Memory Scripture
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.
(Isaiah 40:8)
God’s Word, passed down through the generations, still guides and changes lives all around the world.
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS
Mon. 16: The Inspirational Purpose Of The Scripture (2 Tim.3:16-17)
Tue. 17: Teaching God’s Word’ To Future Generations (Deut. 6:6.9)
Wed. 18: The Eternal Nature Of God’s Word (Ps. 119:89-91)
Thu. 19: The Divine Origin Of The Scripture (2 Pet. 1:20-21)
Fri. 20: The Warning Against Altering God’s Word (Rev.22:18-19)
Sat. 21: The Public Reading Of God’s Word (Neh. 8:1-8)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
God’s Word is a precious gift; live it, teach it and share it daily so it can transform lives for generations.
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCES: Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Matthew 5:18; 28:19-20; Luke 24:44; John 14:26; 1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 3:16; James 1:22; 2 Peter 3:15-16; Revelation 7:9
In the last lesson, God’s Word in Creation and the Law, we learnt how God’s Word shaped the world and laid the foundation
for His divine laws. We discovered how the Scripture reveals His power in creation, His moral standards, and His desire for us to live in obedience and relationship with Him. This helped us to better understand the importance of God’s Word in every part of life.
Today, we’ll look at how God’s Word has been preserved through history. Wel’ll learn about the careful copying of the Scripture,
how the books of the Bible were chosen (canonisation), and the role believers have in protecting and sharing it. This lesson
shows us the amazing journey of the Bible and reminds us that preserving God’s Word is not just a task from the past but a responsibility for every believer today.
LESSON OUTLINE
- THE TRANSMISSION AND CANONISATION
- THE PRESERVATION BY BELIEVERS
LESSON EXPOSITION
THE TRANSMISSION AND CANONISATION (Deut 6:6-7; Lk. 24:44; Jn.14:26; 2 Tim.3:16; Rev. 7:9)
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16).
a) Deut. 6:6-7: Before being written down, God’s Word was passed on through oral storytelling. Patriarchs like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob shared God’s promises and taught their children about His covenant.
b) Later, God began to instruct leaders, like Moses (Ex. 24:4) and Jeremiah (Jer. 36:4) to record His Word. This marks the start of preservation of His instructions in written form for future generations
c) Jewish scribes, like the Masoretes, carefully copied the Scripture with strict accuracy. They showed deep respect for
God’s Word. Psalm 119:89 implies that while humans preserved it, God’s Word remains eternal.
d) Rev. 7:9: God’s vision is for His Word to reach all people. The Bible has been translated into many languages to make it
accessible to all. The Septuagint (Greek) and vulgate (Latin) helped spreadit globally.
e) Lk. 24:44: God guided Jewish leaders to affirm the OT, as affirmed by Jesus. Early Church leaders recognised NT books through apostolic authorship, sound doctrine (Gal.1:8) and acceptance by believers, ensuring only God- inspired writings were included.
f) Jn. 14:26: The Holy Spirit oversaw this canonisation process, ensuring that the Bible is indeed God-breathed (2 Tim. 3:16,17). He ensured the accuracy and authenticity of the Scripture.
THE PRESERVATION BY BELIEVERS (Deut. 6:6-9; Matt. 5:18; 28:19-20; 1Tim. 6:20; Jas. 1:22; 2 Pet. 3:15,16)
O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge.
(1 Tim. 6:20)
a) Jas. 1:22: We must both study and live according to the Bible’s teachings. Our actions should reflect the truths of God’s Word, by which we show its relevance to the world around us.
b) Deut. 6:6-9: It is the responsibility of parents, pastors and teachers to pass on
Word to the next generation. This ensures that the truth is preserved and shared with future believers.
c) 2 Pet. 3:15,16: We must unrepentantly protect (guard) the Scripture from distortion and misinterpretation by studying it carefully and refuting errors.
d) Matt. 28:19-20: We should support Bible translation and distribution. Helping in doing these ensures that people of all nations and languages have access to God’s Word. This is part of fulfilling the Great Commission.
e) 5:18: We must stand firm on the Bible’s authority, by remaining faithful to its truths despite societal, or culturalpressures. God’s Word is unchanging and eternal.
LESSONS DERIVED
- God has ensured His Word’s faithful preservation through history. This shows its eternal reliability.
- Believers must actively teach, live and safeguard the Scripture to ensure its impact for generations to come.
QUESTIONS
- How has God’s Word been preserved and transmitted through history?
- What practical steps can you take to share and protect God’s Word in your community?
