The Importance of the Bible

The Importance of the Bible

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly
furnished unto all good works.

Concerning the presence of scripture in these verses we can conclude that ALL scripture, old and new Testaments have been given by the inspiration of God to men through the Holy Spirit. Men wrote according to that which was revealed to them by God. These writings have been compiled into what we now have as the Holy Bible. A total of 66 books, 39 OT and 27 NT is the revealed word of God to His creation.

Lets look at this verse closely:

All scripture is profitable for doctrine. Which is to say that it is beneficial for instructional teaching. Doctrine is a body of principles in a system of belief. These principles are founded upon scripture and sets the foundation for our beliefs as Southern Baptists. These are recorded as the Baptist Faith and Message. This foundation is based on the fact that the scriptures are true and correct.

All scripture is profitable for reproof and correction, which is not always criticism for a fault or a
rebuke; it can be instruction as a form of correction. This is not meant to be a verse dedicated to a harsh judgment of people and a sharp criticism, but is meant to be provided in a kind way in the spirit of meekness to an erring brother or sister either knowingly or unknowingly. The need of
correction doesn't always fall to people that are erring through a disregard of scripture, but also
those that have an ignorance of scripture. Many people that follow other beliefs can fall within this area also. Many times it is from a lack of understanding who Jesus was. For them it is the Gospel they need to hear, not a lecture on doctrine or condemnation.

And also for instruction in righteousness. In this verse instruction means the training and
education, for the development of mind and morals through doctrine and tenets and also through
reproof and correction. This verse sums up pretty well what scripture is used for; knowing what to believe, knowing how to act in that belief, and why you are to believe it and apply it to your everyday life. In verse 17 we are given the reason why. It is so that the man of God can be complete or fitted, and according to the Strong’s it references to special aptitude for given uses, which would be unto good works. These good works only come through the working of the Holy Spirit through us and this comes through maturity and maturity comes through not only the knowledge of the word of God, but by allowing the Spirit to work in us.

2 Timothy 1:13-14 13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.

Hebrews 1:1-2 1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the
fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath
appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

The Bible that we have is not only a book of history or a book of wisdom, it is a spiritual book that contains the very words of the living God. It is a precious gift that is second only to the Triune God Himself. It contains in its pages the revelation of God to us, first through the prophets and then through His Son. Through the bible we have the very words from the mouth of God to His creation. The lives of people throughout the OT are laid open before us and we see their
relationship with God and how God dealt with them as individuals and as a people. We see God's character and nature in these dealings as He has revealed His plans for them and for us. Through the NT we have God's revelation of His Son and His plans for us given through Jesus and then the NT writers.

The focus of the bible from Genesis to revelation is not about man, is not about Israel or about
believers. Although they are in the pages and recorded for us to see. It is about God, It is God
revealing Himself to people through the ages. It is about who He is, what He wants and what He
expects. God has revealed Himself as a triune God, reveals to us God the Father, God the Son
and God the Holy Spirit. These three with separate personages are explained in the pages of our
bibles. Each revealed to man in their fullness and how They have worked throughout time in the
lives of man. In the NT God has revealed His Son to us and His plan of Salvation, it is focused
upon Him alone and through Him is God's will for mankind. Look at Paul’s testimony, it’s no
focused on Him but how God has used him.

2 Peter 1:20-21 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private
interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God
spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

The study of the scriptures is one of most important things you can do as a Christian. The benefits it provides are tremendous. By studying the word you develop knowledge. you develop maturity as a Christian and you develop a closer relationship with God. You also have a responsibility as a Christian to make sure that what you accept, lines up with scripture. This can never be stressed enough over the course of your studies. You are ultimately responsible for what you accept as truth. Since the bible is accessible to everyone there is no reason not to have one available to study from. There is no reason not to have one in order to follow along during a sermon or bible study. There is nothing wrong with checking the scriptures in context with a preacher or a teacher, you should feel encouraged to research for yourself the text used. Not just to know what was said lines up with scripture but also to gain a deeper understanding of the study or the sermon. It is your responsibility and you will be held accountable for what you believe. The Bereans did just that with Paul. Paul was preaching Jesus and they checked the only scriptures they had, the OT (Acts 17:11). As pastors, preachers and teachers there is a great responsibility to expound upon the scriptures without error. They are held at a higher account for what they preach and teach (James 3:1). Even so it is up to you to know the scriptures for your own sake.

2 Peter 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

1 Thessalonians 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

The doctrines of human infallibility, implicit faith, and blind obedience, are not the doctrines of the Bible. Every Christian has and ought to have, the judgment of discretion, and should have his senses exercised in discerning between good and evil, truth and falsehood, Hebrews 5:13-14
And proving all things must be in order to holding fast that which is good. We must not always be
seekers, or fluctuating in our minds, like children tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine.

2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 1 Corinthians 10:15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say .

1 Corinthians 6:3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to
this life?

Ephesians 5:8 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh
the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8
For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10 Proving what is
acceptable unto the Lord.

What is acceptable to the Lord? What does God have to approve? His word. We have His word
written in the form of the bible, our most sacred and holy treasure. In order to find ourselves
acceptable we must conform to the word. Not just in our minds but in our hearts. We should try to bring our character, nature and being into submission to what is written in the word, But as with Paul I believe it will be impossible to attain. We must protect ourselves and cling to sound
doctrine. Sound doctrine that comes from the scriptures. Sound teaching that comes from the
word and not ideas of men.