KEY VERSE: II Tim. 3:16-17

INTRODUCTION: In our last lesson we saw that it was through the Bible we received the life of God; i. e. were saved. The present lesson is to show that this divine life is nurtured and maintained by that same Word.

 

1. THE BIBLE ESTABLISHES US: IT IS THE BASIS OF OUR ASSURANCE.

I John 5:13 "These . . . written . . that ye may KNOW."

The blood of Christ made us safe; the Word of God makes us sure. Assurance of salvation does not depend on our feelings but on the Word of God.

We rest in the promises of God; such as John 5:24, John. 6:37, John 10:28.

 

2. THE BIBLE DEVELOPS US: IT IS THE SOURCE OF OUR STRENGTH.

Acts 20:32 'Word . . . able to build you up."

Matt. 4:4 "not live by bread alone ... but by every WORD of GOD.

Psa. 1:1-3 "delight in law ... like a tree . . . bring forth fruit."

I Pet. 2:2 "desire . . . Word . . . that ye may grow thereby."

 

3. THE BIBLE TEACHES US: IT IS THE FOUNT OF ALL KNOWLEDGE.

II Tim. 3:16 "Scriptures ... profitable for doctrine."

Prov. 2:6 "out of His mouth cometh knowledge

Psa. 19:7 "testimony of the Lord ... making wise the simple."

Amos 3:7 "He revealeth His secret unto ... the prophets."

CF. Matt. 22:29 "Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures."

 

4. THE BIBLE REPROVES US: IT IS THE STANDARD OF CONDUCT.

II Tim. 3:16 "Scriptures ... profitable for reproof . . . correction."

Heb. 4:12 "Word of God ... discerner of the thoughts, etc."

John 5:22 "Spoken ... now they have no cloke for their sin."

Psa. 19:11 "By them (God's words) is thy servant warned."

 

5. THE BIBLE COMFORTS US: IT IS THE WORD OF CONSOLATION.

Rom. 15:4 "written ... that , . . comfort of the Scripture . . . hope."

Psa. 119:52 and 81 (Comfort and hope from the Word of God).

In trouble: John. 16:1-4 (He gave Word to sustain us).

In death: I Thess. 4:18 "Comfort ... with these words."

 

6. THE BIBLE CLEANSES US: IT IS THE MEANS OF SANCTIFICATION.

John 15:3. John 17:1", Eph. 5:26 The Word cleanses.

Psalm 119:9 and Psalm 119:105.

Christ overcame temptation by the Word. Matt. 4:4,, 7, 10.

 

7. THE BIBLE FURNISHES US: IT IS OUR EQUIPMENT FOR SERVICE.

II Tim 2:15 "Study ... workman. rightly dividing the Word

Eph. 6:17 It is the one weapon we are to use. II Cor. 10:4, 10.

II Tim. 4:2 PREACH THE WORD."