Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Holiness

Based on the study book “Galations: Life Lessons” by Max Lucado

How to Study the Bible

This is a peculiar  book you are holding. Words crafted in another language. Deeds done in a distant era. Events recorded in a far off land. Counsel offered to a foreign people. This is a peculiar book.

It’s surprising that anyone reads it. It’s too old. Some of its writings date back five thousand years. It’s too bizarre. The book speaks of incredible floods, fires, earthquakes, and people with supernatural abilities. It’s too radical. The Bible calls for undying devotion to a carpenter who called himself God’s son.

Logic says this book shouldn’t survive. Too old, too bizarre, too radical.

The Bible had been banned, burned, scoffed, and ridiculed. Scholars have mocked it as foolish. Kings have branded it as illegal. A thousand times over, the grave has been dug and the dirge has begun, but somehow the Bible never stays in the grave. Not only has it survived; it has thrived. It is the single most popular book in all of history. It has been the best selling book in the world for centuries.

There is no way on earth to explain it. Which perhaps is the only explanation. The answer? The Bible’s durability is not found on earth; it is found in heaven. For the millions who have tested its claims and claimed its promises, there is but one answer: the Bible is God’s book and God’s voice.

As you read it, you would be wise to give some thought to two questions. What is the purpose of the Bible?, and how do I study the Bible? Time spent reflecting on these two issues will greatly enhance your Bible study.

What is the purpose of the Bible? Let the Bible itself answer that question.

Since you were a child you have known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise. And that wisdom leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Tim. 3:15).  The purpose of the Bible? Salvation. God’s highest passion is to get his children home.

His book, the Bible, describes his plan of salvation. The purpose of the Bible is to proclaim God’s plan and passion to save his children.

That is the reason this book has endured through the centuries. It dares to tackle the toughest questions about life: Where do I go after I die? Is there a God? What do I do with my fears? The Bible offers answers to these crucial questions. It is the treasure map that leads us to God’s highest treasure, eternal life.

But how do we use the Bible. Countless copies of Scripture sit unread on bookshelves and nightstands simply because people don’t know how to read it. What can we do to make the Bible real in our lives?

The clearest answer is found in the words of Jesus. He promised:

Ask, and God will give to you. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will open for you (Matt. 7:7).

The first step in understanding the Bible is asking God to help us. We should read prayerfully. If anyone understands God’s Word, it is because of God and not the reader.

John 14:26                                    The Helper

Proverbs 2:4,5                        The Process

2 Timothy 2:15                        The Standard

James 1:25                                    The Reward

Galations: The Emancipation Proclamation for the Church

We have freedom now, because Christ has made us free. So stand strong. Do not change and go back into the slavery of the law (Gal. 5:1).

The book of Galatians is the Emancipation Proclamation for the Church. Written by one who had known slavery, it declares and defines Christian liberty. Paul wrote it to refute the devilish idea that salvation is based on adherence to a religious code.

Everywhere the gospel has been preached, there have been those who contend that it is too good to be true. Faith isn’t enough, argues the legalist. We must earn God’s approval. Some teach that we earn God’s favor by what we know (intellectualism). Others insist we are saved by what we do (moralism). Still others claim that salvation is determined by what we feel (emotionalism).