WHY WE READ THE BIBLE

This scripture is a portion of the second letter written by the apostle Paul to his much younger, we might call him an apprentice, Timothy. Timothy often traveled with Paul, but on this occasion was elsewhere, thus the letter. As was the usual case, this letter was meant also for others as well those addressed. In fact it is so timely even today, that it is where we turn for encouragement and instruction.

“Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:14-17.

TIMOTHY HAD A BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE OF SCRIPTURE

This reminds me of the flannel graphs which I often used to teach Bible lessons years ago. They were put together in layers, and the first layer was always of a background on which all the rest of the story was built. It might be a plain blue covered board, or it might be and interior, perhaps in the temple, or perhaps a field or sea shore, depending in what one wanted to present.

Timothy’s background was that as a young man who had been reared and taught by devout mother and grandmother before her. Lois and Eunice had taught him well.

THE TIME TO PREPARE THIS BACKGROUND TEACHING IS IN CHILDHOOD,

They began when he was a small boy by telling him the stories found in the books of history of the Old Testament. To this they added the teachings of the Law, God had given through Moses, and onto that they added the prophecies of the prophets. These built into the young man the background for the fulfillment of those prophecies. When Paul came along he was added the final layer, Jesus Christ, and the church. The picture was completed.

THE NEW TESTAMENT COMPLETES THE FULL PICTURE

Paul carried forward the completed message of salvation founded on the foundation of faith in the divinity of Jesus, that he is the Christ the Son of God, the Messiah and our Redeemer, if we will. The scriptures are the source of all Christian doctrine, they convict us of our hopelessness as sinners without Christ, they instruct us as to what can be done about this condition. They give us an example and a goal for our lives. Aside from Christ and the Holy Spirit, we could never come anywhere near attaining that goal, perfection. But because he loved us he gave his life for us taking our sins upon himself, then leaving us a guide to dwell within us, the Holy Spirit. The brilliance of the Holy Spirit‘s influence upon our lives has a blinding effect. Even as the Children of Israel looked in awe upon Moses whose face glowed after he had talked with God, his presence with us can not but make a difference with. He is still with us, he no longer sees us as something made of dust, but as His children coming home.

WE READ THE BIBLE TO LEARN THESE THINGS.

Without the Bible, there is no other source where we can learn what God wants us t know.