Having God’s Word is a blessing we too often take for granted.  The Bible is the greatest book that has ever been written, for while it was penned by the hands of men, God is its true Author.  Its contents come directly from the mind of God

2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)
¹⁶  All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.

When the apostles wrote, they were moved by the Spirit, just as were the prophets before them (1 Peter 1:20-21).  This is why the Bible refers to them as ambassadors.  They spoke in Christ’s stead (2 Corinthians 5:20).

To believe in the Bible, is to believe that it is truly the Word of God.  So, then, when it comes to the Bible, no accolade is too high, and no adulation is misplaced.  The Bible deserves every expression of praise it receives.  If you have a Bible in your hand, and its words are written in your heart, you have access to great power, for as the Hebrews writer once declared, “…the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword…”  The fact that we now have it in written form, and have easy access to it, is something that we should cherish.

Why was the Bible written?  Have you ever thought about that?  Why did God give us His Word and protect it, providentially, ever since it was delivered to man?  This week we want to consider these questions.

One reason the Bible was given was for our admonition (1 Corinthians 10:11).  The word admonition means “to warn.”  The Greek word literally means “to put in mind.”  That is why the Bible was written—to put in our minds warnings against doing things that displease God.  This is why the Bible must be preached in its unadulterated form, and it must be preached in its entirety.  This is the only way it can have its full effect in admonishing its hearers.  We should never water down the Word of God.

Acts 20:26-27 (ESV)
²⁶  Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, ²⁷  for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.

We are living in an era when much preaching is devoid of scripture.  Sermons are delivered with very little biblical base.  Cute stories and clever narratives have taken the place of “book, chapter, and verse” preaching.  Someone says, “times are changing.  Men will not sit still for plain, old fashion preaching.  People want to be entertained.”  It seems like I have heard that language before, haven’t you?  That is because it is nothing new.  Paul spoke of those who had itching ears, and who would accumulate for themselves teachers who would suit their own passions (2 Timothy 4:3).  What was Paul’s response?

2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV)
²  Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

Why was Timothy to reprove, rebuke, and exhort brethren regularly?  It is because the Bible was written for that very purpose—to admonish us.  The question is, will we listen to the admonitions of the Bible?  When the Bible tells us to watch and be ready for the return of Jesus (Matthew 25:13), will we take heed by living a prepared life?  When the Bible tells us to be holy, and that without being so, we will not see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14), do we respond by living holy lives?

The Bible was written for our admonishment, but warning signs only help us when we listen to them.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.