Topical Bible: The Scriptures: Designed For: Building up in the Faith

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Holy Scriptures, revered as the inspired Word of God, serve a fundamental role in the spiritual edification and maturation of believers. The Bible, comprising the Old and New Testaments, is not merely a historical or literary document but a divine tool intended for the building up of faith among the followers of Christ.

Purpose and Function

The Scriptures are designed to instruct, correct, and train believers in righteousness. As stated in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 , "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." This passage underscores the comprehensive role of Scripture in equipping believers for a life of faith and service.

Nurturing Spiritual Growth

The Word of God is likened to spiritual nourishment, essential for growth and maturity in the faith. In 1 Peter 2:2 , believers are exhorted, "Like newborn infants, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation." This metaphor highlights the necessity of engaging with Scripture to develop a deeper understanding and stronger faith.

Strengthening Faith

The Scriptures are instrumental in strengthening the faith of believers. Romans 10:17 declares, "Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." The proclamation and study of God's Word are vital for fostering a robust and enduring faith, as it is through Scripture that believers encounter the truths of the Gospel and the promises of God.

Providing Encouragement and Hope

The Bible offers encouragement and hope, essential components for sustaining faith in times of trial and uncertainty. Romans 15:4 states, "For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope." The narratives, prophecies, and teachings within the Bible provide a source of comfort and assurance, reminding believers of God's faithfulness and sovereignty.

Guiding in Truth

The Scriptures serve as a guide, leading believers in truth and wisdom. Psalm 119:105 affirms, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." This imagery conveys the guiding and illuminating power of God's Word, directing believers in their daily walk and decision-making.

Equipping for Ministry

The Bible equips believers for ministry and service within the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-12 explains, "And He gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ." The Scriptures provide the foundation and framework for various ministries, ensuring that they are rooted in sound doctrine and effective in edifying the church.

Conclusion

The Scriptures are divinely designed to build up believers in their faith, providing instruction, encouragement, and guidance. Through engagement with the Word of God, Christians are equipped to grow in their relationship with Christ, serve effectively in their communities, and persevere in their spiritual journey.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 20:32
And now, brothers, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Note of Cheer
... in the edifying of churches, in the building up of individual ... while He opened to
us the Scriptures?" said, one ... which might almost have been designed for this ...
/.../jackson/the message and the man/chapter v the note of.htm

Letter cii. (AD 409. )
... then; let them laugh at our Scriptures; let them ... once marvellous in themselves and
skilfully designed to impart ... next place, as to Jonah's building for himself ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter cii a d 409.htm

A Case of Conscience Resolved
... I do not say he designed our breach, but his ... This is another of his scriptures, brought
to uphold this ... But, Building up YOURSELVES, I suppose is the thing he ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a case of conscience resolved.htm

Of the Last Resurrection.
... tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God ... Any one who attentively considers
the Scriptures will see ... of expression the Holy Spirit designed to impress ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 25 of the last.htm

Blessed Prosperity Meditations on the First Psalm.
... His FATHER designed and created them, upholds and uses ... most remarkable and inclusive
contained in the Scriptures:". ... goes back through the tree, building it up ...
/.../taylor/a ribband of blue/blessed prosperity meditations on the.htm

English Congregational Creeds.
... to Puritanism and such Protestant sects as recognized the Scriptures and the ... It is
not designed, in the ... in their power to refuse the use of the building to any ...
/.../ 102 english congregational creeds.htm

Twentieth Sunday after Trinity the Careful Walk of the Christian.
... 1. Paul's admonition here is designed for those who, having ... his Word, and so aid
in building up his kingdom ... there be able to read the Scriptures for themselves ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twentieth sunday after trinity the.htm

The Ascension of Christ
... would rejoice to see him open the Scriptures; women there ... use them for the object
for which he designed them ... the rebels as well as for the building up of those ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the ascension of christ.htm

Chapter v
... The claim that the Scriptures do not give a ... two so combine that their meaning is
designed to be ... saints abode till Christ came, are building up an unscriptural ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter v.htm

The Date of the Beginning of Noonday.
... who were appointed to read the Scriptures in public ... observe his heavenly commands,
which were designed to lead ... they were allowed to enter the building and hear ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter i the date of.htm