Benefiting From The Bible

"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

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Benefiting From The Bible

2 Timothy 3:16, 17

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

There are some passages of Scripture that we simply need to return to again and again because of the foundational truths they teach. This is one such passage. It is one of the texts that show us the unique origins and qualities of the Bible itself. This is oversimplifying things a little, but notice these two crucial points.

1) The Scriptures are the Word of God. Paul tells us here that the words were "breathed out" by God. That is a way of saying that what was recorded was not merely the ideas or thoughts of human writers but it is precisely what God wanted communicated to us. Peter affirms this reality when he says that "...men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." (2 Peter 1:21).

2) Precisely because it is God's Word it is supremely useful. Paul speaks of teaching, rebuking, correcting and training. Taken together these qualities reveal the transforming impact the Word has on the lives of those who receive it. It teaches us what we could not otherwise know about spiritual truth. God reveals himself to us and the reality of our broken relationship because of sin and our need for a Saviour who is Jesus Christ (see 2 Tim 3:14,15). Sometimes it stings in its rebuke or correcting effects but it is all useful in molding us into the image of Christ and equipping us in righteousness.

So how do we respond to this?

1) We must reverence the Word. We do not worship the Bible (that would be idolatry!) but we must treasure it. Understanding who it is that has given us this gift and the purpose for which he has given it ought stir a great desire for and joy in the Word. "Unless we do have awe of the Word we shall never have high joy over it. Our rejoicing will be measured by our reverencing." C.H. Spurgeon

2) We must give our attention to the Word. Giving ourselves to a serious study of the Bible is the only way to benefit from the Bible. The three step approach suggested by Howard Hendricks (Living By The Book) and others can be of great help. Step one: observe. Collect the raw data of the passage. Step two: Interpret. Carefully seek to understand what the passage is teaching. Step three: Apply. Take the truth and put it to work in the appropriate places of life and character.

3) We must share the Word. The eternal, spiritual value of the Scriptures will spill over from us into the lives of those around us. As God's does His work in us by His Word and through His Spirit we will become passionate and effective witnesses for Him.