No. 1 The Sacred Scriptures
1. It's Name and Sections
The English term, Scriptures, comes from the Latin Scriptura, which comes from scripto which means to write. Scriptures means writings. It is the English translation of the Greek word graphe which means things written.
Jesus referred to the “Scriptures”
“Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?” (Matthew 21:42)
What other name did Jesus give to this important book?
“And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.” (Luke 8:21)
It is interesting to note that the word Bible does not occur in the Bible itself. It is derived from the Latin Biblia, which came from the Greek biblia, meaning little books. The Greek word biblia in turn is derived from byblus, meaning “papyrus,” the name of the material upon which ancient books were written. The Greeks call this writing material byblus because they obtained it from the Phoenician port of Byblos. (Encarta Encyclopedia)
What were the 3 divisions of the Scriptures in Christ day?
“And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.” (Lu 24:44)
In our day it is divided up into books, chapters and verses; for easier reference.
2. It's Real Author
What is the source of all Scripture?
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2Timothy 3:16)
Who Spoke through theses men?
“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,” (Hebrews 1:1)
How were the prophets of old guided as they thus spake for God?
“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.{in old time: or, at any time}” (2Peter 1:21)
3. Authority the Scriptures should he
What shows us that Jesus recognized the authority of the Scriptures?
“Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” (Luke 24:25-27)
To Think about: the time, place and circumstances of the above incident.
4. The value we should place upon the Holy Scriptures
For what purpose were the Holy Scriptures written?
“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)
What are four ways in which Scripture can help us?
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2Timothy 3:16)
What do the four things mentioned above, accomplish in us?
“That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2Timothy 3:17)
Thought Question: The Scriptures are likened to a lamp. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalms 119:105) Why is this, and what does a lamp do for us?
5. The example of righteous men
What value did Job place upon the words of God?
“Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” (Job 23:12)
How firm was the prophet Isaiah's faith in God's word?
“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” (Isaiah 40:8)
What has God done with His word and how?
“I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.” (Psalms 138:2)
6. To Research:
Find the approximate date and person who penned each of the books in the Scriptures, and write it on the time line in the appropriate place to share in class. You may look in the scriptures themselves, commentaries, the introduction to each book of the Bible if your edition has information there, the web or you may visit a library.
Time Line
