This study will help us answer these most important questions:
Who is the Word of God?
What is the Word of God to us as Christians?
How important is the Word of God?
First, why do we have to study the Word of God or the Bible?
John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
It will help us see the way to go that will lead to eternal life. The Word of God tells us about the Saviour which is Jesus Christ.
Who is the Word of God?
John 1:1, 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Jesus is the only God who was made flesh and dwelt among people.
Revelation 19:11-13 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him [was] called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes [were] as a flame of fire, and on his head [were] many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he [was] clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
The above verses give us the description of Jesus Christ who sat upon a white horse. Verse 13 confirms who is sitting upon the white horse and it is clearly stated His name is the Word of God. Therefore the Word of God plainly refers to Jesus Christ, the Son of God the Father.
What is the Word of God for?
Psalm 119:105 Thy word [is] a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
The Word of God will serve as a light unto our path as we live daily in this wicked dark world so we can see our way.
The Word of God is our guide for teaching the doctrines of Jesus. It is also used as a guide when we correct or rebuke sin. It is also our guide to instruct our fellowmen on how to live a righteous life and the reason for all these is for man to be found perfect and blameless rich in good works unto the Lord.
For Sanctification - Psalms 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Psalms 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed [thereto] according to thy word.
By applying the words of God into our lives, our filthy ways shall be cleansed. It is through the obedience to God's commands that we can expect true sanctification. Rejecting His words mean that we do not want to be cleansed from our filthy characters.
How pure is the Word of God?
Psalms 119:140 Thy word [is] very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.
Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God [is] pure: he [is] a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Psalms 18:30 [As for] God, his way [is] perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he [is] a buckler to all those that trust in him.
2 Samuel 22:31 [As for] God, his way [is] perfect; the word of the LORD [is] tried: he [is] a buckler to all them that trust in him.
Jesus Christ is pure and truthful. His Words are also the same.
How true is the Word of God?
John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Obedience to the word of God will sanctify man. It is through obedience to the word of God, Jesus Christ that man can become holy and sanctified.
Who wrote the Word of God?
2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.
Some people will say that we cannot trust the Bible since it was only written by men. Yes, it was written by men but these men were holy and inspired by the Holy Ghost. The Bible is for man therefore it needs to be written in the language of man. The Bible is not for animals who cannot read nor write. Angels could not be used for we cannot understand the language of a spiritual being. Therefore God has to use men who can write and understand human language.
How sharp is the Word of God?
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
The Word of God is that sharp that it can cut away the surplus in our characters. In order for man to become holy, all his defects must be removed. Most of the time the cutting process is so painful as the sword goes deep into the soul, spirit, joints and marrow but everyone who desire perfection must endure through the rough times of purification. The Word of God will help us see our defects and that we need a Saviour. It will inform us the sinfulness of sin and that man must live a holy life through the righteousness of Christ before he can be called worthy to receive eternal life. The Word of God can see our motives and intentions. Nothing hidden can remain covered forever. Jesus Christ can uncover anything hidden from man's view.
How long is the Word of God going to last?
Isaiah 40:8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.
Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
1 Peter 1:25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
Jesus is eternal so do His Words. His Words never ends. They will last forever. Whatever He says remains throughout eternity.
Can anyone add or change the Word?
Proverbs 30:6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
Revelation 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book.
Malachi 3:6 For I [am] the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
God does not change, so does His Words. Any man who attempts to change the Word of God is a liar. These people who will not repent for taking away or adding to the Word is going to miss out the promises declared in the Bible. Their names shall be erased from the book of life and will not be allowed to enter the city of God.
What are we going to do with the Word?
Luke 11:28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed [are] they that hear the word of God, and keep it.
James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
1:23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
1:24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth [therein], he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
Proverbs 7:1 My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.
7:2 Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.
7:3 Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.
How do we study the Bible? Do we have to read from Genesis to Revelation?
Isaiah 28:13 But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, [and] there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.
2 Corinthians 13:1 This [is] the third [time] I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
Isaiah 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them.
On your own, you can read from Genesis to Revelation
For topical studies, here and there applies
What do we need to do before we study the Bible?
Pray:
John 14:26 But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Meekness/Humbleness: (You want to study because you want to learn and know the way of God)
Psalms 25:9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
Do I need to attend to a classroom to learn the Bible?
Psalms 32:8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.
What if my friends or family will persecute me for following what the Bible is saying?
Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great [is] your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Psalms 27:10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.
What If I cannot understand these hard subjects in the Bible right away
1 Corinthians 3:2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able [to bear it], neither yet now are ye able.
Matthew 24:45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
The Scriptures must be the rule of our life. It is not enough to read the Bible or listen to its words. The most important thing to do is to apply or keep the words that are written therein. If we apply the Word of God in our lives, Jesus will abide in us and He will guide our every steps.
What version of the Bible is good to use. – watch video here || download video