Introduction to First Study

I. Why study the Bible? 

            A. God commanded it

                    1. 2 Tim 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 

                    2. John 5:39a Search the scriptures

                            a. God wants us to study our Bibles – evident from these verses 

            B. It’s the only thing God gave us in writing

                     1. 2 Tim 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness

                            a. What do we see from this passage?

                                    1. God inspired all scripture

                                    2. God says His scripture is profitable for doctrine

                                            i. doctrine means something that is taught (can be good doctrines and bad doctrines)

                                    3. God says His scripture is profitable for reproof

                                            i. reproof means blame expressed to the face

                                    4. God says His scripture is profitable for correction

                                            i. correction obviously refers to the things in our lives that need to be corrected

                                    5. God says His scripture is profitable for instruction in righteousness

                                            i. we need the Bible to teach us how to live for God – how to be righteous in His sight

            C. Without it we rely on fallible, sinful men to introduce us to God

                    1. Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

                            a. men are no good

                    2. 1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

                            a. the word of God lives forever, men and their traditions don’t 

                    3. Mark 7:7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

                            a. To worship God we need to see how He wants it done and not follow the commandments or doctrines or traditions of man 

II. We must accept the Bible as the final authority on all matters of faith and practice