The most exciting thing about a relationship is being able to get to know the other person.
This happens when we spend time with them & talk to them. The more we do those things, the more we can get to know them.
We can hear about someone a lot, but it is only when we are able to share experiences with them that we really start to know them as a person.
There is a huge difference between knowing about someone & actually knowing them.
In our devotional times (time alone with God), we can have a conversation with Him. When we pray we speak to God; but when we read His Word, God is the One who speaks to us.
The main difference between the Bible & other books is that the content of other books springs forth from the minds of people - they record their ideas, findings, dreams, research, etc. on paper.
But the Bible is different: it is no ordinary book. It is not the product of human imagination or made-up stories.
It contains the words of the only true God - words of truth loaded with authority & power. Despite having been written over a period of 1600 year by 40 different people, it has an unified message & a defined purpose & it has remained applicable throughout the history of humanity.
*1 Peter 2:25
For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
The Bible is considered to be the 1st book ever printed & has more copies in circulation around the world today than any other literary work.
Astoundingly, portions of the Bible have been translated into at least 2883 languages.
Just as all God had to do was speak & the entire universe was created without any prime matter, the words of God contained in the Bible are enough to transform lives & change circumstances.
*2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
4 Benefits of studying the Bible:
1. Teaches - The Word of God reveals to us the will of God, His heart, His laws & commands, & the way in which He wants us to live our lives.
2. Rebukes - This means that the Scriptures show us when an area of our lives is out of line & needs to change.
3. Corrects - The Bible does not only reveal the bad things - it also shows us how to live & how to change the direction of our lives.
4. Trains - It guides us so that we can make the right decisions of our lives.
Right attitudes towards the Word:
1. Pay attention to the voice of God
*Deuteronomy 28:1-2
If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God.
It is not just anybody speaking - it is the Almighty God. He is so great & majestic that the highest heavens cannot contain Him & He knows all things completely, including the depths of your heart. It would be crazy not to pay attention to what He has to say to us.
*1 Kings 8:27
But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!
2. Obey the Word
*Luke 6:46
Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?
Jesus compares those who hears the Word of God & ignores it, to a foolish man who built his on the sand. At the first sign of trouble, his house crumbled & the ruin of that man was very great.
There is only 1 solid foundation upon which we can build our lives: obedience to the Word of God.
3. Share what it says with others.
*Deuteronomy 6:6-7
These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
The world has a great need that is evident to all.
Despite good intentions & human effort, this need continues to grow day after day.
The only hope for the world is Jesus.
All those who know Him have the responsibility of sharing what they know & what they have received from Him with others.
Commandment:
*Psalms 69:34-36
Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and all that move in them, for God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah. Then people will settle there and possess it; the children of his servants will inherit it, and those who love his name will dwell there.
Promise:
*Romans 4:7-8
“Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”
I obeyed the command in my life.
The promise of the Lord is conditional. It is through ask the Lord for forgiveness of our transgressions & iniquities, & repent to the Lord every time we commit sin. It is so that the Lord will never count against us.
REMEMBER:
THE BIBLE IS NOT AN ORDINARY WORD. IT IS THE WORD OF GOD
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