Bible Doctrine Has Something For Everyone

In the 1960’s the phrase “generation gap” was coined. It was used to describe differences between young and old including things such as style of clothing, language and music preferences. The concept of the generation gap is still around but we talk about it differently. We call age groups names like Baby Boomers or Millennials. It’s universally accepted that if you want to reach a particular group with a message you need to cater that message to appeal to that group. When we think about generational differences it makes us realize how unique and special the Bible is. [Tweet "The Bible’s timeless message uniquely speaks to all ages throughout the ages."] There’s much about the Bible that could make it unpopular and ineffective today. It’s an ancient book written in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. It has to be translated before we can read it. There are many historical, cultural and geographical references in it that make no sense to the average reader. There are some literary aspects of it, like the prophetic imagery of the book of Revelation, that are hard to understand. Yet in spite of all this, anyone who can read can pick it up and benefit from it. And many do! [Tweet "Anyone, of any age, in any culture can read the Bible and benefit from it."] The Bible is in one sense a story, a story God wants us to know. In some mysterious way God led the authors of scripture to write His story for us 2 Peter 1:21. In another sense it’s a lesson book. Here’s what the Apostle Paul says about the purpose of the Old Testament:

“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4

It was written to teach us. We use the word doctrine to describe the various things the Bible teaches. This verse tell us three ways we will benefit from the teaching of Bible doctrine.

3 Ways We Benefit From Bible Doctrine

1. It helps us endure whatever we are going through.
2. It encourages us when we need a push or when we need a hand.
3. It gives us hope.

[Tweet "The teaching of the Bible encourages us by giving us a push or by giving us a hand"] A good example of the timelessness of Bible doctrine is Titus 2.  In this chapter Paul tells Titus to teach these things to the people in his church:

• Older men are to remain faithful and finish well. Titus 2:2
• Older women are to be reverent in what they do and say and live as examples to younger women. Titus 2:3
• Younger women are to be loving and kind to those who are closest to them. Titus 2:4-5
• Younger men are to be self-controlled. Titus 2:6

This is good advice. Following it would make us better men and women!  We are blessed with an entire book filled with doctrine that will change our lives for the better. All we have to do is commit to read it, understand it and then live it. I'd love to hear from you! Please leave a comment or question below.