1. Why Study the Bible? The Christian and Bible Study (1)

2. The Bible – the Word of God Bible from the Greek word, βίβλος (biblos) – means “book” – a written statement or record Matthew 1:1 Sacred usage – God’s written record (message) to us. 2 Tim. 3:16, Inspired “God breathed” 1 Peter 4:11, oracles of God

3. The Bible – the Word of God The Bible declares itself as the word of God 2 Peter 1:21 Matthew 10:19-21, the Spirit of the Father speaks in you 1 Corinthians 2:13 Ephesians 3:3-4, God made known the mystery 1 Corinthians 14:37, the commandments of the Lord

4. The Bible – the Word of God Is infallible (without error) - John 17:17, Psalm 19:7, Rom. 3:4 Is complete Jude 3, 2 Tim. 3:17, 2 Peter 1:3 Can be understood Mark 7:14, 2 Tim. 2:15 Ephesians 5:17, 3:3-4 Also 2 Pet. 3:15-16

5. The Bible – the Word of God Has authority – if it is God’s word, we must listen to its teachings One day it will judge us Rom. 2:16, John 12:48 Matthew 7:21-23 James 1:22 1 Corinthians 14:37, 1 Thessalonians 2:13

6. What is Bible study? It is listening to God More than simply reading. It is mining the scriptures to glean its true meaning Psalm 1:1-2, 119:97 Acts 17:11 Hebrews 5:12-14 Hermeneutics – the science of interpreting

7. Why study the Bible? It provides answers to the questions men ask – where did I come from? Why am I here? Where am I headed? Etc. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 Gospel – Romans 1:16-17

8. Why study the Bible? 2 Timothy 2:15, To be approved of God James 1:12 2 Timothy 2:15, to rightly divide the word ( cf. 2 Pet. 3:16-17 )

9. Why study the Bible? 2 Timothy 3:16,17, it is profitable 1 Tim. 4:8, Matt. 16:26 For doctrine – teaching Reproof – rebuke or conviction Correction – making things right Instruction in righteousness – Eph. 6:4, Heb. 12:5-11 2 Peter 1:3, Titus 2:12, etc.

10. Why study the Bible? To prepare to teach others 1 Peter 3:15, 2 Timothy 2:2, Hebrews 5:12 To grow to maturity 2 Peter 3:18, 1:5-7, Hebrews 5:14, 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 2 Timothy 2:15 – yourself approved

11. Why study the Bible? To give us hope Romans 15:4 Ephesians 1:17-18 Colossians 1:5, 23

12. How important is studying His word to you?