The Instruction Manual

I do not know why, but I have found many Christians who do not like the Bible being referred to as a "manual of instruction." I suppose that if one only refers to the Scripture as a manual, and does not give it any other credit than a "religious book with great morality and integrity," then yes, they would be wrong. However, the Bible refers to Itself as our Instruction Manual. Turn again (for those kind enough to read last time) to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work" (emphasis added). Don't manuals train and equip one with knowledge of how to function in whatever capacity is needed? Don't manuals teach and correct? Yes, they do; and God gives us instructions for how to deal with the issues of life through His Word.

Look at Romans 15:4, "For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope" (emphasis added). That means all those boring (yes, I know that sounds rude, but try reading Obadiah sometime) Old Testament stories are there for the specific purpose of instructing us in how to live by faith. Many of those characters we see in the Old Testament are listed in Hebrews 11 as "champions of faith." Their example shows us how God expects us to live. If man had never committed treason against God, the Bible would end at Genesis 2. However, since we are prone to the sinful nature, God has given us reams of instruction, through direct commands and story-book examples, of the life we are to lead by faith.

Since we know that all Scripture is from God, and that the writings of the Old Testament are for our benefit, look at Proverbs 4, "Hear, O sons, the instruction of a father, and give attention that you may gain understanding... My Son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your sight; keep the in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those that find them and health to all there body" (Prov 4:1, 20-22). Again, based on what we have already seen in Scripture, not only are these Solomon's words to his sons, but God's words to His children. He implores us to incline our ears unto His instructions. We do this by keeping the Word constantly before us. I understand that many people do not feel that they have the time to dedicate to Scripture in such a manner. However, I ask, how many hours do we spend doing other things for "pleasure?" We watch many hours of TV, read countless other books/magazines, commit time to recreation and other entertainment... You get the idea. We have the time; and it is vital that we use it wisely. The Word is our Instruction Manual for life. And God promises us that by giving it the time and honor It deserves we will live a long, healthy, prosperous life.

The Word must become final authority in our lives. Whenever issues of life arise, the first response must be "what does the Word say about that?" In times of financial crisis, what does the Word say? The Word instructs us to "be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God" (Phil 4:6). That is our instruction. Jesus instructs us "do not let your heart be troubles, nor let it be fearful" (John 14:27b). That's not a suggestion, it is an instruction (actually, it is a command). When someone is dealing with sickness or disease, the Bible instructs that "he must call on the elders of the church and they must pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick" (Jas 5:14-15a). God gives us the full of scope of instruction, including the end result: you pray with the elders, have them anoint you and believe - and then you will be healed. Jesus instructs us that, when we pray for things, "believe that you have received them, and they will be added to you" (Mark 11:24b). Get the picture? The keys to life and godliness are found in God's Instruction Manual, the Word. Use it.