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The Bible is the Word of God. At least 254 times in the Old Testament the phrase 'the word of the Lord' is
found. When the prophets spoke or wrote, they fully believed that they were speaking or writing the word of
God and not merely the words of men.
In Matthew 15, Jesus is in a discussion with Jewish religious leaders and teachers concerning a ceremonial
practice that was common among certain Jews of that day. In Matthew 15:4 Jesus quotes from what is commonly called the Ten
Commandments found in the Old Testament book of Exodus, chapter 20. Jesus prefaces His quote saying, 'For God
said.' Two verses later (verse 6), Jesus calls this passage 'the word of God.'
The phrase 'the word of God' is used repeatedly throughout the New Testament to describe the Old Testament
writings (Matthew 15:6, Mark 7:13, John 10:35). It is also used to describe the teaching of Jesus and the
apostles (Luke 5:1, 8:21, 11:28, Acts 4:31, 13:5).
Read II Peter 1:16-21. In this passage Peter, who was an eyewitness to
Jesus' life and ministry, speaks about seeing Jesus at the Mount of Transfiguration (Read Matthew 17:1-13 for
more details). Here Peter, James and John have the privilege of seeing the glory of Jesus even before His
resurrection. But according to II Peter 1:18-21, did Peter consider his eyewitness
experiences or the scriptures to be more reliable?
Reread II Peter 1:21. What makes the Bible written by men so reliable?
Who is the ultimate author of the Bible? See II Peter 1:21, II Timothy 3:16, John 17:17.
The Bible is the word of God. As such, it is not like any other book ever written. The Bible contains the
complete will of God. Also, everything we must believe in order to be forgiven sin and be in a place of God's
eternal blessing is contained in it (II Timothy 3:16-17, I Peter 1:10-12).
What does II Timothy 3:15 show to be one of our primary benefits received from
the Bible?
The Bible is not simply a record of historical events and religious truisms. God has so inspired the
Scriptures that it is highly profitable to us in our knowledge of Him, His will, our sin and ourselves. Read
II Timothy 3:16-17 and list 5 effects or benefits the Bible has for our
lives.
Because of God's special care for us and provision for our salvation, He commanded His prophets and
apostles to commit His revealed Word to writing. God Himself wrote with His own finger what is commonly
called the 'Ten Commandments' (Exodus 34:27, 31:18). Therefore, the writings of the Bible are called 'sacred writings' and
'Scriptures of God' (II Timothy 3:15-16).
While the Bible has much to tell us about what we should believe and do, it is ultimately a book about
Christ - Luke 24:25-27, 44-47, John 5:39, 46. God continues to reveal His eternal Son Jesus Christ through the
Bible. God is very concerned that we rightly understand who Jesus is and what He has done for us. Therefore,
God has made sure that the Bible is pure (Psalm 12:6, 18:30).
Verses to Memorize
II Timothy 3:15-17, II Peter 1:21.
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