WHAT WE MUST DO WITH THE BIBLE - GODS WORD

The most important thing we can do with the Word is to give it our whole hearted attention. "My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart." (Prov. 4:20,21). Only in this way will we experience personally the full benefits described above. If we keep our eyes on the Word it will crowd doubt out of our minds.

We should keep God's Words, and treasure them within us. "My son, keep my words, and treasure my commands within you." (Prov. 7:1). Treasuring God's Word means meditating on it with pleasure (Ps. 1:1- 3), knowing that God's Word in your heart will produce enormous spiritual riches.

The Word of God must be mixed with faith (Hebrews 4:2) or it will not really do us very much good. "Faith comes by hearing the Word of God" (Romans 10:17), not by "having heard it". Therefore to build our faith we should speak the Word with our mouth much (Joshua 1:8), so we ourselves hear it and it gets into us. Hearing preaching of the Word in church or on tape can build our faith very much, especially when the preacher is himself full of faith and the Holy Spirit.

However, if we can read, we ought to read and study the Scriptures also for ourselves. "Study or be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Tim. 2:15). The Scripture should be read and taught in church. Paul said, "Til I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine." (1 Tim. 4:13)

It helps greatly to memorize God's Word, both for our own personal meditation and for the future when we will communicate it to others. We should let it consume us (1 John 2:14) like a fire (Jer. 23:29).

Most importantly, we should obey it. True faith leads to obedience (Romans 1:5). "Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!" said Jesus (Luke 11:28). "But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22). We deceive ourselves if we think that hearing the Word is enough. We must put it into practise. Otherwise our faith is dead.

Once we have begun to obey the Word as disciples of Christ, we should preach it to others (2 Tim. 4:2) so that they can be saved, and teach it to others in a practical way. Jesus said, "Teach them to obey all that I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:20).

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A FINAL NOTE

These instructions apply to those who are born again by the Spirit of God. The following lessons explain some basic things regarding what the Word of God teaches about God and salvation. If you would like to be born again, read the prayer in "The Good News" and pray it. Then the Word of God will come more alive to you, and you will get new power and desire to apply these things in your life.

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GOOD VERSES MEMORIZE AND MEDITATE ON

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim 3:16,17)

This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. (Joshua 1:8).