GOD'S "OWNER'S MANUAL"

For the past five days, I have attempted to present extra-biblical evidence for the authenticity of the Bible, and to introduce its Author. Today, I want to address those who believe the Bible is the Word of God.

It is easy to be discouraged by how little we understand about God, His Word, and His will. But discouragement is the work of Satan, and is evidence of spiritual immaturity. It is God's "job" to educate His children. First of all, He has provided us with His Word, the believer's "owner's manual." Secondly, He has begun the process of making us like His Son (Jn. 16:13; Rom. 8:28-29; Phil. 1:6; 1 Thes. 2:13; Heb. 13:21). Ultimately, He will change us into the image of His Son (1 Jn. 3:2). So relax and let God do what He does best (Gen. 1:31).

The importance of God's Word to Israel is found in Psalm 119. It is the longest Psalm, having 176 verses, and it is divided into twenty-two sections of eight verses each. It is an acrostic, with each eight-verse section beginning with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet. For example, in verses one through eight, (the first section - aleph), all the verses begin with aleph. Other Psalms use the alphabet acrostic as well (Psalm 9, 10, 25, 34, 37, 111, 112, and 145).

Psalm 119 is not only the largest Psalm, but its subject is the Word of God. Here is an example from each section. It tells us how to be blessed by God (v. 2). It tells us what displeases God (v. 11). It serves to counsel us (v. 24). It provides us with knowledge of God's glory (v. 27). It guides us on life's journey (v. 35). It frees us from bondage (v. 45). It comforts us (v. 50). It brings us to repentance (v. 59). It makes sense of our afflictions (v. 71). It declares that God is our Creator (v. 73). It gives us hope (v. 81). It tells us of God's faithfulness (v. 90). It gives us understanding (v. 100). It protects us from false teaching (v. 110). It makes us feel safe (v. 117). It shows us our need for His mercy (v. 124). It gives us compassion for the lost (v. 136). It provides us with truth (v. 142). It makes us aware of our need for salvation (v. 146). It tells us about our Advocate (v. 154). It gives us peace (v. 163). And it provides us with something worth saying (v. 172).

Men have a tendency to travel without asking for directions, and usually fail to read the instructions before trying to assemble a child's toy. I am not sure if it is the result of pride, or of stupidity. Perhaps both are true. The same could be said for Christians who attempt to live a Christ-like life without reading, meditating upon, and applying the Word of God to their lives. Once a person accepts the Bible as God's revelation to His children, you would think he would treasure it, and make it the center of his life. You would think so, wouldn't you? If so, how often do you consult the "owner's manual?"