The Bible – the Inspired Word of God
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect (complete), thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
The word “inspired” in Greek is theopneustos, which means “God-breathed.” The men who wrote the books that make up the Bible did not write about their own doctrines and opinions, but, as Paul, the apostle wrote, “… holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Peter 1:21)
The Bible is to be read, meditated on, studied and obeyed.
Read it.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: …” (Jeremiah 15:16)
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalm 119:11)
Sadly, “less than 20% of churchgoers read the Bible daily.”
(from christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2012/september/new-research-less-than-20-of-churchgoers-read-bible-daily.html)
May I suggest that you consider a daily reading plan. There are many available online. Here is one for your consideration – go to blueletterbible.org/dailyreading/. You can download one of several plans available. Personally, I prefer the “Old Testament and New Testament Together Plan.” This way I get to read some of the Old Testament and some of the New Testament most days. It is available as a 1 year or 2 year plan. Whichever one of the plans you choose, a PDF document is available for each plan to download and print.
We must first read the Bible, before we can
Meditate upon it.
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” (Joshua 1:8)
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” (Psalm 1:1-2)
Study it.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” (Acts 17:11)
Obey it.
“As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:” (1Peter 1:14)
“But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.” (Jeremiah 7:23)
“By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:” (Romans 1:5)
“Wherefore put aside all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.” (James 1:21)
The Lord Jesus Christ said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)