God has given us the precious gift of His Word. The gift, however, has been given that we might learn to use it properly and appropriately. In Hebrews 4:12 the Scriptures are compared to a double edged word. Such a weapon had to be handled carefully with skill and bravery for its potential to be unleashed. So it is with Scripture. The value of the book is immense but we must study as diligent workmen and women treating the Word thoughtfully and with care.

THE BOOK

“This Book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the
way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of
believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its
histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practise it to be holy. It
contains light to direct you, food to support you, and
comfort to cheer you. It is the traveller’s map, the pilgrim’s
staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the
Christian’s charter. Here is paradise restored, heaven
opened, and the gates of hell are disclosed. Christ is its
grand subject, our good is its design, and the glory of God its
end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the
feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of
wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is
given in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be
remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility,
will reward the greatest labour, and condemn all who trifle
with its sacred contents.”

DEFINING THE BOOK

The Scriptures are the Book of Books, the inspired Word of God. When we talk, we breathe and the breath from our lungs becomes our words. God’s Word comes from deep within His nature. Therefore everything God is – His Word is. The Bible is pure, free from error. The Bible is also eternal, the Word cannot perish. It is as reliable and as dependable as God Himself.

The Scriptures teach us about God and His work in originating the universe, the Earth and humanity.

They show us how the world became broken by our sin; the great explanation of the brokenness of the world.

Then the Bible teaches us how God redeemed humanity.

This was a progressive revelation – through Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, the establishment of Israel as the covenant nation. Israel were the nation into which the Messiah was born and as a result of His life, death and resurrection – salvation would come to the entire world of Jew and Gentile.

The Messiah was not only revealed progressively through the family and nation into which He was born but also through the rituals and ceremonies whereby the ancient Jew worshipped God. A recurring theme in these rites was the shedding of blood. Sins could only be remitted when sacrifices were presented through the mediation of the Priest. This typology was fulfilled on the cross when Jesus Christ cried “It is finished”. He ended all sacrifices with one great sacrifice for sin – redemption was complete and we have peace with God.

Therefore Christ is the key that opens up the Scriptures. He is the grand recurring subject of the Old Testament in type and prophecy and His life, death and resurrection is the substance of the New Testament.

The Bible is also a personal revelation. It shines light into our hearts, transforming our minds and bringing grace to our lives. Without this revelation by the Spirit of God we are unsaved, in the darkness of a hopeless bondage.

DELVING INTO THE BOOK

The Scriptures are likened to food in the Scriptures – milk for the babes in Christ and strong meat for those that are more mature. Job said that that he esteemed the words from God’s mouth more necessary than his food. As the purpose of food is that it might be ate for strengthening the body, so likewise we are to consume the Scripture for the sustaining the soul.

We do this through reading the Bible. Spend every day in the Word. Become accustomed to read in the Bible in books, in a structured manner.

We should meditate as we read. This involves prayerful thinking. Turning the Word over in our minds, asking the Spirit to help us understand. This necessitates a quiet place away from all the distractions to get alone with God and His Word.

As you read develop an aptitude for Bible Study.

Start with a Psalm, try and break it down and understand why it was written and what it means for us today. Then progress to a book, divide it into sections and discover its relevance.

As you study write notes and mark out questions you want answered. We never had as many resources to help us in Bible study as we have today. Matthew Poole and Matthew Henry, available online, remain classic works providing answered answers for many of our questions. You pastor will always be delighted to talk to you about questions you might have.

Use every means to attend to the preaching of the Word, especially in your own congregation. Your Pastor brings truths that God has put on His heart for you. It is negligent to ignore the Word or think that the messages brought on Sunday night or the prayer meeting are not quite relevant for you.

THE BELIEF

As we read the Scriptures we must do so with faith. Faith is believing in the truth and the power of the Word. A Bible read and meditated upon with faith will grow our faith. Our roots will become deeper and we will grow. A Christian is a tree that God plants. A tree, however, goes downward as well as going upward. Unless it goes down it will never grow up. Our roots need to go deep into the Word if we are to grow as Christians.

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so
walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

Colossians 2:6-10

A well rooted tree is stable, well able to survive the storms. Only rooted Christians are stable.

Stable Christians can cope better with life’s pressures. They tend to support one local Church, become members and take the rough with the smooth of Church life. They know Bible doctrines, they understand falsehood and apostasy, they are not going to get swayed by false cults. They are not shallow in their thinking and philosophy. Their roots are in the Word and in Christ.

THE BEHAVIOUR

The key outcome of a Christian who is in the Book is that he or she learns to obey the Lord out of love and this submissiveness becomes a way of life. It is through obedience we serve and give ourselves to the Gospel work. Lives are transformed through obedience – missionaries are sent and ministers are ordained. Christians serve in their local communities, dedicated to their fellowship, having a burden for souls out of obedience. Yet this obedience is not legalistic or ritualistic. It is one born out of love.

FREE BIBLE STUDY RESOURCES

The PDF version of “The Book of Books” giving a brief synopsis of each book in the Scripture is available for download – to help you in your Bible Study journey. Address any questions in the comments below.

Two Year Bible Reading Scheme

Olivetree Bible Study App