Lesson 2.

 What Doth the Lord require of Thee?

In Reference to Study of the Word

 The Bible is inspired.  II Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter 1:19-20

It is truly the literary gem of the ages, and its inexhaustible. There is not another collection of writings that can train and develop the mind as the Bible is capable of doing. 

 Someone has well said: “Ignorance of God is the most dangerous kind of ignorance. It is the proper soil for all false philosophies.” A recent statement says in effect, that the crime and immorality of the present world is not due to little knowledge of biology or history. It is due primarily to the fact that we know too little about God.

 The only hopeful remedy for this deficiency is a study of the Book that reveals ‘His who is invisible’

 I.       Christians Need to Study the Bible.

A.   Because it a duty.  II Timothy 2:15

B.   Because it makes us wise unto salvation. II Timothy 3:1;  Romans 10:17

C.   Because we are required to grow in grace and knowledge, II Peter 3:18.  This comes as a result of study and application of the Word.  Read II Timothy 2:1-2

D.   Because it gives us efficiency and power in the service of God.  John 17:3; John 8:32

E.    Because we are required to teach it to out children.       Ephesians 6:4 ( ** “Nurture” means: breeding, education, training)

F.  Because the study of the Bible and application of it’s teachings will keep us from falling into unfaithfulness.  Hosea 4:6;    Luke 4:4;  I John :14  We are kept by  the power of God through faith. I Peter 1:5  How does faith come?  Romans 10:17          (Here is emphasized the importance of study!)

II.      How to study the Bible.

              A.   Have the right attitude.  John 7:17; I Corinthians 8:2

    B.    Obey the precepts and commandments therein and teach them to others.                      Hebrews 5:12-14

    C.   Study more of the Bible, rather than more about the Bible. (The Bible is inspired. What men have to say about it in comment is not inspired. They could be wrong! II Timothy 4:3-4)

D.   Rightly divide the Word.  II Timothy 2:15  

      Key to understanding a passage would be:

1.     Who is speaking?

2.     To whom is he speaking?

3.     When did he speak?

4.     Why did he speak?