Pre-Encounter Lesson No. 1:
The Power of the Scriptures
"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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
We should love the Word of God and follow its instructions in the same way as the captain of a ship would adhere to his compass. The Bible is a great treasure as it contains the answer to all our needs. Read what Moses instructed his people in Deuteronomy 28:1,2:
"Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God."
What is the Bible?
The word Bible comes from the Greek terms 'biblios' and 'biblion' (in the diminutive form) both of which mean 'book'. It is the word of God revealed by the Holy Spirit to men to be written. When Matthew quoted from the Old Testament, he often mentioned that the Lord has spoken through the prophets (Matt 1:22; 2:5). In the same way, the Apostle Peter also mentioned that the prophecies given in Scripture had their origin in God (2 Pet 1:20-21). But it must be noted that even though the Bible is revealed by God to men to be written, God did not override the personalities of the authors. All of them wrote in the manner dictated by their own individual personality.
Importance of the Bible
Apart from having power to transform lives, the Bible also stands out because:
A. It is God's Word and the revelation of Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:20)
B. It contains the divine laws. (Jeremiah 31:33-34)
C. Its content, in 66 books, summarizes the work of about 40 writers from different periods.
Things That Make the Bible Unique:
A. The Bible is the revelation of God to mankind. (2 Peter 1:20-21; 2:19-20)
B. It refers to the salvation of mankind. (John 6:32-33; 20:31)
C. It refers to the truth. (1 John 2:21; John 17:17)
D. Jesus is the central character. (John 14:8-9)
How to Draw Near to the Word of God
A. Listen carefully to the voice of God on a daily basis. (Deuteronomy 28:1-2)
B. Listen/Read it with a right attitude. (Acts 17:11)
C. Meditate on it (undertake detailed study). (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2)
D. Apply it. (Matthew 7:24-27)
E. Communicate it and confess it. (Romans 10:10)
How to Study the Word of God
A. Choose an appropriate place.
B. Make studying a habit.
C. Keep a devotional notebook in which you write in it everyday:
- Message from God for me today
- The promise of God for my life
- The command to obey
- Personal application
- Scripture verse to memorize
Benefits of drawing near to the Word of God - 1 Timothy 3:16
A. It teaches (doctrine).
B. It convicts (make us aware of our pitfalls).
C. It corrects (leads us to the right path).
D. It instructs (shapes our character).
How do I obtain that power in my life?
Set apart 15-30 minutes (or more) a day to the following:
A. 5-10 minutes to speak to God
B. 5-10 minutes to read the Bible, starting with the Gospel of John and finishing with Revelation
C. 5-10 minutes to meditate on what you have read
If we discover the secret of living in communion with God, we will find 'heaven's treasures'.
Application
Determine to maintain real relationship with God through regular Bible study.
Determine to read through a set number of chapters every day and memorize the texts God uses to speak to you directly. Start with the Gospel of John.
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