Lissara Presbyterian Church

Great is Your faithfulness, O God my Father

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Lissara Presbyterian Church - Bible Study statement

Why study the Bible?

There are many and varied reasons for studying the Bible and some of them will be considered later, but there two fundamental reasons that transcend all others: -

1.    It is God Word (2 Timothy 3^16-17, "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"), and

2.    God has told us to study it (2 Timothy 4², “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching”). So the Scripture is the tool God has given us and it is our duty to study it, know it, and apply it.

However, there are also many other reasons for Bible study: -

• Studying the bible develops an appetite for God’s word and allows for spiritual growth

In Matthew 4⁴ Jesus said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God". We must nourish our physical body with food. Without food our body begins to grow weak and can not function to its fullest potential. In this condition we can not properly perform our duties at home or the work place. We become ineffective and worthless. As our physical body needs nourishment - so does our spiritual part. If we do not take in a regular intake of bible doctrine, we become worthless as servants to God. To be strong spiritually and be good stewards we need a steady diet of His word. (1 Peter 2², “as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby”). By feeding on God’s word we will become mature Christians. As believers we have a hunger that can only be satisfied by God’s word, anything else will leave us feeling hungry. (Job 23¹², “I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food”).

Studying the bible gives us the opportunity to know God and to reveal His character

God is not an inanimate object but a living God. As believers we should know God on a much more personal level then the world. We learn through His word that He is a loving God offering comfort, peace, and mercy.

He is our hope and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who is our Saviour. The attributes of God and His love is probably an endless list but by studying His word we will develop a greater appreciation and a thankful attitude toward God as we see Him unfold in the scriptures. If we do not know God, how can we love and appreciate what he has done for us? (Ephesians 3¹⁹, “to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” ).

• Studying the bible helps us know the truth

As students of the Bible, we must not trust the authority of man, but search the scriptures to see what God says. We must study the Bible with diligence and prayer. (Acts 17¹¹, “These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so”).

It is important to have prayer and communication with God so that the Holy Spirit can teach us. (1 Corinthians 2¹³, “These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual”). Truth is important, especially when it is God’s truth. If we study God’s word, we will know His truth and we will be able to recognize a lie when we hear one. (1 John 4¹, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world”).

Discover the truth and do not be carried down the path of deception (2 Peter 2¹, “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction”). Studying God’s word protects us from travelling down this road.

Office Address:

Rev. Ian Abraham  

The Manse, 17 Downpatrick Road  

Crossgar, DOWNPATRICK  

Co. Down  

BT30 9EE