I am a man! Sadly, that means I fit a lot of stereotypes, especially the one about not reading directions. What can be a simple task of piecing together one of my daughter’s toys can become a real chore because I don’t take the time to read the instructions. But once I get to working on something I just assume I know what needs to come next, then I get myself into a real bind when I put the wrong pieces together and can’t get them apart! Those are the moments when I most hate fitting a stereotype. The manual is important and this same principle applies to the Bible. Of course the Bible is far more than a manual, it is the story of our redemption and the coming of God’s Kingdom. But just how necessary is the Bible? That’s the topic I want to cover in the next few weeks.
Throughout Scripture we see the constant reminder that the words of this book are of utmost importance. We see frequent commands to “meditate” on the law of God (Joshua 1:8), we see that the King of Israel was commanded to know the Law of God inside and out (Deuteronomy 17:19). Jesus rebukes the religious leaders of his day because they did not know the Word of God (Mark 12:24). Jesus says that we cannot live without the Word of God (Matthew 4:4) . Peter writes that we are born again through the Word of God (1 Peter 1:23). And Paul tells Timothy whether it’s popular or not he is to preach the Word (2 Timothy 4:2).
Much more could be said about this Word of God, in fact we will look in detail at some of the key reasons why the Bible is so necessary. But suffice it to say at the moment that the Scriptures themselves testify to their necessity. There is power in the Word of God and those who don’t know it and don’t keep it find themselves rebuked by Jesus himself. That is an important starting place in this discussion about the necessity of the Word of God!
Sparrow & Heart Soul Care 