The Word of God

II Timothy 3:16-17

"All scripture is given by God and all scripture is useful for teaching and for showing people the things that are wrong in their lives. It is useful for correcting faults and teaching how to live right. Using the scriptures, the person who serves God will be ready and will have everything that he needs to do every good work."

It’s important to note that all scripture is inspired by God and also, all scripture is useful. I guess this means the "easy part" and even the "hard part." I often tell people that God inspired the parts I like and the parts I don’t like!

Hebrews 4:12 13

"God’s word (Message) is alive and working. His word is sharper than the sharpest sword. God’s word cuts all the way into us like a sword. It cuts deep to the place where the soul and the spirit are joined. God’s word cuts to the center of our joints and our bones. It judges the thoughts and feelings in our heart. Nothing in all the world can be hidden from God. He can clearly see all things. Everything is open before him. And to him we must explain the way we have lived."

I often use the analogy that a surgeon will cut into my physical body to do surgery. It can definitely be painful; but it is for my own good! In the same way God’s word can cut (painfully, but for your own good). This verse also says that God’s word is "living and active." Doesn’t this contrast with the way most people perceive of the Bible?

II Peter 1:20-21

"Most important, you must understand this: No prophecy in the scriptures ever comes from a person’s own interpretation. No! No prophecy ever came from what a man wanted to say. But people were led by the Holy Spirit and spoke things from God."

This gives me great confidence that what is written is from God, not from man. Men held the pens as they wrote; but God inspired the writing through the Holy Spirit.

John 8:31-32

"So Jesus said to the Jews that believed in him, If you continue to obey my teaching, then you are truly my followers. Then you will know the truth and the truth will make you free."

Who is the audience that Jesus is addressing? Doesn’t it say that they are already "believers?" However, Jesus wanted the believers to "obey my teachings (word)." This would allow them to truly be his followers.

I Timothy 4:16

"Be careful in your life and in your teaching. Continue to live and teach rightly. Then you will save yourself and those people who listen to your teaching."

Which is more important? Your manner of life? Your teaching? Apparently both! Both are necessary to save yourself and those who listen to you.

Acts 17:10-11

"That same night the believers sent Paul and Silas to another city Berea. In Berea Paul and Silas went to the Jewish synagogue. These Jews were better people than the Jews in Thessalonica. These Jews were very happy to listen to the things that Paul and Silas said. These Jews in Berea studied the scriptures every day. They wanted to know if these things were true."

The Jews in Berea were eager to hear Paul and Silas’ teaching. However, they were also diligent in studying the scriptures to be sure that what they were taught was true! Be eager to study God’s word. Examine teachings to be sure that they are true.