Master the Bible: How to Get and Keep the Big Picture of the Bible's Story

Chapter 4: F rom Before to Beyond T ime , Ser i es 2 71

2. As a record of God’s encounters with others, the Scriptures help us learn of his dealings with others where we see his thoughts, judgments, and actions, 1 Cor. 10.1-13.

3. The Scriptures instruct us in God’s ultimate plan and purpose for his creation, Rev. 4.11.

4. Through the Bible’s stories and teachings we receive God’s “big picture” of life, i.e., his ultimate concerns for us and his universe, Col. 1.15-19.

5. The message of Scripture protects us from getting sidetracked in minor, petty, and unimportant things in life, Matt. 16.24-27 – Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. [25] For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. [26] For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life? [27] For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.”

C. Why should we master the Bible as a unique book? 1

1. The Scriptures are inspired (God-breathed) by God himself, 2 Pet. 1.20-21; Ps. 19.7-11.

2. The Scriptures are true in a comprehensive and clear sense on all issues which they address and speak to, Rom. 3.3-4; John 17.17.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Note: The Scriptures in this section are contained in Series 2 for Scripture memorization, cf. Appendix 35.