The Book of Books

God’s instruction manual
is sure to prove out
in everyday life.

By Al Friesen

It is not just a book, it’s the Book! Who but God could have written a book over a period of almost two thousand years, in three different languages, on three continents, by at least thirty-seven authors, in sixty-six parts—and come up with the most significant literary masterpiece ever written? This Book marches through the pages of history as the one book that has inspired more music, poetry, and works of art than any other. More than that, it has worked moral miracles, given hope, and engendered faith in the hearts of men. And most importantly, it has brought us the message of how we can be reconciled to God, our Creator.

Unfortunately, as awe-inspiring and important as the Bible is, it probably graces more shelves and gathers more dust than any other book. Why? Some people choose to ignore its life-changing potential, and relegate it to the bookcase as just another dusty volume recording a man’s philosophy. Even Christians who have a sincere desire to know and please God may not have any idea how to study this Book effectively. They readily identify with the Ethiopian eunuch who, when asked if he understood the words he was reading in the Book of Isaiah, responded, “How can I, except some man should guide me?” (Acts 8:31).

The Ethiopian had someone who could explain those words in Isaiah to him, but most of us are on our own when it comes to Bible study. However difficult that may seem at first, we must remember that the Lord tells us to abide in, observe, feed on, delight in, meditate on, and love His Word. Why? There are many answers.

God’s Word is our spiritual life

“Man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live,” we read in Deuteronomy 8:3. We cannot live without physical nourishment, so can we reasonably expect to survive spiritually without sustenance? Job said, “I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12). One Christian of years past adopted the motto, “No Bible—no breakfast!” It might be well for all of us to take a strong look at whether we consider breakfast or Bible more important as we start our day.

God’s Word is our protection against sin

In Psalm 119:11 we read, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” When the Word is deep in our hearts, the Holy Spirit can bring it to mind as a warning check when temptation comes our way. Most of us will not be tempted to go out and commit some monstrous crime. But how many times have we felt the urge to make a biting comment, to harbor a grudge, or to treat someone unkindly? In those moments, God’s Holy Spirit can bring a warning check through a verse of Scripture.

God’s Word brings us victory over Satan

We are in a very real battle, and we are fighting a very real enemy. One glance at the daily newspaper is enough to convince us that evil and wickedness are rampant in our society. We read in Ephesians 6:17 that we are to use our weapon, “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Jesus used this weapon three times to gain victory over Satan in the wilderness, and we cannot go wrong when we follow His example! Try repeating a Bible verse out loud or singing a song based on Scripture when you feel oppressed by the enemy.

God’s Word offers guidance

Life is like walking through an intricate maze. Perplexing situations and difficult decisions are a part of our day-to-day existence. As Christians, we have an unparalleled resource when we seek to know and do the will of God. In Psalm 119:130 we are told, “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” The Bible gives explicit directions on many issues, and principles to guide us in making all the choices that confront us.

God’s Word helps us minister to others

Do you know someone who is hurting, someone who has a problem in his life, someone who is discouraged? It’s easy to feel helpless when we face the needs of others, but we don’t have to. “Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, that I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?” (Proverbs 22:20-21). We can look to the truths of God and find words to offer that will bring enlightenment, comfort, and courage.

God’s Word gives us confidence and power in prayer

“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you,” we read in John 15:7. God’s words do not have a chance of abiding in our hearts unless we read them, study them, understand them, and apply them to our lives. But when we do, we can pray with assurance that God hears and will answer.

In spite of these compelling reasons to have daily devotional time with God, it is easy to take the Bible for granted, to be too busy to study, or to lapse into careless habits regarding this vital discipline. Through the ages, some people have believed the Bible, and some have burned it. Some guarded its precious words with their very lives, and others shredded its pages. Some scoffed at it, some ignored it—and some died for it.

What are you doing with it?

Allen Friesen is the associate pastor of the Portland headquarters church.

See also Practical Guidelines for Bible Study .