Responsibility to Study Not in Man that Walks “to direct his own steps,” Jeremiah 10:23. The Thoughts and ways of God “above our thoughts and ways,” Isaiah 55:8-9. Apart from divine revelation we cannot know the mind of God, I Cor. 2:9-13. Obedience is necessary, Matt. 7:21. Will be judged by the word, John 12:48 Even so, we live busy lives and need reminding!

What Should be Our Attitude Toward Bible Study? Should have the attitude of the Bereans, Acts 17: Should have the attitude of Samuel, I Samuel 3: Should have the attitude of the returned remnant of the Jews, Nehemiah 8:1-10 –They showed respect for the word, v. 5. –They were attentive to the word, v. 3. –Took sufficient time to learn, v. 3. –Learned with view to proper application, v. 13,18.

We Should Have the Attitude of the Psalmist, Psalm 119. Sought God with the “whole heart,” v. 10. Regarded the word as protection against sin, v. 11. Rejoiced in the divine testimonies, v. 14. “Meditated” on the precepts, v. 15. Delighted in God’s precepts, v. 16,24,47,147. He wanted to understand, v. 27. He petitioned God for understanding, v. 34.

We Should have the Attitude of the Psalmist in chapter 119 (con’t). He “longed” after the divine precepts, v. 40. He loved God’s commandments, v ,97,117,159,163,167. Regarded law as a great treasure, v. 72. Regarded God’s judgments as right, v. 75. As “sweet” to the taste, v As “righteous,” “faithful,” “pure,” v. 138,140. Regarded God’s word as “true,” v. 160

We Should have an attitude of Sincerity! Consider Acts 7: Consider Matthew 13: Consider 2 Thessalonians 2: Fact: The Soil must be in keeping with the seed in order to obtain good results, Luke 8:5-8,11-15.

Why Study the Bible? Because of Its Claims! –Claims to be inspired, 2 Timothy 3: –To be God’s message to man, Heb. 1:1-2. –To be the truth that saves, John 17:17; 8:32. –To be the book that will face us in the judgment to come, John 12:48. To Increase My Faith, Romans 10:17; John 20:30-31; Acts 18:8.

Why Study the Bible? (con’t). To be able to “give a reason” for my faith, I Peter 3:15; 2 Tim. 2:2; Matthew 4:4; Col. 3:16. To be able to avoid sin, Psalm 119:11; I John 2:1; Matthew 4:1-11. To be an Example to others, Hebrews 12:1; Matthew 5: To “Rightly” divide the word of truth, 2 Timothy 2:15. –Consider the 100’s of Denominations! Why so many? John 17:20-21; Amos 3:3.

Why Study the Bible? (con’t) To be able to Reject False Teachers and False Doctrine, Matthew 7:15; Acts 20:29; 2 Timothy 4:4; I John 4:1; Rom. 16:17-18 Because God does not overlook ignorance, Acts 17: To Discern between good and evil, Phil. 1:9-11. –Concerning Entertainment. –Concerning Modesty, I Timothy 2:9. –Concerning bad habits, I Cor. 9:25-27; Rom. 13:14. –Living above reproach, I Thess. 5:22; Rom. 12:1-2 Commanded to study, 2 Tim. 2:15; 2 Peter 3:18.

Applying the Principles Presented: Time for Self Examination, 2 Cor. 13:5. –Do I have the attitude of the Bereans? –Do I have the attitude of young Samuel? –Do I have the attitude of the returned remnant of the Jews? –Do I have the attitude of the Psalmist? Is this attitude reflected in my daily study habits? Psalm 1:1-2.

Applying the Principles Am I Making Progress in: My ability to “give a reason” for my hope, I Peter 3:15? Overcoming temptation and resisting the devil? I Peter 5:8-9? My ability to rightly divide the word, 2 Timothy 2:15? My ability to deal with false teachers, I John 4:1? My ability to discern between good and evil, Hebrews 5:14?

We Commend these Words: “This book reveals the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, the Christian’s charter. Here paradise is restored, heaven opened and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand object, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and will be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, rewards the greatest labor, and condemns all who trifle with its holy contents.”