LESSON 1: THE WORD OF GOD
"What is the Importance of the Bible in My Life?"
What separates Christianity from any "religion" in the world is its claim to an absolute
written authority from God. Having the Word of God is essential to a Christian's growth in the
grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. The standards by which a Christian is to govern his life in
every detail are found in the pages of the Word of God.
The purpose of this lesson is to acquaint the new Christian with the basics of the
Bible and how it relates to his walk with Jesus Christ.
I. The Word of God is active in Salvation
A. I Peter 1:23, says a man is born again "by the word of God." The Word
of God is the agent which brings about the new birth.
B. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith..."
Romans 10:17 says, "So then faith cometh by hearing the Word of God".
C. James 1:21 says, "The Word of God is able to save your souls."
D. Paul's summary of the gospel contains four parts, in I Corinthians 15:1-4:
1. Jesus Christ died for our sins.
2. Was buried
3. Rose from the dead
4. ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES
E. You must believe what the Bible says about sin, your spiritual condition, and God's
plan of salvation in order to be saved.
1. Man is a sinner — Rom. 3:23,5:12
2. Man is unrighteous in the sight of God—Rom. 3:10
3. The punishment of his sin is death and separation from God—
Rom. 6:23, Heb. 9:27, II Thess. 1:8
4. Man has to repent and trust Jesus Christ as His Lord and Savior in
order to saved- Acts 20:21, Rom. 10: 9-13.
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II. Since you are saved by the Word of God, it must be your absolute, infallible
guide to tell you how to live. To illustrate:
A. Every equipment or apparatus has an "owner's manual" which tells how it is to be
operated. It won't work if you don't go by the book.
B. The Bible is God's "owner's manual" for your life. God would not save you and
call you to service without clear, exact directions; but you must "go by the book."
III. What is the purpose of the Word of God for a Christian?
A. The Word of God equips you for service. "That the man of God may be perfect
thoroughly furnished unto all good works."
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II Timothy 3:16-17, Ephesians 6:10-18.
B. The Word of God sustains you. This is illustrated in the Bible as "spiritual food." It
is a complete and balanced diet.
Job 23:12, Jeremiah 15:16
1. Milk I Peter 2:2
2. Honey Psalm 119:103; Proverbs 16:24
3. Bread Matt.4:4,Luke4:4
4. Water Isaiah 55:10-11, Ephesians 5:26
5. Meat Hebrews 5:12-14,1 Corinthians 3:1-2
C. The Word of God keeps you clean to please God.
Psalm 119:9-11, John 15:3
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IV. Is the Bible completely reliable?
A. It is more sure than the audible voice of God. This is a very critical point. It
must be understood that all "experiences" are to be judged by an infallible
standard which is greater than any experience. Peter said the Word of God was
“more sure” than the physical appearance and audible voice of God.
See 2 Pet. 1:16-21 compared with Matthew 17:1-9
B. The Universe was created by the spoken word of God
Hebrews 11:3, Psalm 33:6, Genesis 1:3
V. How do I learn the Bible?
A. Spirit of God will lead and guide you into all truth. God may use
other instruments to aid in teaching (books, tapes, preachers, etc.), but ultimately
truth is revealed by the Holy Spirit.
John 14:26; John 16:13-15
B. The Bible is learned by comparing scripture with scripture, relying on
God's Spirit to teach you and not your own natural intellect. “ The natural
man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God. "
1 Corinthians 2.9-16
VI. A brief history of the Bible.
A. A total of 66 books
B. Written by more than 40 authors.
C. Written over a time span of about 2,000 years.
D. Totally accurate in matters of history and prophecy.
E. Not one contradiction
F. Fits together perfectly as if written by one man.
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G. The middle of the Bible is Psalm 118:8 “It is better to trust in God than to put
confidence in man”. The middle two words in that verse are “ The Lord”. The Lord is
the center of the Bible .
"The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of
salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. It's doctrines are
holy, it's precepts are binding, it's histories arc true and it's decisions are
immutable.
Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains
tight to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. it is the
traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the
Christian's character.
Here paradise is restored, heaven opened and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is
its grand subject, our good it's design and the glory of God it's end. It should fill
the memory, rote the heart, and guide the feet.
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Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory,
and a river of pleasure It is given to you in life, will be opened at the judgment
and remembered for ever, it involves the highest responsibility, rewards the
greatest labor, and condemns all who will trifle with its holy contents.
VIII. Basic questions
A. Where should I start reading?
As a young Christian, focus on the primary places which deal with your new
relationship with your Heavenly Father. The Gospel of John, the Epistle of
I John, and Psalm 119 are excellent places to begin.
1. The Gospel of John is written that you might believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
John 20:31
2. The Epistle of I John is written that you might have complete assurance of
Salvation.
I John 5:13
3. Psalm 119 is the greatest chapter in the Bible on a man's love for the Word of
God.
B. What If I find something I don’t understand?
1. Don't get upset about it. God will reveal it to you in time when you are ready.
John 16:12
2. Be sure you live what you do understand. God will not give you more than
you are capable of handling. As you put into practice the things you are learning,
God will entrust you with more.
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