One of the foundational disciplines of a growing
Christian is a commitment to read and meditate on the Bible. Here are seven
reasons why Bible reading matters:
1. Bible reading
matters because God has spoken. The Bible repeatedly asserts, “Thus says
the Lord.” John 1:1 calls Jesus the Logos,
the Word. John 1:14 says “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Jesus
is God incarnate speaking.
2. Bible reading
matters because Scripture is inspired. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is
given by inspiration of God …” The word inspiration here is the Greek word theopneustos, essentially “God-breathed.”
God is not impersonal or unconcerned. He spoke and continues to speak. Are we
listening?
A. Scripture
gives us the foundation for our teaching (doctrine).
B.
Scripture gives us our template for the organization and practice of ministry
in local churches.
C.
Scripture provides our foundation for holy living.
D. Scripture governs our belief.
3. Bible reading
matters because the Bible is our authoritative source.
A. The Bible judges mere
human evaluation and opinion. Like Luther we must conclude that our “consciences
are held captive by the Word of God.”
B. The Bible tests our
traditions. If our traditions do not align with Scripture, it has priority!
4. Bible reading
matters because the Bible reveals the Gospel of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians
15:1ff).
5. Bible reading
matters because it is a key to protecting the church from false doctrine (2
Cor. 11:3-4, 2 Peter 2:1ff). “Cults are the unpaid bills of the church” JK
Van Baalen.
6. Bible reading
matters because it helps shape a Christian world-view. It answers the
question of how the purposes of God’s Kingdom intersect and inform contemporary
living.
7. Bible reading
matters because we need something to stand in authority over our feelings, intuition,
and impulses (Jeremiah 17:9-10).
Comments