THE HOLY WORD – THE BIBLE

God’s Instruction Manual for the Servant Believer

By Michael K. Farrar, O.D.

 

 

1 Corinthians 2:12‑14

“We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

 

1 Corinthians 8:1

“We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.”

 

Romans 15:4

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

 

Why Study the Word?

 

1. Scripture Is Our Benchmark For Truth.

 

Just as a carpenter, artist, or surgeon must use the proper tools to practice their profession, so the Christian must choose God’s Word as their guidebook for living the Christian life. Just as the mechanic, dentist, or repairman must be skilled in the use of the proper tools for their profession, so the Christian must seek to master God’s word in order to live correctly and minister properly to others.

 

Scripture can be, and should be, used to measure, evaluate and judge all that we do.

 

Galatians 1:8‑9

“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!”

 

Acts 17:11

“Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”

 

2. Scripture Is God’s Eternal Truth

In a world where standards change daily and truth is relative, scripture remains the ultimate truth. God’s word can be trusted to give answers that are eternal.

 

Mark 13:31

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”

 

John 17:17

“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”

 

3. Scripture Is The Language of the Spirit

 

Christians are told that they are to be led by the Spirit (Romans 8:14). The Holy Spirit can guide and lead us to do God’s will, but we can respond to God’s Spirit much better if we have God’s word embedded in our hearts and minds.

 

Following are parallel Scriptures that many Christians feel, illustrate the fact that there is a relationship between being filled with the Spirit and knowing God’s word.

 

Colossians 3:16

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.”

 

Ephesians 5:18‑19

“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,”

 

If you fill your mind with scripture, your heart and soul will desire God and the Spirit can use God’s word to direct your path.

 

Psalms 119:133

“Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.”

 

Further evidence of the relationship of the Word and the Spirit is found in Ephesians 6:17. Here, one of the pieces of the Christian’s armor mentioned is the Sword of the Spirit.

 

Ephesians 6:13‑17

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

 

Hebrews 4:12

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double‑edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

 

The SWORD (Holy Scripture) as a WEAPON!

 

Roman soldiers were issued short-bladed swords with double-edged blades. They were not used to slash, but to stab at specific weak areas of their enemies. They were used for close combat when the enemy was near. This analogy used by Paul in Ephesians gives us some insight into how we are to use scripture as the sword of the Spirit.

 

The Word of God is sharp in truth and can cut to the heart of the matter. Scripture should be used in spiritual battle to address specific issues at hand. (For example: If someone is asking if we believe in reincarnation, we don’t quote John 3:16. We should quote Hebrews 9:27 “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” Jesus’ confrontation with Satan in the wilderness is a good example of using scripture to address specific spiritual attacks. (Matthew 4, Luke 4)

 

But we must always be gentle and respectful when using scripture.

 

1 Peter 3:15

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”

 

4. Scripture Provides Stability and Security.

 

Just as a contractor seeks to build on a stable foundation, the Christian must establish his faith on the proper foundation as well. God’s word can serve to uphold our faith and protect us from the attacks that Satan directs towards us.

 

Matthew 7:24‑27

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

 

5. Scripture Is God’s Word

 

Scripture is NOT the ideas, opinions and philosophies of men or women. It IS the thoughts, desires, and will of God Himself.

 

Matthew 4:4

“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

 

1 Thessalonians 2:13

“And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.”

 

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.”

 

2 Peter 1:20‑21

“Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

 

So we must understand, that when we read, study and meditate on scripture, it is not to be taken lightly. We are exposing ourselves to the thoughts of God Himself.

 

6. Scripture Develops Spiritual Strength

 

Scripture has a way of invading your life. It penetrates your every thought. If you spend time in God’s word, you can’t help but be changed by the power in it.

 

Romans 12:2

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is‑‑ his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

 

Psalms 119:10‑12

“I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees.”

 

As God’s servants, we are called to a life of obedience to Him. We must study His word so that we can grow stronger in our faith and know better how to live as we should. We must immerse ourselves in His word and let it permeate all we do, see and think.

 

7. God’s Word Eases Stress.

 

Stress occurs when we fail to respond to the trials in life Biblically. God’s Word can help us respond to trials in a Godly manor.

 

God’s Word can also ministers to us if we allow it. One of the ways it can calm us when we face stress, is to give us perspective on life. It shows us how God loves us as His children. It gives us promises of how God will protect and provide for us. It shows us that the things above are more important than the things on earth. Often our stress comes from being too busy, too focused on our earthly life or too shortsighted to see God’s plan for our life.

 

One of the wisest things a Christian can do is to read and memorize scripture passages that address the issues that they are facing in life.

 

Isaiah 39:8

“Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, ‘The word of the LORD which you have spoken is good.’ For he thought, ‘For there will be peace and truth in my days.’”

 

Psalms 119:165

“Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”

 

8. Scripture Gives Us Comfort, in Times of Trial.

 

No matter who you are or where you live, trials will come your way.

 

James 1:2‑4

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

 

God ministers to us in many ways when we face trials. He listens to our prayers. His Holy Spirit comforts and guides us. He even uses our fellow Christians to share our burdens and give us wise counsel. Reading God’s Word is one more way that God can minister to us. His Word has been an encouragement through history to His saints who have faced trials. Jesus Himself, quoted scripture when He faced the temptations that Satan threw at Him.

 

Matthew 4:4

“It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

 

Psalms 119:114

“You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.”

 

If you are facing trials of any kind, read Psalms 91 to gain comfort.

 

Psalms 91:1‑2

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”

 

9. God’s Word Allows Us To Enjoy Continual Spiritual and Intellectual Growth

 

God’s word is like a river that is deep enough for an elephant to swim in but shallow enough for a lamb to wade in. It can require years of theological study to comprehend but also be understood by a young child.

 

As children of God, we are called to grow more mature in Christ.

 

When we first accept Christ as our Savior, we are similar to a baby when it is born. Our knowledge, experiences and spiritual maturity as a Christian have just begun. God calls us to grow in our faith, knowledge and commitment to Him. As our body, soul and spirit become more mature we become more like Christ. Scripture passages speak of this.

 

1 Corinthians 3:1‑2

“Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly‑‑ mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.”

 

Hebrews 5:12‑14

“In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

 

1 Peter 2:2‑3

“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”

 

While our complete maturity in Christ will be attained only when we reach heaven, we are called to seek greater spiritual maturity while still on this earth. The Christian life is not to be a life of stagnation.

 

Just as we can become physically stunted and unhealthy if we don’t continue to grow through proper diet and exercise, we can become spiritually weak and remain infants in the faith if we don’t pursue maturity in Christ.

 

Scripture plays an important role in this growth process. It provides instruction, spiritual nourishment and accountability for us as we grow into the image of Christ.

 

10. Scripture Can Help Us Live A Long and Healthier Life.

 

It is a scientific fact, that those who trust in God will live longer, happier and healthier lives than if they lived only for themselves.

 

God gave us the Bible not only for our spiritual needs, but our physical needs as well. He knows better than anyone, that keeping His commandments is the best way to live a long and fulfilled life.

 

Moses was given God’s Word to communicate it to the Israelites as they left Egypt. They were given God’s word, just as we are, to provide direction and guidance in how to live according to God’s will.

 

Deuteronomy 5:32‑33

“So be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. Walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.”

 

Deuteronomy 6:1‑2

“These are the commands, decrees and laws the LORD your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life.”

 

An example concerning God’s Word and the benefits of obeying it is given to us in the following verse:

 

Ephesians 6:2‑3

“’Honor your father and mother’‑‑ which is the first commandment with a promise‑‑

‘that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’”

 

HISTORY OF HOLY SCRIPTURE

 

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOLY SCRIPTURE

 

The Bible contains 66 Books, 39 Old Testament Books and 27 New Testament Books.

 

There are 1,189 Chapters contained in the Bible as a whole.

 

There were over 40 authors including a doctor, a shepherd, a king, a fisherman, a civil servant, an army commander and a rabbi.

 

Few of the writers knew one another, living over a span of 1600 years (1500 B.C. to 90 A.D.) on 3 continents.

 

It was written in three languages, Hebrew, Aramaic (Semitic language related to Hebrew), and Greek.

 

The places of writing included a cave, a palace, a prison cell and a provincial capital.

 

While the Bible is a book that requires faith to be believed, there are numerous external and internal evidences that testify that it is true.

 

There are over 13,000 existing manuscripts of portions of the New Testament alone. The more manuscripts there are for a historical writing the greater the chances that it is acceptable and true.

 

PROPHECIES

 

Prophecies are a form of evidence to prove the reliability of the Bible. Hundreds of prophecies are in scripture that have been fulfilled with 100% accuracy.

 

Micah 5:2 predicted the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.

 

Zechariah 11: 12,13 predicted Jesus’ betrayal for 30 pieces of silver and the purpose for which they were used.

 

Psalm 22 speaks of Jesus’ crucifixion, including the piercing of His hands and feet as well as the casting of lots for His garments.

 

The probability of all these prophecies happening by chance is equivalent to a blind man picking a marked coin from among the billions.

 

SCRIPTURE IS NOT TO BE TWISTED

 

We must respect and honor God’s Word for what it is. It is the thoughts, mind, will and feelings of God Himself.

 

Scripture has been used inappropriately throughout history for selfish gain as well as to justify sin. Scripture should fashion us into the image of Christ. We should NOT fashion scripture to fit the image we have created for ourselves.

 

Isaiah 29:15‑16

“Woe to those who go to great depths to hide their plans from the LORD, who do their work in darkness and think, ‘Who sees us? Who will know?’ You turn things upside down, as if the potter were thought to be like the clay! Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, ‘He did not make me?’ Can the pot say of the potter, ‘He knows nothing?’”

We must not alter or twist scripture to fit our ideas and opinions. Dangerous things can happen to us as well as others if we misuse God’s Word in this way.

 

2 Peter 3:15-16

“Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.”

 

Revelation 22:18‑19

“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.”

 

CULTS and FALSE RELIGIONS TWIST SCRIPTURE TO SUIT THEIR DOCTRINE

 

Examples of Scripture Twisting

Inaccurate Quotation

Twisted Translation

 Biblical Hooks

Ignoring The Immediate Context

Collapsing Contexts

Overspecification

Word Play

Figurative Fallacy

Speculative Readings or Predictive Prophecy

Saying, But Not Citing                                                                 

Selective Citing

Inadequate Evidence

Confused Definition

Ignoring Alternative Explanations

The Obvious Fallacy

Virtue by Association

Esoteric Interpretation

Supplementing Biblical Authority

Rejecting Biblical Authority

World View Confusion

 

Mormons state that the Bible is true only as it is correctly translated. By this, they mean as translated according to their Mormon Doctrine.

 

Jehovah’s Witnesses have their own translations as well. They even have their own Greek grammar rules so that they can twist the original language to fit their doctrine.

 

SUMMARY OF BOOKS OF THE BIBLE

 

OLD TESTAMENT

The Patriarchs-Genesis

The Protectors-Exodus

The Priests – Leviticus

The Pilgrims-Numbers

The People-Deuteronomy

The Patriots-Joshua, Judges, Ruth

The Princes-Samuel, Kings, Chronicles

The Pioneers-Ezra, Nehemiah, Ester

The Poets-Job, Psalms, Song of Solomon, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes

The Prophets-Isaiah to Malachi

 

NEW TESTAMENT

 

CHRISTIAN BELIEFS

 

Christian Fundamentals – Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Romans

That which is False – Galatians, Colossians, Hebrews, 2 Corinthians, 2 Timothy, 2 Peter, Jude

That which is Future – 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Revelation

 

THE CHRISTIAN AND THEIR BRETHREN

 

Origins of the Church-Acts

Operation of the Church-1 Corinthians, Ephesians

Officers of the Church-1 Timothy, Titus

 

THE CHRISTIAN AND THEIR BEHAVIOR

 

Dealing with Situations-Philippians

Dealing with Slavery-Philemon

Dealing with Sincerity-James

Dealing with Suffering-1 Peter

Dealing with Sonship-1 John

Dealing with Separation-2 John

Dealing with Strife-3 John

 

METHODS TO STUDY GOD’S WORD

 

There are numerous ways to study the scriptures.  Below are only a few:

 

Pleasure Reading: Scripture passages are read, just to expose oneself to God’s Word. Often God will speak to the Christian in various ways if they will simply read His Word.

 

Pleasure Listening: Many versions of scripture are available on audiotapes and many people listen to these as they travel on trips or drive to work.

 

Study Listening: There are numerous Pastors and Theologians who have made audiotapes of sermons, messages and Bible Studies. These can be listened to in your car or at home to supplement your own Bible study.

 

Daily Quiet Time Study: A verse or short collection of scriptures is read and meditated on. Often these verses are memorized or dwelt upon during that particular day.

 

Word Study: A particular word such as: grace, peace or salvation is chosen and numerous references are looked up and compared with each other to gain an understanding of how that word is used in scripture and how it applies to one’s own personal life. Sometimes the original languages of Greek or Hebrew are pursued to find out the meanings of words in the original languages.

 

Topical Study: A topic is chosen such as: God’s Character, The Christian’s Call to Holiness or The Gifts of the Spirit. This topic is explored in scripture to see what scriptures say concerning about it.

 

Book Study: A particular book of the Bible is chosen and an in-depth study is made of the book. Various types of information are sought concerning the book such as: who wrote the book and when. Who was the book written to, or what was its purpose. The book is studied in chapters and various divisions are discovered as various ideas and topics appear within the book.

 

These are only a few of the types of Bible studies. All of us should develop some sort of consistent type of Bible study to help develop our personal spiritual growth. Variety in study can help as can consistency.

 

Remember that you should not rely on Bible study alone for spiritual nourishment. A balance of Prayer, Fellowship, Ministry, Worship and Bible Study are necessary for proper development of Christian Maturity.