Renewal of Your Mind

The Purpose and Authority of the Word

September 10, 2010 at 12:29 PM Leave a comment

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By Deryl S. Lampkin

The written Word of God is a tangible fixed document that bares witness to and is a written testimony of the things God has done, said, require, promised and has orchestrated in the earth and in the affairs of humanity. It has relevant information that God has deemed profitable to mankind.

2Ti 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

2Ti 3:16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration (divine influence) of God, and [is] profitable (useful and beneficial)

• for doctrine (rules or principles that forms the basis of a belief),

• for reproof (warning and chastisement),

• for correction (removing error and making right),

• for instruction (statements of what must be done to achieve a particular result) in righteousness:

2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

This document (The Holy Bible) claims to be authored by God through man. Holy men of God were the instruments God used to produce the Word of God in written form. God who is all-powerful and all-knowing is able to keep the entire universe working in perfect order and according to His will is also able to keep humanity and any other species from altering and diluting the integrity and intended meaning of His word.

2Pe 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.

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The above verses proclaims that God is the author of scripture and that the scriptures were produced to enable the people of God to be perfect and equipped to do all good works in righteousness. Therefore, we are commanded to study the Word of God to be able to show that God has approved us to be authorized and qualified representatives and ambassadors for Christ.

2Cr 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ‘s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

1Th 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

1Pe 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Ecc 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books [there is] no end; and much study [is] a weariness of the flesh.

These scripture start out telling us that we need to study so that we will know what the bible actually says. If we do not study and correctly interpret what the scripture mean, we will inevitably be put to shame by believing and teaching erroneous doctrine.

But after we gain correct knowledge and understanding, we are not to use it for boasting and trying to show how smart we are or for condemnational purposes. For studying is for the purpose of gaining necessary and correct information that will enable us to know the will, the truth, the love and voice of God.  God can most effectively use us according to His will and purpose when we have a keen understanding of His word through accurate examination of the Word.

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Entry filed under: Article. Tags: Bible, Christianity, Deryl S. Lampkin, God, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Religion and Spirituality, Salvation, Word of God.