Doctrine & Disciplines of the Bible
As a Christian woman, you may find it overwhelming to choose from the multitude of Bible studies and Christian authors available today. That’s why I’ve crafted this unique two-part, nine week series, ‘Doctrine and Disciplines of the Bible’, specifically to address the needs of evangelical women who are eager to deepen their understanding of God’s Word. This series stands out from the rest, offering a guide that is both instructive and engaging.
In the series, I reassured the audience about the accessibility of the Bible, despite our busy lives and various distractions. I encouraged women to read the Bible itself, which is the foundation of Christian theology. Unfortunately, many popular materials marketed as “Christian” and “Bible Studies” often lack sound biblical doctrine. This is why many women desire further instruction in disciplines and doctrines. But the Bible is always there, ready to guide us.
I emphasized the empowerment that comes from practicing our disciplines and doctrines with a God-honoring technique. This is not just about growing in our faith and fostering well-being, but also about taking control of our spiritual journey. We should not solely rely on Christian authors who may need more theological wisdom. If we lack sufficient knowledge of theology, we may believe and practice a flawed theology. The study of God is not only for our benefit but also for the glory of God himself.
Throughout the two-part series, I examined the Doctrine of the Word of God, the foundation of Christian theology based on the Scripture. This doctrine has four applications: belief, practice, confession, and teaching, as referenced in 1 Timothy 1:18-19; 4:7; 6:21, 2 Timothy 2:16, and James 3:1. I emphasized the importance of proclaiming the gospel, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone mature in Christ, as stated in Colossians 1:28.
In Part One, Week One, “Won’t You Join Me at The Table?”, I established the invitation to every Christian to delight in God and the things of God. The spiritual disciplines are for all those in whom the Spirit of God dwells. Practicing them correctly requires understanding the Doctrine of the Word of God.
In Part One, Week Two, “Trustworthiness of the Scriptures,” I examined the Bible’s trustworthiness despite societal pressures to believe otherwise. The Bible has stood the test of time and is a reliable source of truth for Christians.
In Part One, Weeks Three and Four, “Inspiration of the Scriptures” and “Inerrancy & Infallibility of the Scriptures,” I emphasized the importance of affirming the trustworthiness of the Bible by way of its divine inspiration, calling for affirmation of its inerrancy and infallibility.
In Part One, Week Five, “Authority & Sufficiency of the Scriptures,” we explored the authority and sufficiency of Scripture. We discussed that God speaks sufficiently through the Bible with an ultimate, comprehensive, final rule. The Bible is the traditional guidebook for every aspect of life.
In Part Two, Week One, “Perfect Posture,” I highlighted the importance of approaching the Bible with the proper heart posture. Our Bible reading enables spiritual growth by renewing our minds and rejecting conformity to the world’s rampant individualism. We can know the truth by understanding the Bible, making us think clearly about what God says is true and correct.
In Parts Two, Week Two, “Read the Bible Well. Eight, The Hard Work of Bible Study,” I acknowledged the joy and fulfillment that come from the spiritual disciplines of Bible reading and study. I emphasized that while God may impress a verse on our hearts and minds to help us, he has given Scripture as a whole to us so that its entire message will become the framework of reference for the rest of our lives. This is not just a task, but a journey of discovery and growth.
In Part Two, Week Four, “Handle With Care,” I examined the importance of caring for the Scriptures. There is a direct correlation between salvation, growth, maturity, and one’s ability to handle the Scriptures correctly. Understanding the Scriptures is a complex matter, but with proper understanding, they must also be applied rightly. As Christians, we are often known by how we handle the Word of God.
In conclusion, the woman who lives in the Word and whose life is shaped and governed by the Word is the kind of “worker” God approves in 2 Timothy 2:15. We must examine our hearts, carve out time, and discover that God’s Word alone can satisfy our deepest desires. Foundationally, we must deal with the appetites of our hearts and make room for God’s satisfying Word.
Debbie Swindell 