These notes are based on a lecture series by Roger Lewis of Christchurch, New Zealand. They were delivered at a Bible School in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania in 1997, and transcribed by an appreciative student who attended that Bible School.
Introduction: Why Study the Bible?
The first question we should answer for ourselves is, "Why should we study the Bible?" Many today might not think the Bible at all important. Others might point out that we "should" study the Bible--meaning perhaps that it is a "duty" or that it is the "done thing." To be serious Bible students, we need better reasons. Fortunately, the Bible itself explains the reason clearly.
We have also 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:
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
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.
2 Peter 1:19-21
We should study the Bible because it is God's word! The words of scripture came from God, through writers who often did not understand what they wrote. "And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things (Dan. 12:8)?" The Bible opens God's thoughts to us, and God expects us to let go of our human thoughts in exchange for his thoughts.
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:7-9
The Bible claims to be the word of God. If that claim is false, then we are right to dismiss its teachings. If the claim is true, however, then we have found a message from God to man. That message deserves our undivided attention; what could be more important than absorbing and becoming one with the mind of God!
If you believe that the Bible is God's word, then you accept the responsibility to study its message. You want to learn to read the Bible more effectively. You want to become a Bible student. These notes may help you do that, and we wish you God's blessing in searching out his truth.
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.
Prov. 25:2
