| International Bible Studies |
LESSON FOR JANUARY 2, 1955
The Bible,
The Source of Christian Teaching
GOLDEN TEXT: “These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” —John 20:31
ROMANS 15:4; II TIMOTHY 3:14-17 HEBREWS 4:12; II PETER 1:16-21
THE general subject matter of these lessons for the first quarter of 1955, and continuing through Easter Sunday, April 10, is Christian Doctrine. Properly enough the first of this series is concerned with the Bible itself, the written Word of God, the foundation of all Christian doctrine, or teaching, as the word doctrine means. The Golden Text explains that the written Word of God has been provided “that believing ye might have life through his name.” However, the Golden Text refers, not to the entire Word of God, but to the recording of certain “signs” which Jesus gave to his disciples in proof of his resurrection. Thus we find the Lord showing to doubting Thomas his hands and feet containing nail prints, and the sword wound in his side. See John 20:26-30.
It is to this and “many other signs” that the expression, “these are written,” refers. However, in principle, the same thought applies to all that is written in the inspired Word of God. It was all provided to induce faith on the part of those whom the Lord is calling to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
This is the thought expressed by Paul in Romans 15:4 which reads, “Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” While the Old Testament Scriptures were of value to the ancient people of God, the Israelites, even the prophets who wrote them understood but little of what they wrote. Just as Paul says, they were written that we of this age might have hope, their teachings being understood by Jesus and the apostles, and through them revealed to the church of the Gospel age.
In II Timothy 3:14-17 Paul admonishes Timothy to continue in the things which he had learned—an important requisite for all Christians who would be faithful to their Lord. But the rest of verse 14 is also important—“knowing of whom thou hast learned.” We should not continue in the traditions and false doctrines of men when we discover their error, but be willing to discard them, and accept the teachings of the Scriptures.
The Common Version translation of verse 16 says that all scripture “is” given by inspiration of God. But we find the word “is” in italics, indicating that it has been supplied by the translators. The word “scriptures” simply means writings, as in a “script.” Obviously all writings, or scripts, are not inspired by God. Omitting the word “is” we get the correct thought—“All scripture given by inspiration of God 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.” This emphasizes that the inspired Scriptures contain all the spiritual guidance and nourishment the Christian needs.
“The Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword,” writes Paul. (Heb. 4:12) The Bible was not provided merely as a basis of Christian philosophy. It is designed to guide and correct. It is not a book simply to be read, but to be applied, and how well suited it is for this purpose; for not only is it quick and powerful and sharp, it is a “discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Peter refers to the Bible, particularly the Old Testament Scriptures’, as a “sure word of prophecy.” (II Peter 1:16-21) He speaks of the marvelous vision which he had seen when he was with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration. It was very convincing, very enlightening, and very encouraging. But Peter adds, “We have a more sure word of prophecy: whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.”
Peter then explains that the importance of the Old Testament Scriptures is in the fact that they were given by the inspiration of God. The statement, “no prophecy of the Scriptures is of private interpretation,” seemingly fails to give the proper thought and apparently is not a good translation. The Greek text gives the thought that the Scriptures of the Old Testament were not the private opinions of the writers, “but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” We may disagree with men, but we should not presume to disagree with God.
QUESTIONS
What purpose of the Word of God is stated in our Golden Text?
Does the Golden text refer to the entire Bible?
For whose special benefit were the Old Testament Scriptures written?
How does the word “is” added by the translators in II Timothy 3:16 change the meaning of the text?
Is the Word of God intended merely as a basis for Christian philosophy?
Why should we not consider the Scriptures lightly?