Bible - Truth for Life
The Bible claims to be written by the hand of God upon people so that what they wrote is both truth and life giving.
What does the Bible say about the Bible being truth for life? -
- Purpose for Bible - 2 Timothy 3:16-17
- No Lies - Numbers 23:19
- Impact of Living Truth - Psalms 119:97-104
- God works through Bible - James 1:22-25
Purpose for Bible
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What does it mean that Scripture is inspired by God?
- What does God’s word the Bible say Scripture is intended to do?
Thoughts to consider
God who is bigger than anyone is able to guard his word from the first inspiration into a person’s heart, down to how it is transmitted down the centuries. He has spoken so that his inspiration can touch our hearts.
No Lies
Numbers 23:19
God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?
Questions for reflection or discussion
- How are God and man contrasted here?
- Why doesn’t God need to lie?
Thoughts to consider
A lie is either a means of self protection, or a means of manipulation. God needs neither of these approaches in his relationship with people. God who is love chooses not to use them.
Impact of living truth
Psalms 119:97-104
Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide. Yes, I have more insight than my teachers, for I am always thinking of your laws. I am even wiser than my elders, for I have kept your commandments.
I have refused to walk on any evil path, so that I may remain obedient to your word. I haven’t turned away from your regulations, for you have taught me well.
How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey. Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What effect does God’s word have on people?
- What advantage does a person have in life when they live by God’s word?
Thoughts to consider
God’s word impacts anyone who seeks to be guided by it, to think about it, to keep it. It is not just that they are following an instruction manual, following God’s word requires faith. God uses that faith to develop us as people of love.
God works through Bible
Luke 6:46-49
“So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house right on the ground, without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.”
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What is God looking for in a person as they listen to or read God’s word?
- What will God do for the person who does what the Bible says?
Thoughts to consider
The real proof of a person is what happens to them when the trials of life hit. The words that are easily spoken when all are well are then put to the test.
Overview question for reflection or discussion
- What does God’s truth do to a person’s life when they live by it?
- What do you need to do to become such a person?
Thoughts to consider
God’s word is alive and active. It works in people to change them and God uses it to change life situations. Those who live by it are blessed.
