The Purpose of God’s Word

What’s the purpose of the Bible? Why do we read it? What do we gain from reading the Bible?

Hebrews 13:8-9 NKJV
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines…

Do you find yourself or other people doubting the relevance of the word of God in today’s 21st Century society? Do you find yourself or other people conforming more to the beliefs, philosophies and teachings of modern day society instead of the more than 2000 year old teachings of the word of God?

It is important to realize that you might change and other people can change – but God will never change. He is the same yesterday, today and forever.
The world will change its moral values; its culture and its ideologies – but God’s word and God’s values will never change.

Matthew 24:35 NKJV
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

God’s word is final in all matters. God’s word is above every word that is spoken by man.
God’s word is always correct and infallible. God’s word is always relevant.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

First thing we should remember is that God is the Author of the Bible and that the Bible according to Paul was inspired by God for 4 main reasons:

1. For Doctrine
Definition:-A particular principle, position, or policy taught or advocated.
God wants us to abide and adhere to His Kingdom principles & policies according to His word and not according to the principles and philosophies of this society or world.
Every country or kingdom has its own constitution and policies. However when you become a child of God, you become a citizen of the Kingdom of God. Therefore as a child of God you are required to live according to the policies, principles and beliefs set by God in His word (the Bible) and not of the world.
Romans 12:2  says And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

2. For Reproof
Definition:-To scold or rebuke usually gently or with kindly intent; to express disapproval of.
God uses His word to rebuke us if we are behaving against His will. When the Lord rebukes us, it is because He loves us and He does not want us to go astray.
Hebrews 12:5-8 – And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.

3. For Correction
Definition:-A change that rectifies an error, inaccuracy or wrong behavior
God wants you to change or repent of wrong doing. He wants you to renew your mind and actions so that your words and your deeds glorify Him. His word teaches you how to please Him in various areas of life.
Matthew 4:17 – From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

4. For Instruction
Definition:-A direction or order; knowledge or information imparted
The Bible is full of instructions about specific issues. The Lord wants us to never be confused regarding the interpretation of His word. Neither does He want us to manipulate scripture or blaspheme. His word is meant to enlighten us for right living.
Psalms 119:1-4 – Blessed are the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart! They also do no iniquity; They walk in His ways. You have commanded us to keep Your precepts diligently.

The benefits of the Bible to us, is so that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

God’s word is also useful for defending ourselves against false doctrines and to help us understand the true gospel of Jesus Christ. In Ephesians 6:17 the Bible is described as “the sword of the Spirit”.
Therefore God’s word is meant to help us defend ourselves from false teachings and false ideologies. As we study God’s word sincerely, the Holy Spirit will enable us to discern between truth and deception in our daily lives by reminding us concerning the Scriptures and how to apply them daily.
So God’s word is meant to protect us from any kind of spiritual deception or temptation from the devil. For example, when Jesus Christ was tempted by satan, the Lord would use the word of God to resist satan’s temptations (Matthew 4:1-11).

With all the current social, economic and spiritual controversies that surround the world, the word of God has been under attack – but remember one thing. Even though God’s word may be attacked – God’s word will always remain and never pass away (Matthew 24:35).
God’s word will never return to Him void and God’s word will never be irrelevant in the past, present and in the future.

Isaiah 55:11 NKJV
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.