Bible Study – The Holy Scriptures

April 3 – 9, 2022

Key Text

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16

Study Help: Education, 185–192

Introduction

“Only he who receives the Scriptures as the voice of God speaking to himself is a true learner. He trembles at the word; for to him it is a living reality.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 59

Sunday

1 THE INSPIRED WORD OF GOD

1.a. What does the apostle Paul say about the origin of the Holy Scriptures? 2 Timothy 3:15–17

 Note: “Our only safety is in receiving the whole Bible, not taking merely detached portions, but believing the whole truth. Your feet are upon sliding sand if you depreciate one word that is written. The Bible is a divine communication, and is as verily a message to the soul as though a voice from heaven were heard speaking to us. With what awe and reverence and humiliation should we come to the searching of the Scriptures.” The Signs of the Times, September 18, 1893

1.b. What did Jesus say about the writings of the Old Testament? John 5:39; Luke 24:27, 45. What will be the result of constantly studying and obeying the Scriptures? Psalm 119:11; 2 Timothy 3:15

 Note: “Those who continually feed upon the word of God will not turn aside, as did Adam and Eve, and disobey God’s law. The word of God will give them grace and strength.” The Signs of the Times, September 5, 1895

“If studied and obeyed, the word of God works in the heart, subduing every unholy attribute.” Christ Objects Lessons, 100

Monday

2 THE CENTRAL THEME OF THE SCRIPTURES

2.a. What did the apostle Paul understand to be the central theme in the preaching of the gospel of salvation? 1 Corinthians 2:1, 2

 Note: “The crucified Messiah is the central point of all Christianity. The most essential lessons for teachers and students to learn are those which point, not to the world, but from the world to the cross of Calvary.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 23, 24

“The central theme of the Bible, the theme about which every other in the whole book clusters, is the redemption plan, the restoration in the human soul of the image of God.” Education, 125

2.b. In all sermons presented, what is the main point which should be presented? 1 Corinthians 1:23, 24; 15:3; Ephesians 2:20

 Note: “Put Christ into every sermon. Let the preciousness, mercy, and glory of Jesus Christ be dwelt upon; for Christ formed within is the hope of glory.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 158

“In plain, simple language, tell every soul what he must do to be saved. God is your helper; He calls upon you to make known the hidden, unsearchable riches of the grace of Christ. Preach not your fancies, but preach Christ. Let the light of His righteousness shine into your hearts, and be revealed in your teaching. Living faith in Christ must be the very warp and woof of every sermon, the very sum and substance of every discourse; it must be woven into every appeal and every prayer.” Special Testimonies for Ministers and Workers, Nos. 7, 8, 9

“There is one great central truth to be kept ever before the mind in the searching of the Scriptures—Christ and Him crucified. Every other truth is invested with influence and power corresponding to its relation to this theme. It is only in the light of the cross that we can discern the exalted character of the law of God. The soul palsied by sin can be endowed with life only through the work wrought out upon the cross by the Author of our salvation.” That I May Know Him, 208

Tuesday

3 THE INFALLIBLE WORD OF GOD

3.a. Why is it so important to study the word of God and put into practice its teachings? Psalm 119:105, 116, 133; Proverbs 2:1–5

 Note: “To all, old and young, the word of the Lord is: Let the truth of God be inwrought in mind and soul. Let your prayer be, ‘O Lord, preserve my soul, that I shall not dishonor thee.’ Let your prayers ascend to God, that He may sanctify the soul in thought, in word, in spirit, in every transaction. Plead with God that not one thread of selfishness shall be woven into the fabric of your character. Let the prayer be offered: ‘Sanctify my heart through the truth. Let Thy angels keep my soul in strict integrity. Let my mind be impressed with the simple, searching maxims in Thy word, given to guide me in this life as a preparation for the future, eternal life.’ ” The Review and Herald, July 19, 1906

“The grand principle maintained by these [English] Reformers—the same that had been held by the Waldenses, by Wycliffe, by John Huss, by Luther, Zwingli, and those who united with them—was the infallible authority of the Holy Scriptures as a rule of faith and practice.” The Great Controversy, 249

3.b. What is assured about the infallibility of Bible prophecies and predictions? Isaiah 34:16; 55:10, 11

 Note: “In His word, God has committed to men the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy Scriptures are to be accepted as an authoritative, infallible revelation of His will. They are the standard of character, the revealer of doctrines, and the test of experience” God’s Amazing Grace, 198

“The word of the only true God is infallible. Infinite wisdom, holiness, power, and love are blended in pointing us to the standard by which God measures character. God’s word so plainly defines the laws of His kingdom that none need to walk in darkness. His law is the transcript of His character.” In Heavenly Places, 137

“All that prophecy has foretold as coming to pass, until the present time, has been traced on the pages of history, and we may be assured that all which is yet to come will be fulfilled in its order.” Education, 178

Wednesday

4 HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE

4.a. What method of Bible study is recommended to those who wish to learn the truth? Isaiah 28:9, 10, 13; Acts 17:10, 11

Note: “The Bible is its own expositor. One passage will prove to be a key that will unlock other passages, and in this way light will be shed upon the hidden meaning of the word. By comparing different texts treating on the same subject, viewing their bearing on every side, the true meaning of the Scriptures will be made evident.” Christian Education, 85

“The rich gems of truth do not lie on the surface. You must dig for them. Take your Bible, and compare passage with passage, and verse with verse, and you will find the precious jewels of truth. You should put the precious gems of light in a beautiful setting, and hang them in memory’s hall.” The Review and Herald, April 16, 1889

“Open the Bible to our youth, draw their attention to its hidden treasures, teach them to search for its jewels of truth, and they will gain a strength of intellect such as the study of all that philosophy embraces could not impart. The grand subjects upon which the Bible treats, the dignified simplicity of its inspired utterances, the elevated themes which it presents to the mind, the light, sharp and clear, from the throne of God, enlightening the understanding, will develop the powers of the mind to an extent that can scarcely be comprehended, and never fully explained.” Messages to Young People, 254, 255

4.b. What important factor is necessary to comprehend the truths of the Bible? James 1:5–8

 Note: “We should come with reverence to the study of the Bible, feeling that we are in the presence of God. All lightness and trifling should be laid aside. While some portions of the word are easily understood, the true meaning of other parts is not so readily discerned. There must be patient study and meditation, and earnest prayer. Every student, as he opens the Scriptures, should ask for the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit; and the promise is sure that it will be given.” Messages to Young People, 261

“If you come to the study of the Scriptures in humility, with earnest prayer for guidance, angels of God will open to you its living realities.” The Signs of the Times, September 18, 1893

Thursday

5 STUDY WHILE YOU CAN

5.a. What is written of those who do not study the Bible? 2 Timothy 4:2–4

Note: “The multitudes do not want Bible truth, because it interferes with the desires of the sinful, world-loving heart; and Satan supplies the deceptions which they love.” The Great Controversy, 595

“ ‘Sound doctrine’ is Bible truth—truth that will promote piety and devotion, confirming God’s people in the faith.” Gospel Workers, 311

5.b. In the time of trouble, what will happen to those who are neglecting to study God’s truths now, in this probationary time? Amos 8:11, 12

Note: “Those who had not prized God’s word were hurrying to and fro, wandering from sea to sea, and from the north to the east, to seek the word of the Lord. Said the angel, ‘They shall not find it. … Day after day have they slighted salvation, prizing earthly riches and earthly pleasure higher than any heavenly treasure or inducement. They have rejected Jesus and despised His saints. The filthy must remain filthy forever.’ ” Early Writings, 281, 282

“Those who refuse to be hewed by the prophets and fail to purify their souls in obeying the whole truth, and who are willing to believe that their condition is far better than it really is, will come up to the time of the falling of the plagues, and then see that they needed to be hewed and squared for the building. But there will be no time then to do it and no Mediator to plead their cause before the Father.” Ibid., 71

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    What is the result of failing to obey all that God has written?

2    What is the most important theme in all the Scriptures?

3    Why is prophecy encouraging to the soul?

4    What attitude is necessary if we are to successfully learn from the Bible what God would have us know?

5    Why is it highly essential right now that we take Bible study seriously?

Copyright 2000, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.