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The Bible – The Word of God – 1 Thessalonians 2:13

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The Bible reveals the mind and character of God. In it He records how He created the earth, the universe and mankind; how the nations of the world came into being; His particular dealings with the children of Israel and their forefathers and throughout it all how, despite man’s fall into sin and continuing rebellion and disobedience, He loves man and has created him to enjoy and reflect His glory and how as a result He had planned a way to redeem both mankind and creation through Christ’s atoning death on the cross.

It is an accurate and honest account of God’s interaction with both individuals and groups of people and his response to their struggles, failings and achievements. It gives hope and guidance to those who feel weak and inadequate, and provides warnings to those who are disobedient, stubborn and proud. What then does the Bible say about itself? .

1 – It is the reliable, living and everlasting word of God

We are to trust in God. He will see us through this whatever terror comes. His will anchor hold in the storm. We need to remember that He is in control.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:13 “. . . . . . . you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, . . . . . “
  • 2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is God-breathed . . . . .”
  • Hebrews 4:12 ” For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, . . . . “
  • Psalm 119:89 ” For ever, O Lord, Thy word is firmly fixed in the heavens.”
  • See also Matthew 5:17-20 and 24-35; John 7:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21.

2 – It brings and sustains spiritual life and fruit

  • Matthew 4:4 ” Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”
  • John 17 : 17. ” Sanctify them by the truth, your word is truth.”
  • 1 Peter 1:23 ” You have been born anew . . . . . . .through the living and abiding word of God.”
  • 1 Timothy 4:16 ” . . . . . . . . . . you will save both yourself and your hearers.”
  • Matthew 13, the parable of the sower, 1 Peter 2:2 – milk, Psalm 19:10 & 119:103 – honey, Hebrews 5:12-14 – strong food or meat. 1 John 20:21 – life.

3 – Obedience to the scriptures is evidence of salvation and discipleship

All the prayer in the world is not going to do any good unless we repent.

  • Mark 8:38 “. . . If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes . . . . “
  • John 14:23 ” If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching.” and brings blessing,
  • Luke 11:27-28 “. . . . . . . . Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it.”
  • James 1:22-25 “. . . . . . . . . he shall be blessed in his doing.” Psalm 1. and guidance,
  • Psalm 119:105 ” Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

4 – Applying their teachings enables you to resist sin and live in a way that pleases God

  • Psalm 119:9-11 ” . . . . I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
  • 2 Timothy 2:15 ” Do your best to present yourself to God a workman rightly handling the Word of Truth.”
  • Ephesians 6:17 ” . . . . . Take the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.”

5 – It enables you to distinguish between truth and error, God’s law and man’s traditions

  • Mark 12:24 “Jesus said to them, ” Is not this why you are wrong, that you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God?”
  • Acts 17:11 “They examined the scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” and to work for God.
  • 2 Timothy 3 :14-16 ” . . . . . . . that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

6 – The scriptures can set you free and make you wise

  • John 8:32 ” Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. ” (My word is truth).
  • Psalm 119:98-100 ” Your commands make me wiser than my enemies.”

7 – They can be rendered ineffective by

  • Not wishing to understand them. See Matthew 13:13-17, Luke 11:52, 2 Timothy 4:4.
  • Holding more dearly to the traditions of man. See Mark 7:6-13.
  • A self-righteous attitude. See John 5:39.”

Thus we must not look upon the study of scripture and the accumulation of scripture knowledge as an end in itself, but rather as a means of getting to know God and living a life which pleases Him.

8 – They must therefore be ‘spiritually’ understood and applied

  • Luke 24:45 ” Then He opened their minds so that they could understand the scriptures.”
  • John 16:13 ” He will lead you into all truth.” 1 Cor 2:6-16 (especially verses 13 – 14) “The man without the spirit does not accept the things that come from the spirit of God . . . because they are spiritually discerned.” and applied to others with patience, kindness, gentleness and love.
  • Ephesians 4: 11-16 (v15) ” . . . . . . . . . . .speaking the truth in love. . “
  • 2 Timothy 2:24-26 ” . . . . . . . . . correcting his opponent’s with gentleness.”
  • Colossians 4 :5-6 “Let your conversation be always full of grace”.
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Categories: Apologetics

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