THE WORD OF GOD
1. Definition:
The Bible is God’s revelation of Himself to man, His creation. The Bible forms one continuous story; the story of humanity in relation to God. The Bible has one great theme: the Person and work of Jesus Christ.
2. Read Hebrews 1:1-3:
In these verses we see that God’s Word is a progressive revelation.
a) Distinct times.
b) Various manners.
c) Times past.
d) Unto the fathers by the prophets.
e) In these last days.
f) Spoken to us by / in / His Son (the express image of His person).
3. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17:
a) What portion of Scripture is inspired by God? _________________________
b) The word “inspired” in this verse means “God Breathed”; it’s as if God spoke it Himself (Gen. 2:7).
c) What is God’s Word profitable for?
1) __________________________________________________________
2) __________________________________________________________
3) __________________________________________________________
4) __________________________________________________________
4. Characteristics of the Word of God.
a) The Word of God is ________________________________(I Pet. 1:23,25).
b) The Word is___________________________ (Heb. 4:12) the word for “quick” here means – alive.
c) The Word is _______________________________________ (Luke 21:33).
d) The Word is ___________________________________Gospel (Rom. 1:16)
5. How do I know the Bible is reliable and without error?
a) 2 Peter 1:20-21 assures us that God’s Word is true and reliable. Note: There are over 300 prophecies in the Old Testament fulfilled during the life and ministry of Jesus. If we analyze the probability of one person fulfilling just eight, the probability would be 1 in 10 with 17 zeroes after it! We can understand why Peter declares that the written word of prophecy is more sure.
b) 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that all Scripture finds its origin in God.
c) Titus 1:2 tells us that God cannot lie.
d) What does this say about the reliability of God’s Word?
(Read Psalm 119:1-88)
6. An overview of the Bible:
a) The Bible contains 66 books: 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament.
b) The books are divided into chapters and verses for reference (these divisions were added for our benefit; they are not inspired by God.)
c) The Old Testament was written in the Hebrew language.
d) The New Testament was written in the Greek language. (Remember that our English Bible is a translation from these original languages.)
e) Why the need for a New Testament? What’s wrong with the Old one? Read Hebrews 8:9-10.
1) The foundation of the Old Covenant with Israel was man’s obedience to it (vs.9)
2) The foundation of the New Covenant is God’s action on behalf of man. (Note the “I wills” in verse 10). It was enacted by the shed blood of Jesus Christ (Luke 22:20)
7. Because the Bible is inspired, we need the Holy Spirit to help us understand it::
a. A man without the Spirit does not understand the things that come from God (1Cor. 2:14)
b. The Holy Spirit (Greek – Parakletos – One called along side to help) will teach us and help us to remember (John 14:26)
8. One method of studying God’s Word is given below. There are others. (Turn to Mark 4:35-41 and read the passage. Now, answer the following questions from these verses:
a) Who? Who are the people in this story?
b) What? What is happening? What are the events; in what order?
c) Where? Where is the event taking place? Where are people going to or coming from?
d) When? When did the events take place?
e) Why? Why is this story included? Why here in this context? Why does each person say what he does? etc.
f) How? How can I apply these truths in my life?
(Read Psalm 119:89-176)
