Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:97-112.
Memory Verse: For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Romans 15:4
Article 1. THE BIBLE
We believe the Bible (both Old and New Testament) to be the inspired Word of God, containing the complete revelation of God’s truth, given to man through the inspiration of God and His benevolence; that its historic statements are correct, and it is the standard for faith and practice. (John 17:17; Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:15-16; 2 Peter 1:19-21; 3:16)
Introduction:
In this first lesson we will consider the “Word of God.” A study of the Bible will show that the Lord wanted His laws and precepts recorded for succeeding generations. Rules handed down by word of mouth lose their accuracy, whereas the written word never changes.
Apostle Paul states that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16). Peter confirms this when he explains that “holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21). Thus, the Bible is without contradiction and contains the whole counsel of God.
The Bible becomes the measuring rod for all beliefs and actions. Isaiah 8:20 states, “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” The Bereans were commended for when Apostle Paul preached the Gospel to them they compared what he preached with the Word of God. (Acts 17:11)
Today there are those who no longer believe the Bible to be inspired. They want to delete a portion here and another there, only to wake up to the fact that they have nothing solid to hang on to, because if part of the Bible is not inspired then how can we know for sure if any of the Bible is true.
Then there are those who ignore the Bible because they feel that they have had a special revelation that supersedes the Word of God. The Apostle Paul said that if he or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel let them be accursed. The Bible remains true, and regardless of our intellectual reasons or our spiritual experience, if our beliefs do not conform to the Bible it is because they are false.
Lesson Questions:
- Did God see a need for His laws to be written down? Exodus 24:3-4; Deuteronomy 5:22.
- Was this need to record God’s Word limited to the law? Isaiah 30:8-11; Jeremiah 30:2.
- How would these words be helpful in later years? Jeremiah 30:3; Daniel 9:2.
- Why is the Bible still beneficial for us today? Romans 15:4.
- Do you think these men expected their writings to be preserved this long? Job 19:23-24; Luke 1:1-4; 1 Corinthians 1:1-2.
- Who directed them as they recorded these words? 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:19-21.
- Did they always understand what they were writing? Daniel 12:8. Who were these verses written for? Daniel 12:4, 9-10.
- Is God particular regarding the accuracy of His Word? Revelation 22:18-19. Why?
- What is God’s Word declared to be? John 17:17.
- How long will God’s Word last? Matthew 5:17-18.