Cram Your Copy Series

The study of God’s word is essential for the Christian. It is a must. It is a non-negotiable. John 5 tells us that it is the Scriptures that testify about who Jesus is. We as Christians, if we want to know Jesus personally and intimately, we must study God’s Word. It is the Bible that explains to us that Jesus is God’s Son and that He died on the cross for us. It is the Bible that has recorded His life and miracles that show Him to be the Savior of Humanity. You cannot get that anywhere but in the Holy Word of God! We have got to cram our brains with all the information contained on these holy pages. They are our life! Acts 17 records for us that the noble believers in Berea found Christ through the Scriptures and that their faith was strengthened because of their commitment to the Scriptures. They heard this man Paul preaching and got out their Bibles to see if what he was preaching about Jesus was true. How many of you bring your Bibles to church to check on what you hear? How many of you jot a few notes down and reread the passages we look at here in worship? The Bereans studied and knew what their faith was based on. Romans 15 tells us plainly that the Bible was written to teach us, encourage us, unify us, and to help us persevere in our faith. We cannot do any of these things apart from God’s Word.

2 Timothy 3:14-16 is probably the best-known Scripture about Scripture. Paul is speaking to his young apprentice Timothy and is encouraging him as mush as he can. Paul sees the end of his life coming quickly and he wants to encourage and empower this young minister. Paul commands (it was no suggestion) that Timothy continue to study God’s Word to make him “wise for salvation.” Timothy came from a home where his mother and grandmother taught him all about Abraham and Moses and David and the people of God. When these women heard the Gospel preached by Paul, they knew Jesus was the Messiah and taught Timothy the same. Yet, without the Word of God, none of this would have been possible. So Paul encourages Timothy to keep his nose in the book and to keep studying.

Paul then, in this one sentence summary about the Bible, describes its eternal value to us and for those around us. Why study the Bible? Here’s why:

1) It comes directly from God. If you ever want to know God’s opinion on something, pick up your Bible and read it. The Bible is God’s Word to us. The Bible contains with in it His commands, opinions, history, and thoughts on life. It is the only source you need in this life.

2) Teaches. The Bible teaches us so much about who God is and what He expects from us as His children. “God is everywhere. However, He does not want you to reach out for Him everywhere but only in the Word. Reach out for it and you will grasp Him aright. Otherwise you are tempting God and setting up idolatry. That is why He has established a certain method for us. This teaches us how and where we are to look for Him and find Him, namely, in the Word.” -- Martin Luther.

3) Rebuking and Correcting. We have got to realize that all of our questions about our problems are addressed in this one book. The Bible has the answer for parents, for teachers, for politicians, for leaders, for kids, and for you. “Within the covers of one single book, the Bible, are all the answers to all the problems that face us today--if only we would read and believe.” --Ronald Reagan