Searching scriptures;diligent search

            

TEXT: 2 TIMOTHY 3:10-17

INTRODUCTION

There are many passages in God’s word that emphasize the importance of our studying the scriptures. Among them are these: “Search the scriptures.” John 5:39. “Study to show thyself approved unto God.”  2 Tim. 2:15. “Giving all diligence, add to your faith . . . knowledge.” 2 Peter 1:15. Why has God given us these commands to study? Since God never commands man   to do anything that is not for his own good, must be value in our studying the scripture or God would not have commanded it.

A. SCRIPTURES

“All scriptures 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 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). We see first that we should study the scriptures because they are inspired of God. The word scripture, or scriptures, is used in specific sense to refer to those books written by the direction of God. If the Bible were the work of mere mortals, it would not matter whether you studied it or not. It might help you, but studying it would be left to your own discretion. The Bible, however, is not the word of man but is inspired of God. (Carefully read 2 Peter 1:21). Since the Bible is the word and work of God, and since it contains commands from Him to study, we must give diligence to do so. If the God of heaven spoke to us directly would we not give heed? Why then should we fail to study His written word?

“All Scripture Is Profitable”. There is in the scripture something that is profitable to us. When we have an opportunity to make a profit in a business venture, we seldom, if ever let the opportunity pass by. In the scripture we have opportunity upon opportunity to profit spiritually, yet we let the opportunities slip by. Remember opportunity means responsibility. Someday we must give an account to God as to why we let the opportunity pass us by.  

The Scripture is Profitable for Doctrine Or Teaching. The person who is seeking can find the true doctrine of God. Instead of going to the Bible to prove a certain doctrine, we need to study the scripture to learn the doctrines that God would have us believe.

 The scriptures then become our only standard of faith and practice.  

“If any man speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God.” 1 Peter 4:11. Discuss this scripture. How is it possible?

It is only then through Careful and Constant Bible Study that we can be assured of remaining in doctrine. If we are not to be “tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine,” we must search the scriptures. A knowledge of the Bible will protect us from false teachers. Any Christian or congregation that depends entirely on the preacher to “spoon feed” them the doctrine of Christ is liable to the deception of men and to false teachers who would make merchandise of them (Carefully read 2 Peter 2:1-3).

Scripture is Profitable for Reproof. We need to study that the mistakes and wrongs in our lives may be reproved. Regardless of how loud the cry may be for “positive” sermons, reproof is still a part of God’s way of making men fit for heaven. Timothy was told to “reprove, rebuke.” 2 Tim. 4:2. One cannot read many verses in God’s word without receiving a rebuke for his manner of living or thinking. Perhaps this is why some do not enjoy searching the scriptures.

DISCUSS why many believers do not diligently study the Scriptures today. What are the implications?

MEMORY VERSE: Forever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven (Psalm 119:89)

Trials of life;God's ultimate purpose

                   

TEXT: 1 PETER 4:12-19

INTRODUCTION

One of the most difficult part of the Christian life is the fact that becoming a disciple Christ does not make us immune to life’s trials and tribulations. Why would a good and loving God allow us to go through such things as the death of a child, disease and injury to ourselves and our loved ones, financial hardship, worry and fear? Surely, if He loved us, He would take all these things away from us. After all doesn’t loving us means He wants our lives to be easy and confortable? Well, no, it doesn’t. The Bible clearly teaches that God loves those who are His children, and He “works all things together for good” for us (Romans 8:28). S0 that must mean that the trials and tribulations He allows in our lives are part of the working together of all things for good. Therefore, for the believer, all trials and tribulations must have a divine purpose.   

    

A. GOD”S ULTIMATE PURPOSE: As in all things, God’s ultimate purpose for us is to grow more and more into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). This is the goal of a Christian, and everything in life, including the trials and tribulations, is designed to enable us reach that goal. It is part of the process of sanctification, being set apart for God’s purpose fitted to His glory. The way trials accomplish this is explained in 1 Peter 1:6-7 (please read it). The true believer’s faith will be made sure by the trials we experience so that we can rest in the knowledge that it is real and will last forever.                

                    

B. GODLY CHARACTER: Trials develop Godly character, and enables us to “rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us” (Romans 5:3-5). Jesus Christ set the perfect example. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). These verses reveal aspect of His divine purpose for both Jesus Christ’s trials and tribulation and ours. Persevering proves our faith. “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me” (Philip. 4:13).

However, we must be careful never to make excuses for our “trials and tribulations” if they are a result of our own wrongdoing. “By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler” (1 Peter 4:15). God will forgive our sins because the eternal punishment for them has been paid by Christ’s sacrifice on the   cross. However, we still have to suffer the natural consequences in the life for our sins and bad choices. But God uses even those sufferings to mold and shape us for His purposes and our ultimate good (James 1:2-4, 12).    

Discuss some of the ways believers may suffer for their own wrongdoings

C. WE HAVE THE VICTORY: Through all of life’s trials and tribulations, we have the victory. “But who gives us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ”. Although we are in a spiritual battle, Satan has no authority over the believer in Christ. God has given us His word to guide us, His Holy Spirit to enable us and the privilege of coming to Him anywhere, at any time, to pray about anything. He had also assured us that no trial will test us beyond our ability to bear it, and “he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

MEMORY VERSE:

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you (1 Peter 5:10 ESV).