Recently, we began a class study entitled How to Study the Bible. During the first few weeks of this study, we've endeavored to lay a foundation that emphasizes the need to have a deep respect for God's word and a proper attitude toward Scripture. Let's look at a few good reasons why we need to learn to study the Bible and to respect and honor it as God's holy word.
It is Divine. "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual." {1 Corinthians 2:12,13} Despite numerous false claims, the Bible is the only book that came from God's mind. When one debates with the Scriptures, the right or wrong of its teachings, he debates with God. Every word of Scripture is inspired {2 Timothy 3:16,17}. When we read the Bible, we need to remember that we are reading the only book given to us by our Creator. It deserves nothing less than respect and awe.
It is perfect. "My tongue shall speak of Your word, for all Your commandments are righteousness." {Psalm 119:172} James referred to God's word as "the perfect law of liberty," {James 1:25}. God's ways and thoughts are higher and more noble than man's {Isaiah 55:8-11}. God knows everything; He is an expert on every subject. He created the world in six days; He created man from the dust of the ground; and He knows what is in man and what he needs most. The Scriptures tell us that He is the "Alpha and Omega-the beginning and end." {Revelation 1:8} What man would dare to counsel God or suggest that he has greater knowledge than God? Such thinking is foolishness. We need to be quiet and listen.
It is written in a dead universal language. The New Testament is written in Koine Greek. This is important because Koine Greek was the universal language at the time the NT was written, but now it is a dead language. That means that the words and their meanings are locked in time-they will never change, no matter how long the world endures. English is an ever-evolving language that is continually changing. God's word will never change.
It contains eyewitness testimony. Many forget that much of the Bible writing was done by men who lived, heard, and saw the things they recorded. Eyewitness testimony is the strongest evidence in any trial. Can we disregard this testimony as man's thinking? Please read 1 John 1:1-3. What evidence could be stronger than inspired and eyewitness testimony? We need to have deep abiding respect for this book-no other is like it.