No Substitute for the Bible

Don’t read about the Bible! Read the Bible!

Good devotionals, commentaries, and Bible study books abound. But before consulting them, read, study, and meditate directly from the Bible. After studying the Bible, consult the other books, proof them for adherence to Biblical truth, and then use them for further enlightenment.

Use the Bible to interpret the Bible. I Corinthian 2:12-13 KJV declares, “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God, that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” Many cults start because someone took a verse out of context or did not check the entire teaching of the scriptures on a specific subject.

By walking in the way of the Word of God and delighting in the Word, we can live a fruitful and abundant life (Psalm 1:1-3).

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible and is all about the book. The Word of God is effective for cleansing and for preventing sin (v. 9-11). It gives understanding above my human teachers (v. 99). It is a lamp and a light to guide us (v. 105). The words give light and understanding (v. 130).

Reading the Bible should not be casual but rather diligent study. “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth (II Timothy 2:15). Read, memorize, study, and let the Word change your life.