Reflections On The Bible

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                          "REFLECTIONS"

                           On The Bible

INTRODUCTION

1. With this lesson we begin...
   a. A series entitled "Reflections"...
   b. Devoted to simple meditations on various themes

2. The definition of "reflection" used in this series means...
   a. "consideration of some subject matter, idea, or purpose"
   b. "a thought, idea, or opinion formed or a remark made as a result
      of meditation"

3. The scriptural justification for taking time to reflect comes from
   Php 4:8...
   a. In which Paul concludes by saying "...meditate on these things"
      (NKJV)
   b. Other translations say "...think about these things" (ESV) or
      "...dwell on these things" (NASB)

[Thus we should "Think about things that are excellent and worthy of
praise" (NLT), to reflect on them.  We begin with "Reflections On The
Bible", which will be the main source of our other reflections...]

I. REFLECTIONS ON THE BIBLE

   A. THE WAY TO TRUE HAPPINESS... - Psa 1:1-3
      1. The truly blessed person is one whose delight is in the Law of
         the Lord
      2. Who meditates on it day and night
      3. Who thus flourishes like a fruitful tree

   B. HAS MANY VIRTUES... - Psa 19:7-11
      1. Perfect, converting the soul
      2. Sure, making wise the simple
      3. Right, rejoicing the heart
      4. Pure, enlightening the eyes
      5. Clean, enduring forever
      6. True and righteous altogether
      7. More desirable than fine gold, sweeter than honey and the
         honeycomb
      8. Warning the servant of God, leading to great reward

   C. HELPS THE YOUNG... - Psa 119:9
      1. Capable of cleansing the young
      2. When they take heed according to it

   D. GUARDS AGAINST SIN... - Psa 119:11
      1. Can help one avoid sin
      2. If they are willing to hide the Word in their heart

   E. MAKES ONE WISE... - Psa 119:97-100
      1. If one is willing to meditate on its commandments
      2. Making them wiser than enemies, teachers, the ancients
      3. If one is willing to keep its precepts

   F. A LAMP TO SHOW THE WAY... - Psa 119:105
      1. A lamp to one's feet
      2. A light for one's path

   G. A SOURCE OF GREAT PEACE... - Psa 119:165
      1. For those who love the law of God
      2. Nothing causes them to stumble

   H. A SOURCE OF COMFORT, HOPE... - Ro 15:4
      1. Written for one's learning
      2. Giving one comfort and hope

   I. LIVING AND POWERFUL... - He 4:12
      1. Sharper than any two-edged sword
      2. Discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart

   J. A LIFE-GIVING WORD... - Jm 1:21; 1Pe 1:23-2:2
      1. Able to save one's soul when received with meekness
      2. An incorruptible seed, capable of causing one to be born again
      3. Especially because of the gospel contained therein
      4. Producing a new birth and spiritual growth

   K. A LIFE-GUIDING WORD... - 2Ti 3:16-17
      1. Inspired by God
      2. Profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction in
         righteousness
      3. So the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for
         every good work

[The Bible is truly a wonderful source of great blessings for those
willing to read, meditate, and obey its teachings!  Before we conclude
our reflections on the Bible, consider...]

II. WHAT OTHERS HAVE SAID ABOUT THE BIBLE

   A. PATRICK HENRY...
      1. The American patriot, known for declaring:  "Give me liberty,
         or give me death"
      2. "The Bible is worth more than all other books which have ever
         been printed."

   B. CHARLES DICKENS...
      1. One of the world's greatest literary writers
      2. "The New Testament is the very best book that ever was or will
         be known in the world."

   C. ABRAHAM LINCOLN...
      1. One of America's greatest presidents
      2. "I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to
         man.  All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated
         to us through this book."

   D. RONALD REAGAN...
      1. Another great American president
      2. "Within the covers of this one single book, the Bible, are all
         the answers to all the problems we  face today. If only we
         would read it and believe."

CONCLUSION

1. We have seen that the Bible is...
   a. The way to true happiness
   b. A book of many virtues
   c. A helper of the young
   d. A guard against sin
   e. Able to make one wise
   f. A lamp to show the way
   g. A source of peace, comfort, hope
   h. Living and powerful, life-giving and life-guiding
   i. Highly esteemed by the great and powerful

2. Does the Bible mean that you...?
   a. The Psalmist said "I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great
      treasure." - Psa 119:162
   b. Can you say that?

May these simple reflections on the Bible encourage you to read the
Bible daily...!
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