mean for us? Read John 12:47-49. Jesus is speaking to the people before He goes to the cross. What do these verses say? The Words Jesus spoke that were from God will judge all people. Where do we find these Words that will judge us today? Found only in the Bible –the only place where Jesus’ Words are recorded.
How important is it then to know what the Bible teaches or says about itself?
More Evidence that the Bible is Accurate in Everything that is Checkable
- Genesis 14:8-9 – Existence of 5 cities confirmed by the Ebla Tablets
- Joshua 6 – Walls of Jericho falling flat; Rahab’s house built against the wall; Jericho being attacked during or after harvest; Jericho being burnt and not plundered by Israel.
Scientific Facts Recorded in the Bible – Long before scientists proved them
- Psalm 8:8 – Lanes in the Ocean
- Genesis 3:15 – Women Produce a “Seed”
- Ecclesiastes 1:7 and Job 36:27-28 – The Water Cycle
- Leviticus 13:1-4 and 14:1-9 – The Handling of Infectious Diseases
The Bible is the written Words of Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit. It is the Words in the Bible that will judge us and so it is important to know what it says. We also know that because the Word endures forever we can trust it and know that it will never change and always be useful and important for us to know.
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