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)