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What We Believe and Why
Written by Dr. Lester Hutson

Copyright - Lester Hutson - 1986
This material is copyrighted and may not be copied or reproduced without the express written permission of Dr. Lester Hutson.

 

CHAPTER ONE

 

THE IMPORTANCE OF STUDYING THE WORD OF GOD

II TIMOTHY 2:15

The Bible is the Word of God (II Tim. 3:16), and the Word of God is "Truth" (Jn. 17:17) It is our firm conviction that every man has a right to and should study the Bible. There's no other way to learn the truth except by study:

This lesson is designed to show you why you should study the Bible.

I. The Word of God teaches us to study it:

A. There are those who teach that the common man should not study the Bible:

1. They contend it is too complicated for the ordinary man to understand.

2. They say those who have had years of training in the Bible would have far superior knowledge than any layman.

3. Thus, they conclude that the average layman should not confuse himself by studying the Word for himself. He should just take the word of those educated in religion.

B. Two things should be noted at this point:

1. Much education in the scriptures does not necessarily produce a man with accurate understanding thereof. (as seen in Saul of Tarsus, Phil. 3:4-6, Acts 22:3).

2. Even a common man with little education can glean great gems of truth from the scriptures. (as seen in Peter, Acts 4:13).

C. Therefore, the Bible teaches every man to study it diligently:

1. Deut. 6:7-9 The principle of diligent study is clearly set forth in the old testament.

2. I Pet. 1:10-11 The prophets practiced diligent study of the scriptures.

3. Prov. 15:28 Solomon said, "The heart of the righteous studieth to answer."

4. Deut. 32:29 Moses said, "O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!"

5. It is in keeping with the teachings of God's Word then that II Tim. 2:15 says "study."

D. Failure to acquaint oneself with the truth is serious offense against God:

1. First, it is direct disobedience and rebellion against God's commandments:

a. II Tim. 2:15 He plainly says "Study".

b. I Sam. 15:22-23 Rebellion before God is as witchcraft.

2. Second, how could we ever perform the acts by which we are "approved unto God" (II Tim. 2:15) if we don't even know what those acts are?

a. It is in His Word that He has revealed His wishes I Cor. 2:10.

b . Obviously without study a man remains ignorant of the truth and a violator of those truths because of willful ignorance.

C. II Pet. 3:5-7 quickly shows you God abhors willful ignorance.

3. Third, the Word of God is spiritual food for the soul (Matt. 4:4) and we must partake of it if we would grow in grace:

a. Without it a man will be a dwarfed, spiritual weakling.

b. Heb. 5:12-14 Listen to the rebuke and exhortation given here.

4. Fourth, great harm has been done to the cause of Christ by Christians who had more zeal than knowledge:

a. Matt. 15:14 Jesus said, "If the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch" and we've witnessed it from well-meaning people.

b. In view of that I Pet. 3:15 says "be ready aliways to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."

II. One of the most rewarding things a man can do is to study the Word of God:

A. Matt. 13:52 Jesus said a man of the Word is like one who can bring old and new treasures out of a house:

1. The Bible is truly a treasury of rich and precious gems.

2. Rom. 11:33 says "0 the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgements, and His ways past finding out."

B. Ps. 119:105 The word of God is a lamp and light unto us; and wisdom:

1. It shows us life's pitfalls and where the safe ground is.

2. If ever there has been a time when men need the light of wisdom found in God's Word it is now in these days of spiritual darkness:

a. Everywhere there is dope, crumbling morals, lost values on life, marriages crumbling, wicked ideologies, and a general uncertainity about everything, especially the future.

b. But all the while, "The foundation of God standeth sure." II Tim. 2:19.

C. Brother, it's good to study something that's sure and stedfast.

d. David said in Ps. 119:11, "Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. "

C. The more you master the Word of God, the richer and more rewarding your life will become:

1. Isa. 28:9 shows your capacity for appreciation of fine things enlarges.

2. Jam. 1:25 shows that life will be permeated with a richer, fuller meaning.

3. Paul said in II Tim. 2:7, you "consider what I say, and the Lord give the understanding in all things.

D. It is no wonder that David said in Ps. 119:111 "Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart."

III. There is a proper way to study God's Word:

A. Notice that Paul speaks of "Rightly dividing the word of truth. " II Tim. 2:15.

1. You are not to misuse the Word of God to prove your points:

a. You should gather your points from it; not make it support your points.

b. You are not at liberty to lift out of context and pervert meanings to say what you want.

2. The Word of God does not have to align with you; rather you with it:

a. II Pet. 1:20 says, "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation."

b . The Bible carries some very stiff judgements for those who tamper with the scriptures, Ezra 6:11 and Rev. 22:18-20.

B. When you study God's Word, you must take it all as it is:

1. Isa. 28:10 Scripture with Scripture will give the true context and meaning.

2. Build your beliefs on book, chapter, and verse evidence.

3. When you do that, you won't be as children tossed about with every wind of doctrine which comes about. Eph. 4:14.

C. The man who properly and diligently studies the Word of God will be like the mighty tree described by David in Ps. 1:1-3.

 

"It Does Make a Difference What You Believe"