Simple Studies in Christian Essentials

 

                             Lesson 3

 

                    How to Use the Bible

 

   Introduction: Every real Church accepts the Bible

as the Word of God and endevors to be governed by it.

Baptist Churches have no "Discipline" or "Book of

Rules" given by some council or human authority, but

believe the Bible to be sufficient rule of conduct

for both the individual Christian and the local

Church.

 

I. Treat the Bible as the Word of God.

 

    A. Accept it as such - there are three witnesses:

 

        1. Itself, - it claims to be, for over 2,000

           times the phrase or its equivalent occurs,

           "Thus saith the Lord."

 

        2. Its writers, - Exod 17:14 with Acts 7:38-39;

           Lk 1:70; 2 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Pet 1:21; 1 Cor 2:12-13

 

        3. The Lord Jesus, - Mk 12:36.

 

   B. Believe it as the Word of God, - Lk 24:45.

 

   C. Handle it as the Word of God, - 2 Cor 2:17;

      2 Cor 4:2.

 

II. Study the Bible as the Text-book of Christian

    Doctrine, - 2 Tim 2:15.

 

    A. We need to be sure our doctrine is right.

       - 1 Tim 4:13,16.

 

    B. Be sure to rightly "divide the Word of truth,"

       - 2 Tim 2:15.

 

    C. Beware of any private interpretations, - Eph 4:14;

       1 Tim 1:3-4; 2 Pet 1:20.

 

III. Read the Bible as the Guide-Book of the Christian,

     - Ps 119:11; 1 Jn 1:7.

 

      A. Have a regular time for Bible reading.

 

IV. Know the Bible as the instrument for Christian Service.

 

     A. It is the seed of the sower, - 1 Pet 1:23-25.

 

     B. It is the sword of the shouldier, - Eph 6:17.

 

     C. It is the sermon of the speaker, - Rom 10:8.

 

   Conclusion: The best way to learn to use the Bible

is to use it. Take this rule for your attitude toward

the Bible: Believe it fully; study it reverently; trust

it implicity; read it regularly, and use it confidently.

 

 

                              Questions

 

1. To what Book do Fundamental Churches look for

   their authority?

 

2. What three witnesses claim the Bible is the

   Word of God?

 

3. How should we handle the Bible?

 

4. Quote 2 Tim 2:15. Why is this verse important?

 

5. What is meant by "private interpretation"?

 

6. Why should we read the Bible?

 

7. What is said of the Bible in reguard to Christian

   service?

 

8. What is the best way to learn the Bible?

 

9. Give a good rule for our attitude toward the

   Bible.