Across the world, many self proclaimed Christian women have forgotten the value of their bible. There are different explanations for this. Some of them feel they are too busy. Some rely on books and devotions about the Word instead of relying on the Word itself.
But I’m certain there are some who, for whatever reason, just plain don’t trust it.
Maybe they grew up in a church or denomination that questioned the authority of the bible or told them not to read it.
Regardless of the reason, a Christ follower who is unarmed by Christ’s Word is dangerously prone to false teaching.
I want to preface this article with this: When I say “the bible” I do not include the Catholic bible or a paraphrased version (like The Message) in that term.
God’s Word is true, unchanging, sufficient and inerrant. It can and should be trusted.
God’s True and Unchanging Word
God is completely sovereign and unchangeable. Psalm 115:3 says, “Our God is in the heavens, he does whatever he pleases.” Malachi 3:6 says, “For I the Lord do not change.” (See also Numbers 23:19.)
Because God is sovereign, we can trust that he was in control over the men who compiled the bible we have today and that the word will never pass away (Matthew 24:35, Hebrews 4:13). Surely, he is sovereign over the canon of scripture.
Psalm 19:7-11 says:
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
The bible claims to be truth. In fact, Jesus is called “the Word” (John 1:1-5) and he also calls himself “the truth” (John 14:6). So the Word of God is true and sure. It’s inerrant and perfect.
“We interpret the bible assuming, based upon what it says about itself, that it has a definite meaning that is discernible if we consider it in its own context.” Pastor Greg Birdwell
As Christians, we should do our best to interpret scripture with scripture, “knowing first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:20-21).
Furthermore, 2 Timothy 3:16 makes the claim that “all scripture is breathed out by God.” It doesn’t get much clearer than that, friends.
God’s Understandable Word
Many women believe it’s not possible to understand the bible, so they figure, why try? But scripture begs to differ.
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence (2 Peter 1:3 ESV)
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV)
According to these passages, we must be able to reprove, teach and grow in Christ likeness through the Word of God. If that’s true, then we have to be able to understand it.
You can’t teach something that’s not understandable. You can’t reprove if you can’t understand the warnings in scripture. And you certainly can’t grow in Christ likeness if you can’t truly know what Christ is like.
The lie that the Christian can’t understand the bible, is a lie straight from Satan. He accomplishes much when he disables a believer from using the living and active Word of life to teach, reprove and sanctify.
The Gospel isn’t upheld, the Church is inactive and the Children of God are stagnant.
Ladies, we have to know our bibles! So much is at stake. I pray the Lord would cause women in the Church to rise up and fall in love with the Word of God. It’s the only way to truly know God’s character. And the only way to know truth.
Still not convinced? I encourage you to read Tim Challies’ article here.
11 Responses
What an amazing article! I have heard so many people say they trust in God but don’t trust the Bible because of its origins, how many times it has been re-written, etc. and it always breaks my heart. The Bible is our guidebook for life and if you are not submerging yourself in it everyday then you are setting yourself up for failure!
Thank you so much for sharing this!
-Sierra
Amen to every word, girl! It breaks my heart as well. Here’s to hoping the Lord will use this article to open the eyes of women to his life giving Word!
Yes, Yes, Yes!!!Awesome Post!!! You have written my heart here! Sharing!
Thank you Lisa!
Brittany this is such a great post! I think it is imperative that we know the Bible, as you said, lest we become easily deceived and depend on others interpretation, without being convinced in our mind, which is a dangerous path.
After being a Chritian for over 13 years and relying on charismatic, clever teachers interpretation of the Biible , over the last 5 years iI have been determined lto learn about God though His word for myself. Sadly, this has not been an easy journey…there is a lot of false teaching out there.
I commend you for speaking the truth, I pray that God continues to bless you with wisdom, truth and boldness!
Nisha, that is why I felt the need to write it! So many women have fallen prey to false teaching. Thankful the Lord has given you the desire to learn about him through his Word! We must love God with our minds and you are doing just that, friend!
This is so SOOO important. thanks for writing this! The Bible should be our guidebook for life! We so often take it for granted! God forgive us!
Amen!
This is fantastic and extremely important. Great point about being at risk for false teaching when we don’t know the bible. The bible is incredible, it is always consistent and full of incredible wisdom given to us by God. Loved this!
You are so right! God’s Word is incredible! He amazes me!