How to Study Your Bible – Rule #1

1. All Scripture is necessary, and may be understood by diligent application and study. 2 Timothy 3:15-17

The second of Miller’s “rules of interpretation” brings us to the second letter from Paul to Timothy. Knowing that our first rule introduced reading the Bible in context—here is an attempt at setting the table before we dig into our second rule of interpretation. 

Many believe that Paul was imprisoned in Rome when he wrote his second letter to Timothy. The first letter centered on instruction for building and maintaining the church in Ephesus, treatment of widows, warnings of false teachings and more. While there are some tie in’s from the first letter, 2nd Timothy feels like a more urgent message, which is likely driven by the unknown situation in which Paul finds himself. In his mind, this very well might be the last opportunity to express a few encouraging appeals and warnings of the false teachings that loomed over the early church in Ephesus during that time.

In chapter 3, Paul is encouraging Timothy not be like the “evil men and seducers” that aim to deceive and are deceived themselves, but rather, to remember his (Paul’s) “doctrines, manner of life, purpose, faith, long-suffering, charity, and patience” as an example and encouragement to him during those perilous times. 

Verses 15-17 is where we find our second rule:

“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 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 perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

These three amazing verses teach us a few very important concepts, first of which is the importance of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Of all the lessons to learn from reading the Bible, this is easily the most important for all sinners to comprehend. That God gave up His Son, so that we could have another chance at choosing Him over the world and our own desires (John 3:16). Jesus is our only path to the Father and to everlasting life (John 10:9, John 3:36). Our only shot at redemption is through Jesus…there is no other way (John 14:6)

Next in verse 16, we become aware to the fact that ALL scripture was given to men by inspiration and will help us in all phases of our lives. This is reminiscent of another well known Bible verse: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). Reading God’s Word is how we get to really know all about our Creator and how much He loves us. In John 15:13, Jesus tells us there is no greater love than laying down one’s life for his brother and that is exactly what He did for all of us—He laid down His life for us (1 John 3:16).

So how can the Word of God be of help to us in our daily lives?

1. The Bible teaches us that there is a God and that He loves us…A LOT

2. The Bible teaches us that character is important to Him and gave a perfect example for us in Jesus to understand exactly what kinds of character traits we are supposed to possess

3. The Bible teaches us there is a path to everlasting life

4. The Bible teaches us the meaning and purpose of our existence 

5. The Bible teaches us what our relationships should look like

6. The Bible leads us to a fuller, meaningful life, and how to be happy

7. The Bible teaches us what is going to happen, before it happens

8. The Bible teaches us how to be healthy

9. The Bible teaches us how not to do bad things (sin)

10. The Bible teaches us of God’s promises that we can claim at any time through prayer

Of course there are countless lessons to gleam from the Bible that we can apply to our lives but for the sake of keeping this post brief, we’ll leave it at 10. 

We would like to leave you with this one last thought—that every last word of the Bible was inspired by God. He could have written it himself, and partly did, but He chose to work primarily through His people in order to reach His people. God desires human interaction, this is evident in creation when He formed us with His own hands or when He sent His Son to be with us and to be our perfect example of character. However, He will not force himself upon us—we must allow Him to work in our lives, using our own free will. 

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” - Proverbs 3:5-6