The Bible:

It's Character, Benefits & How to Glean From Its Pages

By Bart Nelson

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The Bible

2 Tim. 3.15-17

You have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

What is its character?

v The Bible, like any book, reflects its author. Yet, the word much more so because God has no problem communicating, unlike we mere humans. You will see in this section, how much the book reveals and mirrors its author in its character.

v Faithful, true, trustworthy: 2 Sam. 22.31 As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. Ps. 19.7, 9 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. Ps. 119.89 Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven. 151 You are near, O LORD, and all Your commandments are truth.160 The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever. Dan. 10.21 But I will tell you what is noted in the Scripture of Truth. (No one upholds me against these, except Michael your prince. Mt. 24.35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. Lk. 16.17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail. Jn. 10.35 If He called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), Jam. 1.18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.

v Desirable: Job 23.12 I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food. Ps. 19.10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Ps. 119.140 Your word is very pure; therefore Your servant loves it. 143 Trouble and anguish have overtaken me, yet Your commandments are my delights.167 My soul keeps Your testimonies, and I love them exceedingly. 174 I long for Your salvation, O LORD, and Your law is my delight.

v Pure, perfect, right: Ps. 12.6 The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Ps. 19.7-9 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. Ps. 119.140 Your word is very pure; therefore Your servant loves it. 144 The righteousness of Your testimonies is everlasting; give me understanding, and I shall live. Pr. 30.5 Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Rom. 1.2 which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures Jam. 1.25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

v Praised, Magnified, Exalted: Ps. 56.10 In God (I will praise His word), in the LORD (I will praise His word), Ps. 138.2 I will worship toward Your holy temple, and praise Your name for Your loving-kindness and Your truth; for You have magnified Your word above all Your name. Is. 42.21 The LORD is well pleased for His righteousness’ sake; He will exalt the law and make it honorable.

v Life: Ps. 119.50 This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life. 93 I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have given me life. Jn. 5.24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. Jn. 6.63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. 68 But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Phil. 2.16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. Heb. 4.12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 1 Pet. 1.23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, 24 because “All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, 25 But the word of the LORD endures forever.” Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you. The Word of God is alive. It is a living thing. As it interacts with Holy Spirit inside us, who inspired the word, he is constantly revealing new things. That is why we can read it all of our lives and it is ever new, ever speaking, always instructing, etc. Need life, need quickening? It's in consuming the Word.

v Light: Ps. 119.105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. 130 The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. Pr. 6.23 For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light; reproofs of instruction are the way of life, 2 Pet. 1.19 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; We're to follow the light of the word until Jesus comes again!

v Joy: Ps. 119.111 Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart. Jer. 15.16 Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts.

v Eternal: Ps. 119.152 Concerning Your testimonies, I have known of old that You have founded them forever.160 The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever. 1 Pet. 1.23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, 24 because “All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, 25 But the word of the LORD endures forever.” Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.

v Runs, active: Ps. 147.15 He sends out His command to the earth; His word runs very swiftly. 1 Thes. 1.13 For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe. 2 Thes 3.1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, 2 Tim. 2.9 for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. Heb. 4.12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

v Fulfills: Is. 45.23 I have sworn by Myself; the word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that to Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall take an oath. Is. 55.10 “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. Mt. 5.17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Check out how many prophecies have been fulfilled in the word (literally hundreds). God totally fulfills His word, both promises, commands and prophecies.

v Fire, Hammer: Jer. 5.14 Therefore thus says the LORD God of hosts: “Because you speak this word, behold, I will make My words in your mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them. Jer. 20.9 Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him, nor speak anymore in His name.” But His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not. Jer. 23.29 “Is not My word like a fire?” says the LORD, “and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? Lk. 24.32 And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?”

v Does Good, is Good: Mic. 2.7 You who are named the house of Jacob: “Is the Spirit of the LORD restricted? Are these His doings? Do not My words do good to him who walks uprightly? Heb. 6.5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come,

v Seed: Mk. 4.14 The sower sows the word. 15 And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. Jam. 1.21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

v Spirit: Jn. 6.63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.

v Sword: Acts 2.37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Eph. 6.17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, Heb. 4.12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

v Inspired, Breathed by God, comes from God: Rom. 3.2 Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God. 2 Tim. 3.16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 2 Pet. 1.19 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but £holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

v Mirror: Jam. 1.22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.

What does the Bible do?

v Feeds the Soul (Bread, Honey, Milk, Solid food): Dt. 8.3 So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD. Eze. 3.3 And He said to me, “Son of man, feed your belly, and fill your stomach with this scroll that I give you.” So I ate, and it was in my mouth like honey in sweetness. 1 Tim. 4.4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; 5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 6 If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. Heb. 5.12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. 1 Pet. 2.2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,

v Teaches the Fear of the Lord: Dt. 17.18 “Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book, from the one before the priests, the Levites. 19 And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes,

v Makes Prosperous, Successful and Fruitful: Josh. 1.8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Ps. 1.2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.

v Delivers, Freedom: Ps. 17.4 Concerning the works of men, by the word of Your lips, I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer. Ps. 107.20 He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Jn. 8.32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” 2 Pet. 1.4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Pet. 1.4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

v Converts the Soul: Ps. 19.7a The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul. 2 Tim. 3.17 You have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Jam. 1.21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 1 Pet. 1.23 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever.

v Makes Wise, Revelation, Discerns: Ps. 19.7b the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. Ps. 19.8b the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; Ps. 119.98-100 You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Your precepts. Ps. 119.130 The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. 2 Tim. 3.15 You have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Heb. 4.12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Jam. 1.22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

v Joy: Ps. 19.8a the statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; Ps. 119.14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches. 24 Your testimonies also are my delight and my counselors. 92 Unless Your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction. Jer. 15.16 Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts.

v Bring Warning: Ps. 19.11a Moreover by them Your servant is warned, 1 Cor. 6.14 I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. 2 Tim. 3.16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness

v Great Reward, Blessing, Gives us our Inheritance: Ps. 19.11b and in keeping them there is great reward. Lk. 11.28 But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” Acts 20.32 “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. Jam. 1.25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does

v Stability: Ps. 37.31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.

v Healing: Ps. 107.20 He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Pr. 4.20-22 My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.

v Cleanses, Keep From Sin, Sanctifies: Ps. 119.9 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. 11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Jn. 15.3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Jn. 17.17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. Eph. 5.26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word. 1 Tim. 4.4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; 5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 2 Pet. 1.4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

v Revival, Life: Ps. 119.25 My soul clings to the dust; revive me according to Your word. (see also Ps. 119.107, 154) 92 Unless Your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction. 93 I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have given me life.

v Guidance, Direction: Ps. 119.105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Ps. 119.133 Direct my steps by Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me. Pr. 6.20 My son, keep your father’s command, and do not forsake the law of your mother. 21 Bind them continually upon your heart; tie them around your neck. 22 When you roam, they will lead you; when you sleep, they will keep you; and when you awake, they will speak with you. 23 For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light; reproofs of instruction are the way of life, 24 to keep you from the evil woman, from the flattering tongue of a seductress. 2 Tim. 3.16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness

v Spiritual Warfare: Mt. 4.3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” 4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” 6 and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ ” 7 Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’ ” 9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ” Eph. 6.17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. The word in Greek for word here is rhema and not logos. So it is those verses God gives us specifically and especially whether personally or via prophetic word and not just the entire Bible. Notice that the word is the only weapon specifically mentioned in this passage. 1 Jn. 2.14b I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one.

v Special Relationship: Lk. 8.21 But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.”

v Makes one a Disciple: Jn. 8.31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.

v Builds Faith: Jn. 20.31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. Rom. 10.17 17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Taking in the Bible causes our faith to grow. Why? We see the promeses and prophecies completed, we see the character of God, we see the examples of people who follows or doesn't follow the word of God omnipotent.

v Edifies: Acts 20.32 “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

v An Example to follow: Rom. 15.4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. 1 Cor. 10.6 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. 7 And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” 8 Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; 9 nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; 10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

v Completes, Equips 2 Tim. 3.17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

v Creative: Heb. 11.3 faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

v Causes Spiritual Growth: 1 Pet. 2.2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,

How can we glean from its pages?

v Ex. 13.9 It shall be as a sign to you on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes, that the LORD’S law may be in your mouth; for with a strong hand the LORD has brought you out of Egypt. Dt 6.6 “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates In whatever way we can, we should have the word in front of us so we can read it, listening to it, and speaking it. We can write it, talk about it, memorize it, etc.

v Dt. 17.18 “Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book, from the one before the priests, the Levites. 19 And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes, Hab. 2.2 Then the LORD answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. We are kings and priests of our God. According to this scripture we should write a copy of the word, read it daily, that it may produce the fear of God in our lives. Writing something is an amazing help to our memory.

v Josh. 1.8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Ps. 119.11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Memorizing, reciting, meditating y confessing aloud the word of God are all excellent ways of getting it way down inside. Meditating on the word is THE key way I develop these studies. It is my primary tool.

v Ps. 119.54 Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage. Eph 5.19 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, Col. 3.16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Singing the word is an excellent way to get it way down inside us. Many songs of the church are scripture itself or based on it.

v Ps. 119.147-148 I rise before the dawning of the morning, and cry for help; I hope in Your word. My eyes are awake through the night watches, that I may meditate on Your word. If the word is the priority in our lives, we will greatly benefit by it. Acts 17.11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men. We have to examine, study, observe, and scrutinize with precision the word of God. It will take time, but it is worth the effort, because there are riches for the one who seeks diligently! 2 Thes. 2.13 For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe. These Thessalonian believers set an example for us. They received the word of God with open arms. Our attitude in how we approach the word is extremely important. It is the most important study tool we own, and it is free! Heb. 4.2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. The only way for the word to be effective for us, the only way we're going to receive all the benefits is if we mix it with faith. Jam. 1.21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. Another key to being productive in the word is meekness. Often we go to the word with preconceived ideas and miss what God has for us. Let's come instead with openness and receptivity to God's plan. Many times doctrines get perpetuated because we believe what has been preached to us rather than seeing for ourselves what God says about it! Many things I currently believe, I believe because I went to the word and asked God what He thought about it.

v Jn. 16.13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you. 2 Tim. 3.16 All Scripture is given by inspiration (literally breathed - in other words it’s a Spirit thing) of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. Pray before you read because Holy Spirit was the one who inspired (or breathed) all the word. He knows it perfectly and He can direct, illuminate and help our understanding.

v Rom. 10.17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. To listen (whether in person, via your own lips or recorded voice) or to read - we can't receive what the word has if we don't take it in some way.

v 1 Cor. 2.13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. The best way to interpret scripture is with scripture. 2 Tim. 2.2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. We should have a plan to multiply ourselves and what God has shared with us. 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. It costs to be able to correctly compare spiritual with spiritual and interpret God's word correctly.

God knew we have different learning styles. Some learn better through reading, others by writing or speaking, some by singing, others by studying. Some learn best by memorizing and others by listening. Whatever your 'style' is, use it to soak up the word. God also realized we learn best when we incorporate several methods, that's why He listed so many. Let's use them all to soak up as much as we can of God's word.

When we read, there are three things we can look for:

1. 2 Pet. 1.4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. = Look for promises to claim, there are hundreds and hundreds.

2. 1 Jn. 5.3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. = Look for commandments to follow.

3. Rom. 15.4 For whatever things were written before were written for our examples, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. 1 Cor. 10.6 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. 7 And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” 8 Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; 9 nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; 10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. = The Bible is full of examples to follow or not. Many of us learn by experience, but it doesn't have to be that way!

v When you study, seek:

1. The meaning of words in the original languages. Also it can be a help to read different translations. We can obtain a different viewpoint that way.

2. Use a concordance, topical bible and/or cross-references to search themes.

3. Study the life or lives of people (eg. Moses, Joshua, Paul), looking for examples to follow or avoid.

I ran across this and thought it was good enough to include:

Growth Lesson:

Back to the Basics

By Troy Jones

Introduction

Acts 17:11 makes a very significant observation about the Berean Church. The Bible says, "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." Notice the two attitudes they had concerning the Word of God. They were eager and willing to examine the Scriptures. The only way to develop noble character in our lives is to eagerly examine the Scriptures everyday.

Too often the problem is that we do have a desire of eagerness, but nobody has ever taught us how to examine the Word of God. In this lesson, I am going to give you some simple yet proven principles to understanding and reading the Bible.

Four Basic Steps:

For the sake of simplicity let me begin with four simple steps to reading the Bible. I will use the acronym W.O.R.D.

Step One: Want the Bible.

Do you have a great eagerness for the Word? Some people can't even remember where they last put their Bible.

Step Two: Open the Bible.

I know this may sound trite, but the truth is you will never read the Bible if you don't simply open it. This is a very basic step, but it is amazing how many people never do this alone.

Step Three: Read the Bible.

There are many different approaches and plans to read the Bible. I will discuss these in this lesson. The best way to read the Bible is with a definite plan. The worst way is to open it up and just "let God lead you," or randomly read it.

Step Four: Do the Bible.

Put the Bible into practice. James 1:22 says, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." As you read the Bible, you should immediately obey the word of God in every area of your life.

Three Basic Decisions:

There are three decisions one must make to have an effective Bible reading life-style.

1. Pick a time.

The question you must wrestle with is, "What time will I read the Bible every day?" This may be in the morning before you do anything else or in the evening. The important thing is not the time, but that you are consistent with that time.

2. Pick a place.

The question you must wrestle with is, "Where will I read my Bible everyday?" This may be in your bedroom or living room. Again the important thing is not the location, but that you are consistent with that location.

3. Pick a plan.

The question you must wrestle is, "What plan will I use as I read by Bible?" Again I want to emphasize that the best way to read the Bible is with a definite plan. The worst way is to open it up and just "let God lead you," or randomly read it.

Let me illustrate the importance of time and location. Think of somebody who is very disciplined with exercise. A person who works out often can answer these questions without thinking about it. If you ask what time and where that person works out, he or she would say quickly, "Every morning at the gym." If you ask how that person works out, he or she would quickly give you the exercise routine. It would not be a guessing game for them.

Eight Basic Recommendations to Read the Bible:

1. Pray the Bible.

As you read the Bible spend some time praying the Scriptures. This will make the Word of God come alive.

2. Pay attention to details.

As you read the Bible, pay attention to details, and write them down. Here are some details to pay attention to:

(1) Key words that repeat themselves.

(2) Meaningful verses.

(3) Style of writing. Is it a story, poetry, or doctrinal teaching?

(4) Setting for the passage. Why was the author writing it? To whom was he writing? What do the surrounding passages say that might help you understand the passage you are studying?

(5) Theme or central point.

3. Write down notes.

As you pay attention to the details, write them down. The Power2Grow CD-ROM gives you a place to jot down details for you to remember at a later time.

4. Ask questions as you read.

As you read the Word of God learn to ask questions. Here are some types of questions to ask yourself.

(1) See it questions. What does the Bible say? What are your observations of this text?

(2) Solve it questions. What does the Bible mean? How does the culture of that day relate to the passage? What was the meaning of those particular words in that day?

(3) Show it questions. How does the Bible impact your life today? What principles can you relate to your life?

(4) Share it questions. With whom can you share the principles that you have learned today?

5. Read variety of plans.

It is very important that we keep our Bible reading fresh and alive.

6. Get a good Bible.

Don't hesitate to invest into yourself by buying a good Bible. Here are some recommendations for a good Bible:

(1) Up-to-date translation

(2) Study helps in the Bible (i.e. concordance, study notes, etc.).

(3) Small enough to carry with you.

7. Color code and underline.

Don't hesitate to mark up your Bible. Underline key verses. Highlight thoughts and points that stand out to you.

8. Never give up.

The Power2Grow CD-ROM allows you to reschedule your Bible reading plans. The truth is, there will be times when you will get behind. When you get behind, begin again. Don't allow the enemy to keep you from reading the Bible today because you missed yesterday.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is reading the Bible an important habit that all believers must develop in their lives?

2. Read Acts 17:11. What did you learn about the Bereans? Why did they have noble character?

3. Why do you need to "want the Bible" before you can read the Bible?

4. Of the four basic steps to reading your Bible, which one do you struggle with the most? Why?

5. What are some basic Bible reading plans that you can read? Which ones would you like to read in the future?

6. From your own personal experience, what are some recommendations you would give when reading your Bible?

7. When reading your Bible, what are some notes you can jot down?

8. Why is it important that you never give up when it comes to reading your Bible?

May God bless you in your seeking of God in His word!

It will last forever!