Why's that there?

We’ve been exploring Six questions to ask when studying the Bible, and we are now at our last question!

1. What stuck out to you this time through? 

2. Did these verses raise any questions as you read?

3. Where do you see Jesus Christ in these verses?

4. What is something that the Spirit of God is leading you to do as a result of reading this text?

5. Who is someone who might benefit from hearing what you’ve seen in the Bible? (last note)

6. Why are these verses in the Bible? (this week)

There is the general and overarching reason for a passage to be in the Bible: all of Scriptures, in general, is there to point us to the one and only way to acquire eternal life with God, and that is through faith in Jesus Christ. 

But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. // John 20:31

Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent [Jesus].” // John 6:29

Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. // John 17:3

But each verse has a sub-theme that is indirectly or directly related to salvation found in Jesus. Each verse is somehow supportive of the overall point (salvation through faith in Jesus the Messiah). 

But what are some of the specific and direct reasons for a passage being in the Bible? Is it for encouragement, for moments of despair, for times when you are sad or lonely? Are these verses marching orders for the Christian troops? What reasons can we discover as we dig into a verse or series of verses? That is the point of this final question and one that may take a bit of pondering. 

Let me explain by looking at a passage.

Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. // Psalm 33:3

Here is what I see in this passage: a challenge to ponder and think about God in a new way. We are to sing to the Creator and our Savior [Jesus] as a way of showing thanks and giving him praise for what he has done.

Notice that the writer encourages a new song. Think of what is involved to write the lyrics and create music for a new song. And then what is required to sing that new song. It takes thinking and pondering the greatness of God until your thoughts flow from your mind in prose and poetry. It takes the passion of a musician or two or three who grasp the power of those words as expressing the greatness of God, and in turn, they develop music that fits the words. Then the people listening and participating in this new song are called to think through what they hear and sing. It is as if God is calling us all, from poet to musician to church attender, to engage our minds in the exploration of his greatness. 

As we explore the question, “why are these verses in the Bible,” it might even direct us to ask other Christians for their insight, which, in the long run, brings us closer to the body of Christ.

Hope that is a help to you. Please submit any follow up thoughts or questions about this note or about anything that you are wrestling with at this time.

Blessings to you, in Christ!
Pastor Al