An article about the importance of the Bible is often regarded of as one of two things: 1) passé, or 2) cliché. Without descending into cliché, it is important to remind ourselves of the absolute essential nature of the Bible. Bible study is not merely an optional activity for superspiritual people with extra time on their hands. It is the obligation and delight of every believer. The Word of God is the compass for every believer’s life.The Importance of God’s Word
I’ve been a human being all my life. And, as such, I have always needed to breathe. (Besides a childhood experience of my brother stuffing my face in the sofa for an extended period of time.) It is safe to say that for humans, breathing is important. I am also a believer. As such, I always need God’s Word.
Job wrote (Job 23:12) that he “treasured the words of [God], more than my portion of food.” 1 Timothy 3:8 tells us that “godliness is of value in every way,” and such godliness is only attainable through God’s Word (2 Cor. 3:18). 1 Peter 1:3 explains that God’s power “has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us,” such knowledge only being available through the Bible.
Think about that familiar phrase, God’s Word. God’s. Word. We have a word from God. Isn’t that amazing? If we do (and we do), I would think that it is important, powerful, and life-changing. The Bible is important.
Using Your Compass
The Bible is the only legitimate source of direction for life. 2 Tim. 3:16 teaches that the Bible is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. But does God’s Word tell us what career to pursue, what school to attend, what person to marry, or the direct answer to any of life’s major perplexing questions? Yes and no. Contrary to some point-and-read advocates (randomly opening the Bible to a verse, blindly pointing, and construing that verse as God’s divine answer to a question), the Bible will not tell you whether to be a computer scientist or a lumberjack, or tell you that you are required to marry Sally, or any variety of other issues.
The Bible does clearly tell you a lot of other things. It tells you of God’s character. It gives commands for Christian living. It stipulates guides for good relationships. It provides assurance in times of doubt. How, then, does someone find out what he or she is supposed to do in the twists and turns of life? First, do what you know that the Bible commands. Second, trust in the faithfulness of God to show you in due time. If you are walking in fellowship with God and acting according to the principles recorded in His word, making the other big decisions will become less complicated.
If you are a pastor, giving a message on the topic of God’s will or the direction that His Word provides, you may be interested in using church media that conveys these themes. If you are interested in a membership with Sharefaith to access these invaluable resources, you can find out more here.
