The Bible is actually a collection of books written by people who were inspired by God to write.
2 Tim 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, (NIV)
While there were many books that claimed to be written through inspiration by God, the church was careful to choose only those which were found to be reliable in its teachings.
Why study God’s word?
1) Keep us from sinning
Ps 119:911 9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (NIV)
How can a person know what sin is unless he studies the Bible.
2)Healing in times of distress
Ps 107:1920 19 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. 20 He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. (NIV)
God’s word can bring comfort to our hearts when we are depressed.
3)Illuminate us of God’s will
Ps 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. (NIV)
4)Increase our faith
-when we study into the bible’s prophetic, scientific and historical accuracy.
5)To know more about God
Attitudes in studying God’s word
1)Seek to apply
Jas 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (NIV)
2)Verify the scriptures for ourselves
Acts 17:11 Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. (NIV)
How to study the Bible
After we have read a passage, you can ask the following questions that form the word “SPACE”. Is there any…
Sin to avoid
Promise to claim
Attitude to adopt
Command to obey
Example to follow
Example 1
John 13:315 (NIV) Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” 9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” 10 Jesus answered, “A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. 12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
What is the passage telling us?
The passage tells us that Jesus washed His disciples’ feet before dinner.
What does the passage teach us about God?
It tells us that God is a humble God and He is not reluctant to serve us.
Is there an attribute of God I can thank Him for?
I will thank God that despite being God, He is willing to humble Himself to serve us.
Is there an example for me to follow? Is there a command for me to obey?
Just as Jesus is willing to humble Himself to serve others, I should do likewise.
How can I fulfil this through practical ways?
I will be humble to this particular friend by offering to buy lunch for him when he is too busy to go for lunch.
Is there a promise to claim?
Jesus promised in verse 7 that while we do not understand why we are going through certain things, we will understand at a later time.