Introduction
The most important book you will ever study is the Bible. Even though it was written thousands of years ago, the content is still very relevant to us today. The Bible is a book given to us for a purpose by a loving and merciful God. In this study, we will be looking at the importance of the word of God.

Study Questions
1. What name is given to the Old and New Testament writings?
2. How did we receive the scriptures?
3. Why was the scripture given?
4. What can the word of God accomplish in your life?
5. What did the Scriptures say about its own fulfillment?
6. What is the connection between the word of God and faith?
7. By what are Christians to live by?
8. What are the benefits of obeying the Scriptures?
Conclusions.

Questions and Comments
1. What name is given to the Old and New Testament writings?
Read: Matthew 21:42, Luke 24:45, John 7:38, Romans 1:2, 2 Timothy 3:15-16
Comment:
The name given to the Old and New Testament writings is The Scriptures or The Holy Scriptures. Even though there was no New Testament at the time of the Messiah, the Apostles, and the New Testament Church because it was still a work in progress and has not been complied, they quoted only from the Old Testament. But generally, the Holy Scriptures are made up of the Old and New Testament writings.
Scriptural references
Matthew 21:42, “Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?”

Luke 24:44-45, “Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.”

John 7:38, “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”

Romans 1:1-2, “Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures,”

2 Timothy 3:14-15, “But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

2. How did we receive the scriptures?
Read: 2 Timothy 3:16a, 2 Peter 1:21, Acts 1:16
Comment:
We received the Scriptures by the inspiration of God. Holy men spoke as they were moved by God through His Holy Spirit.
Scriptural references
2 Timothy 3:16a, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God.”

2 Peter 1:21, “for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 1:16, 16 “Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus;”

3. Why was the scripture given?
Read: Romans 15:4, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Acts 20:32, 2 Peter 1:2-4.
Comment:
The Holy Scripture was given for the following reasons

a. The Scripture was given for learning, Romans 15:4.
In the scriptures, there is a lot to learn so much that it is a lifetime of learning. You can learn about God the Creator of mankind, about God’s purpose of creating man, about the origin of evil, about sin and how it entered the world, about humanity’s adversity, about the ultimate plan of salvation for man, about God’s law and His love, how we are to relate with our neighbors, how to develop good character, how to overcome sin and temptation, about the church and your role in it, about the soon-coming kingdom of God, and many more. Without the Word of God, there will be so many questions unanswered about the world we live in and the universe. The word of God is the Creator’s manual you can consult for answers on any issues about God and His creation. The word of God is fully loaded with both spiritual and physical knowledge for everyone who wants to learn.
Scriptural references
Romans 15:4, “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”

b. The Holy Scripture was given for doctrine, 2 Timothy 3:16
The Scripture was given for teaching the truth (doctrine) because it is the basis of what is right or wrong. The word of God sets the acceptable teachings of what is to be taught, preached, believed, and practiced. It is the standard by which we are to live and govern our life. It is God’s comprehensive curriculum for humanity in all life matters.
Scriptural references
2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,”

c. The Holy Scripture was given for reproof, 2 Timothy 3:16
The word of God can pierce and divide between the soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and discern the thoughts and intents of the heart. It has the ability to analyze and evaluate your life and then show you what is wrong with it. The word of God shows who you really are. The word of God through the Holy Spirit can judge your thoughts and intentions and can convict you of your sins, John16:8.
Scriptural references
2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,”

John 16:8, “And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:”

d. The Holy Scripture was given for correction, 2 Timothy 3:16
The main reason why God gave us His word is to correct the broken relationship with Him. To correct the fallen state of man and reconcile us back to Him and paradise. The word of God can help you to correct your faults and restore you to the path of life. It can correct broken relationships in any human relationship. The word of God teaches you how to recover from the bondage of sin, addiction, and hopelessness to a life of total restoration.
Scriptural references
2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,”

e. The Holy Scripture was given for instruction, 2 Timothy 3:16
The word of God is a comprehensive instruction manual for everything that pertains to life and godliness. In the word of God there are instructions about marriage, how to train your child, how to be successful, true leadership, good governance, prayer and fasting, how to overcome sin, how to relate with your neighbours, how to truly worship God, business practices, farming principles, court and judicial procedures, right living and many more.
Scriptural references
2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,”

f. The Holy Scripture was given for training in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16-17
The Scripture was given to training you for what God wants you to be. It prepares you for life challenges and how to overcome them. The word of God has instructions on how to live a righteous and victorious life. It trains you on how to build character and be ready for your ultimate purpose in life – rulership with the Messiah. The training is to make you complete (lacking nothing), proficient, self-disciplined, and fully equipped for every good work. It is to build you up to the measure of the Messiah.
Scriptural references
2 Timothy 3:16-17, “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.”

Acts 20:32, “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”

James 1:18, “Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.”

g. The Holy Scripture was given for all you need for life and godliness.
The word of God contains all the knowledge you need for life issues. It has the principles and applications to solve life problems and has guidelines for salvation and godliness. God has never left any issues that His word cannot solve since the fall of man.
Scriptural references
2 Peter 1:2-4, “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

h. The word was given so that we can believe that Jesus (Yeshua) is the Messiah?
The word of God was written so that we can believe that Jesus (Yeshua) is the Messiah and when we believe in Him, we receive the very life of God (Zoe).
Scriptural references
John 20:31, “but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”

John 1:4, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.”

I John 5:11, “And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.”

i. The word of God was given to warn you
The word of God was given to warn you of the consequences of disobedience and God’s judgment. It warns you of the coming calamities that will befall this world in the end time and how to escape it. It warns you of the deception of Satan and his ministers. It warns you of the danger of temptation. It warns you of the antics of the evil one.
Scriptural references
Ezekiel 3:17, “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me:”

Ezekiel 33:7, “So you, son of man: I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me.”

j) The word of God was given to give you hope.
The scripture was given to give you the hope of salvation, the hope of resurrection, the hope of eternal life, the hope of regaining paradise, the hope of rulership with the Messiah, the hope of a glorious future. The Scriptures give you insights into the wonderful plan of God for mankind and how He will accomplish it. No matter the problems and sufferings the world may be experiencing now, the scriptures say there is hope for it, Romans 8:20. In the Messiah, this hope is beyond this present world; it is sure and steadfast, and your faith is the evidence of it. Studying the word of God, believing it, and doing what it says brings this hope alive in you.
Scriptural references
Romans 15:4, “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”

Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Hebrews 6:19, “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,”

Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Romans 8:20, “For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope;”

I Peter 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,”

Titus 1:2, “in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began,”

4. What can the word of God accomplish in your life?
Read: Psalms 107:20, Matthew 8:8
Comment:
a) The Word of God defines what is a sin. The Scripture is able to guide you away from sin so that you can live a Holy and righteous life that is well-pleasing to God. Psalms 17:4-5, Psalm 119:11.
Scriptural references
Psalms 17:4-5, “Concerning the works of men, By the word of Your lips, I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer. Uphold my steps in Your paths, that my footsteps may not slip.”

Psalm 119: 11, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.”

b) The Word of God sanctifies. It cleanses or purifies. It sets you apart as God chosen people as you obey what it says, Psalm 119: 9, John15:3, John 17:17,
Scriptural references
Psalm 119: 9, “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.”

John 15:3, “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.”

John 17:17, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.”

c) The Word of God is the source of spiritual nourishment. The food you must eat daily by reading and studying it. Without it, you will be spiritually malnourished and not grow spiritually as you should grow. Matthew 4:4, Luke 4:4
Scriptural references
Matthew 4:4, “But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God”’

Luke 4:4, “But Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.”

d) The Word of God is a lamp that guides our path in life. It illuminates the path we walk so that we don’t stumble or fall. The Word gives us light in this world of darkness. Without it, you are likely to fall into the trap of the evil one. Psalm 119: 105.
Scriptural references
Psalm 119: 105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.”

e) The Word of God saves souls. With the Holy Spirit, it has the ability to bring about true conversion and save your soul. Psalms 19:7a, James 1: 21,
Scriptural references
Psalms 19:7a, “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;”

James 1: 21, “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”

f) The Word of God can make a Christian wise and full of understanding. It gives you the ability to know the mind of God and excellent discerning spirit. Without it, you will be vulnerable to deception. Psalms 19:7b, Psalm 119: 97-100,
Scriptural references
Psalms 19:7b, “… The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.”

Psalm 119: 97-100, “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all day. You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; For they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients Because I keep Your precepts.”

g) The Word of God can heal you. It has the capability to remove sickness and disease from your body. There is a life given power in the Word if you believe and do what it says. Psalms 107:20, Matthew 8:8
Scriptural references
Psalms 107:20, “He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”

Matthew 8:8, “The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.”

h) The word of God gives life, joy, and peace of mind. In the word of God, there are verses, chapters, and books that can help you when you face difficult moments. Faith in the word of God can help you deal with depression, anxiety, fear, discouragement, hopelessness, loneliness, failure, doubt and so on. Irrespective of what you are facing, the word of God can bring joy to your heart and helps you find peace of mind. In the word of God lies true comfort in times of life’s challenges and trials.
Scriptural references
Psalms 19:8, “The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;”

Proverbs 3:1-2, “My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you.”

Isaiah 48:18, “Oh, that you had heeded My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, And your righteousness like the waves of the sea.”

Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You because he trusts in You.”

Psalms 119:50, “This is my comfort in my affliction, For Your word has given me life.”

5. What did the Scriptures say about its own fulfillment?
Read: Matthew 24:35, Mark 13: 31, Luke 21: 33, Psalms 89:34
Comment:
Everything written in the Scriptures will be fulfilled. Not one out of it will go without it coming to pass because God does alter His Word.

Scriptural references
Mark 13: 31, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”

Psalms 89:34, “My covenant I will not break, nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips.”

Luke 21: 33, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”

6. What is the connection between the word of God and faith? Romans 10:17
Comment:
True faith comes by hearing and studying the scriptures. Without the Word, you will not develop the kind of faith God wants you to have. No wonder the Messiah said if I come back will I still find faith.
Scriptural references
Romans 10:17, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

7. By what are Christians to live by?
Read: Matthew 4:4, Luke 4:4
Comment:
We are to live by every word of God. Not by human philosophies, commandments or traditions. To live by the Word of God is to live our life exactly as it is written in the Scriptures. Your life must be patterned according to the Word of God
Scriptural references
Matthew 4:4, “But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”

Luke 4:4, “But Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God”.

8. What are the benefits of obeying the Scriptures?
Read: Luke 11:28, James 1:25, Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1,
Comment:
Obeying the Word of God brings blessings. It brings true success and prosperity to what you do. When you obey God’s word, it naturally brings prosperity and good success. The Scriptures say you are making your way prosperous when you obey the Word of God. Think of the opposite.
Scriptural references
Luke 11:28, “But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”

James 1:25, “But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”

Joshua 1:8, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”

Psalms 1:1-3, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.”

Conclusions
The importance of the word of God cannot be overemphasized. It is so important that it is called our very life, John20:31. It is the only source by which you can know the true God, His mind and His purpose for your life. The whole scripture is the revelation of God’s will for humanity. Without it, humanity will be permanently cut off from God without any knowledge or hope of salvation. The word of God is everything to a true believer. It was given for learning, teaching, reproof, correction, instructions, training, warnings, knowledge for life and godliness, and for faith in the son of God. When you study and do what it says, you recognize God’s absolute divine authority and reign over you.