The Bible: its place and authority

Please read this first.

“For best results follow the maker’s instructions.” Packet products have this advice printed on them. God’s product,YOU has available instructions for best results…. For instructions, read the bible. (Bible: biblos = the books (Greek)) These are God’s letters to all His born again children.

Who can understand the Bible?

1 Cor.2:12-15 says we can.

(1 Cor 2:12-15 NRSV) Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. [13] And we speak of these things in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual things to those who are spiritual. [14] Those who are unspiritual do not receive the gifts of God’s Spirit, for they are foolishness to them, and they are unable to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. [15] Those who are spiritual discern all things, and they are themselves subject to no one else’s scrutiny.

The Scriptures are the word of God

Scripture means ‘that which is written’. In the original writings the words written are the actual words of God, They are called oracles or literally, “the speaking place of God.” NOTE: The words ARE God’s words, they do not contain God’s words. We don’t get to pick and choose. We are not able to add or subtract. We are to accept and believe, that the bible as it was originally written is complete and sufficient. As it is !

(Rom 3:2 NIV) Much in every way! First of all, they (the Jews) have been entrusted with the very words of God.

There are sixty-six books and they were written over a period of thousands of years. When we say Bible we speak of a library of books.

The symbols of the inspired books

God uses symbols to help us to understand many of the truths written in His word. Those that follow are symbols representing the bible. Look up each reference and write in your own words what you think the symbol teaches. e.g. The Word is like a nail (Eccles. 12:11.) because we can safely hang our lives on it.

The Word is like:

1. Fire (Jer. 23:29).
2. A hamer (Jer. 23:29).
3. A lamp (Ps. 119:105).
4. A Mirror (James 1:23).
5. Milk (1 Pet. 2:2).
6. A Rod (Rev. 11:1-2).
7. A Seed (1 Pet. 1:23).
8. Water (Eph. 5:26).
9. A Sword (Heb. 4:12).

To grow spiritually we need to:

i. Read from the bible library DAILY.
ii. Try to remember important verses.
iii. Study to understand the teachings.

2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. This is a good Scripture to commit to memory.

Note down things to ask your Mentor. There have been many translations of the original writings. Be aware that in these translations there are errors and mistaken understandings.