Topical Bible: The Scriptures: should be Read

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The reading of the Scriptures holds a central place in the life of a believer, serving as a vital means of spiritual nourishment, guidance, and growth. The Bible, regarded as the inspired Word of God, is foundational to understanding God's will, character, and redemptive plan for humanity. The practice of reading the Scriptures is not merely an academic exercise but a spiritual discipline that fosters a deeper relationship with God.

Biblical Mandate for Reading the Scriptures

The Bible itself emphasizes the importance of reading and meditating on the Scriptures. In the Old Testament, God commands Joshua, "This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do" (Joshua 1:8). This directive underscores the necessity of continual engagement with God's Word for success and obedience.

Similarly, the psalmist extols the virtues of delighting in the law of the Lord, stating, "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor set foot on the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of mockers, but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night" (Psalm 1:1-2). This passage highlights the transformative power of Scripture in shaping one's life and character.

New Testament Encouragement

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul instructs Timothy, "Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching" (1 Timothy 4:13). This exhortation reflects the early church's practice of reading Scripture aloud in communal settings, emphasizing its role in teaching and edification.

Moreover, Paul reminds Timothy of the value of Scripture in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 : "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." This passage affirms the divine inspiration of Scripture and its comprehensive utility in equipping believers for a life of godliness.

The Role of Scripture in Personal and Communal Life

Reading the Scriptures is essential for personal spiritual growth and communal worship. Individually, believers are encouraged to engage with the Bible regularly, allowing it to shape their thoughts, attitudes, and actions. The psalmist declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105), illustrating the guiding role of Scripture in navigating life's journey.

In the context of the church, the public reading and exposition of Scripture serve to unify and edify the body of Christ. The early church devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, as seen in Acts 2:42 : "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." This devotion underscores the centrality of Scripture in the life of the early Christian community.

Practical Considerations for Reading the Scriptures

To fully benefit from the reading of Scripture, believers are encouraged to approach it with reverence, prayer, and a teachable spirit. James 1:22 admonishes, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." This call to action highlights the importance of applying biblical truths to one's life.

Additionally, the use of study aids, such as commentaries and concordances, can enhance understanding and provide historical and cultural context. Engaging in group Bible studies and discussions can also offer diverse perspectives and foster a deeper appreciation for the richness of God's Word.

In summary, the reading of the Scriptures is a vital practice for believers, providing spiritual nourishment, guidance, and a deeper understanding of God's will. Through regular engagement with the Bible, both individually and communally, believers are equipped to live lives that honor God and reflect His truth.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 17:19
And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 34:16
Seek you out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it has commanded, and his spirit it has gathered them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Name of the Place Where John Baptized is not Bethany, as in ...
... convinced, however, that we should not read "Bethany," but ... was it fitting that he
should baptize, who ... a complete understanding of the Holy Scriptures must not ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/24 the name of the.htm

Knox's Book of Common Order.
... It was ordained that where "no ministers could be had presently" the Common Prayers
and Scriptures should be read by the most suitable persons that could be ...
/.../johnston/presbyterian worship/chapter iii knoxs book of.htm

Appendix B
... of all their actions. * * *. "If anyone should ask me, how he may read
the Scriptures most profitably, I would advise him, that: ...
//christianbookshelf.org/muller/answers to prayer/appendix b.htm

Two Famous Versions of the Scriptures
... schools and colleges, and those who can read it tell us ... near when the Son of God
Himself should come to ... world by Him might be saved"the Scriptures, which had ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter vii two famous versions.htm

Of the Reading of Holy Scriptures
... LIFE CHAPTER V Of the reading of Holy Scriptures. ... to understand and discuss, where
we should pass simply ... thou wouldst profit by thy reading, read humbly, simply ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter v of the reading.htm

Letter Lxii. To Tranquillinus.
... him for his learning just as we read Tertullian, Novatus ... opinions, the wrongness
of his opinions should not cause ... which he has published on the holy scriptures. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxii to tranquillinus.htm

Fragment vii. The Most Responsible Person, However, among You, and ...
... On occasion also he will endeavour to laud the divine Scriptures, which, with ... he
should, with all modesty, suggest to the emperor that he should read, or hear ...
/.../theonas/epistle of phileas/fragment vii the most responsible.htm

How to Read the Bible
... I scarcely need to preface these remarks by saying that we must read the Scriptures.
You know how necessary it is that we should be fed upon the truth of Holy ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/how to read the bible.htm

That the Jews Would not Understand the Holy Scriptures, but that ...
... if at any time Moses is read, the veil ... understanding, that they might understand
the Scriptures; and said ... repentance and remission of sins should be preached ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/4 that the jews would.htm

The Bible Canon from the Fourth Century to the Reformation.
... The canonical Scriptures, which alone should be read in the Catholic Church, are
said to be the law and the prophets, the gospels, Acts, thirteen epistles of ...
/.../davidson/the canon of the bible/chapter vii the bible canon.htm