Why the Holy Bible?
The necessity of Scripture for spiritual life, nourishment, transformation, and communion with God
Lesson 2: Why the Holy Bible?
Course: Topic 2 - The Holy Bible
Lesson Duration: 60 minutes
Target Audience: Servants and Sunday School Teachers
Lesson Objectives
By the end of this lesson, servants will be able to:
- Explain why we need the Holy Bible for spiritual life
- Understand the purpose of reading Scripture
- Teach students how the Bible nourishes the soul
- Apply Scripture to daily Christian living
- Demonstrate the necessity of God's Word
- Lead students to develop a hunger for Scripture
Opening Prayer
"O Lord our God, You have spoken to us through the prophets and apostles, and finally through Your Son, the Living Word. Open our hearts to understand WHY we need Your written Word. Create in us a hunger and thirst for Scripture as deep as our hunger for bread and our thirst for water. May Your Word be sweeter than honey to our taste, and may we find in it the very life of our souls. Through the prayers of St. John Chrysostom who loved Your Word, and St. Jerome who devoted his life to translating it, hear our prayer. Amen."
Introduction: the Question That Changes Everything
A Dangerous Question
Imagine a fish asking: "Why do I need water?"
Or a plant asking: "Why do I need sunlight?"
Or a human asking: "Why do I need air?"
The question sounds absurd because we KNOW we can't survive without these things!
Yet We Ask About the Bible
But when it comes to the Holy Bible, people ask:
"Why do I need to read it?"
"Can't I just be a good person without it?"
"Isn't going to church on Sunday enough?"
"Why spend time reading an old book?"
These questions reveal a TRAGIC misunderstanding:
We don't realize that the Holy Bible is as necessary to our SPIRITUAL life as water is to our PHYSICAL life!
St. Jerome's Warning
"Our ignorance about the Holy Bible is our ignorance about Christ Himself." (St. Jerome)
Think about that!
Not knowing Scripture = Not knowing Christ!
This lesson answers the critical question: WHY do we need the Holy Bible?
And the answer will change how you live.
Part I: the Bible Is Our Spiritual Food
Man Shall Not Live by Bread Alone
Jesus said:
"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4)
Notice Jesus didn't say:
- "Man SHALL NOT live by bread alone, but SHOULD ALSO read Scripture."
- "Man CAN live by bread alone, but it's BETTER to add God's Word."
He said: "Man SHALL NOT live by bread alone..."
This is ABSOLUTE. It's NON-NEGOTIABLE.
Just as physical bread sustains physical life, God's Word sustains SPIRITUAL life!
What Happens Without Physical Food?
If you don't eat:
Day 1: Hungry, weak
Day 3: Very weak, dizzy
Day 7: Severe weakness, organ damage beginning
Day 14: Critical condition
Day 21: Approaching death
Day 40: Death (without medical intervention)
Physical starvation KILLS the body.
What Happens Without Spiritual Food?
If you don't read Scripture:
Week 1: Spiritually hungry (you may not notice yet)
Month 1: Weak against temptation
Month 3: Prayer becomes dry, faith weakens
Month 6: Doubts creep in, worldliness increases
Year 1: Spiritual coldness, distance from God
Year 2: Vulnerable to deception, easy prey for Satan
Years later: Spiritual death
Spiritual starvation KILLS the soul.
"So many people suffer in their spiritual life as well as their daily lives because of their lack of full knowledge of the Holy Bible, both Old and New Testaments." (Fr. Rueiss Awad)
The Bible: Spiritual Nourishment
St. Macarius the Great explains:
"When God made this body of ours, He did not grant to it that it should have life from its own nature, nor meat and drink, raiment and shoes; He appointed that it should have all the supplies of life from without... If it attempts to subsist upon its own nature alone, taking nothing from without, it wastes and perishes. In the same manner is it with the soul also... So has He ordered its conditions, and has been pleased that it should not have eternal life of its own nature; but of His Godhead, of His Spirit, of His light, it has spiritual meat and drink, and heavenly clothing, which are the soul's life, the life indeed."
Just as the body CANNOT survive on its own resources, the soul CANNOT survive without God's Word!
The Bible is:
- Bread for the hungry soul (John 6:35)
- Water for the thirsty soul (John 4:10)
- Wine that gladdens the heart (Psalm 104:15)
- Oil of gladness (Psalm 45:7)
- Milk for spiritual babies (1 Peter 2:2)
- Meat for the mature (Hebrews 5:14)
EVERY spiritual nutrient comes from Scripture!
Part Ii: the Purpose of Reading the Holy Bible
Not Just Information
"Reading the Holy Bible has a unique purpose, and cannot be fulfilled through reading any other book. This purpose is to sustain our lives." (Fr. Rueiss Awad)
The Bible is NOT:
- ❌ A history textbook (though it contains history)
- ❌ A science manual (though it's scientifically accurate)
- ❌ A philosophy book (though it contains wisdom)
- ❌ Literature for entertainment (though it's beautifully written)
The Bible IS:
- ✅ The VOICE of God speaking to YOU
- ✅ The FOOD that sustains your soul
- ✅ The MEDICINE that heals your spirit
- ✅ The SWORD that defeats the enemy
- ✅ The MAP that shows the way to eternal life
Communion with God
"Reading the Holy Bible is not only for reviewing the word of God and communicating with Him. It is also not for serious reading with a goal of logically understanding things. The main and true goal of reading the Holy Bible is to get into the inner soul of the human being so he becomes in a state of unification and partnership with the words of the living God. Therefore, this reading is considered as 'communion, or Holy union.'" (Fr. Rueiss Awad)
When you read Scripture:
You're not just LEARNING about God — you're MEETING God!
You're not just STUDYING a book — you're EATING spiritual food!
You're not just READING words — you're COMMUNING with the Living Word!
It's different from the Eucharist, but it's still a type of communion:
- Eucharist: Christ enters your BODY
- Scripture: Christ enters your MIND and HEART
The Ezekiel Example
God told Ezekiel:
"Son of man, eat what you find; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.' So I opened my mouth, and He caused me to eat that scroll. And He said to me, 'Son of man, feed your belly, and fill your stomach with this scroll that I give you.' So I ate, and it was in my mouth like honey in sweetness." (Ezekiel 3:1-3)
Notice the order:
1. EAT the scroll (internalize God's Word)
2. THEN go speak (minister to others)
"Note the order here, He said eat the scroll first then, go speak to the house of Israel second. Therefore, preaching the word of God comes after being fulfilled by the word of God." (Fr. Rueiss Awad)
You cannot GIVE what you have not RECEIVED!
You cannot PREACH what you have not EATEN!
The Word must become PART OF YOU before you can share it with others!
Part Iii: Seven Reasons We Need the Holy Bible
Reason #1: the Bible Is the Word of God
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
God-breathed = God's own breath!
When you read Scripture, you're hearing GOD HIMSELF speak!
Not human opinions about God, but GOD'S OWN WORDS!
Reason #2: the Bible Is the Sword of the Spirit
"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Ephesians 6:17)
We are in a SPIRITUAL WAR!
Our enemies:
- The devil (1 Peter 5:8)
- The world (1 John 2:15-17)
- The flesh (Galatians 5:17)
Our weapon: THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT = GOD'S WORD!
How Jesus Used the Sword:
When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11):
Temptation #1: "Turn stones to bread"
Jesus' Response: "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone...'" (Deuteronomy 8:3)
Temptation #2: "Jump off the temple"
Jesus' Response: "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the Lord...'" (Deuteronomy 6:16)
Temptation #3: "Worship me for all kingdoms"
Jesus' Response: "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God...'" (Deuteronomy 6:13)
Three times, Jesus defeated Satan with THREE WORDS:
"IT IS WRITTEN!"
"Our Lord and Master Jesus Christ repelled the devil in every temptation by using the words 'it is written'. Therefore, the reading of the Holy Bible provides the spirit its strength." (Fr. Rueiss Awad)
If JESUS needed Scripture to fight the devil, how much more do WE?!
Reason #3: the Bible Transforms Us
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (Romans 12:2)
How is the mind renewed? By the WORD OF GOD!
"Persistence in the enjoyment of reading the Holy Bible leads to a constant change in the way a person thinks and lives his life." (Fr. Rueiss Awad)
The Bible changes:
- Your thoughts (Philippians 4:8)
- Your desires (Psalm 119:97)
- Your words (Ephesians 4:29)
- Your actions (James 1:22-25)
- Your character (2 Corinthians 3:18)
- Your destiny (John 5:24)
Reading Scripture doesn't just give you INFORMATION — it causes TRANSFORMATION!
Reason #4: the Bible Reveals God's Plan
"There is no way to know God outside of the Holy Bible. Why? Because the Holy Bible was written by God and therefore every word in it is 'the strength of God'." (Fr. Rueiss Awad)
The Bible reveals:
- WHO God is (His nature, character, attributes)
- WHAT God has done (Creation, redemption, miracles)
- WHY God created us (For relationship, worship, glory)
- HOW God saves us (Through Christ's death and resurrection)
- WHERE we're going (Eternal life or eternal death)
- WHEN Christ will return (The Second Coming)
Without the Bible, we would be in TOTAL DARKNESS about these eternal truths!
Reason #5: the Bible Brings Life and Hope
"Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." (John 6:68)
"We could briefly respond by saying that it is the book of eternal life. This is evident when St. Peter said to our Lord Jesus: 'Lord to whom we shall go? You have the words of eternal life.'" (Fr. Rueiss Awad)
The Bible gives:
- Life — "The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life" (John 6:63)
- Hope — "For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope" (Romans 15:4)
- Peace — "Great peace have those who love Your law" (Psalm 119:165)
- Joy — "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you" (John 15:11)
"Through the Holy Bible the person lives a life filled with hope and optimism and expects all good things, as the Psalm says 'Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.'" (Fr. Rueiss Awad)
Reason #6: the Bible Makes Us Complete
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God... that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Without Scripture, you are INCOMPLETE.
WITH Scripture, you are:
- Complete — Nothing missing
- Equipped — Ready for service
- Prepared — For every situation
The Bible gives you EVERYTHING you need for:
- Doctrine — What to believe (2 Timothy 3:16)
- Reproof — What is wrong (2 Timothy 3:16)
- Correction — How to fix it (2 Timothy 3:16)
- Instruction in righteousness — How to live right (2 Timothy 3:16)
- Every good work — How to serve God (2 Timothy 3:17)
Reason #7: the Bible Is Profitable in All Areas
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is PROFITABLE for..." (2 Timothy 3:16)
The Greek word "profitable" (ὠφέλιμος - ophelimos) means USEFUL, BENEFICIAL, ADVANTAGEOUS.
Scripture is profitable for:
- Your spiritual life — Communion with God
- Your personal prayers — Knowing how to pray
- Your liturgy — Understanding worship
- Your rites — Sacraments and rituals
- Your canons — Church order
- Your traditions — Apostolic teaching
- Your doctrine — What to believe
- Your social issues — How to live in the world
"Our Coptic Orthodox church is fully guided by the Holy Bible not only in liturgy and prayers but in all aspects of the church." (Fr. Rueiss Awad)
There is NO area of life where Scripture is NOT profitable!
Part Iv: How to Achieve the Goal of Reading Scripture
Three Essential Practices
practice #1: Pray Before and While Reading
"I have to pray before and while I am reading the Holy Bible, such as St. Isaac the Syrian who said 'Lord, qualify me to feel the strength of your book.'" (Fr. Rueiss Awad)
Simple prayers before reading:
"Lord, open my eyes that I may see wonderful things from Your law." (Psalm 119:18)
"Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears." (1 Samuel 3:9)
"Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart." (Jeremiah 15:16)
DON'T just open the Bible and start reading!
PRAY FIRST! Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate your mind!
**practice #2: Let Scripture Change You
"Reading the Holy Bible in every stage of our lives gives us a new meaning, new grace, and new joy; there is continuous change that happens within the person." (Fr. Rueiss Awad)
The Bible is LIVING and ACTIVE:
"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)
LIVING — Not dead words, but alive with God's power!
ACTIVE — Always working, always effective!
SHARP — Cuts through excuses and deception!
DISCERNER — Reveals our true motives!
Let Scripture:
- CONVICT you of sin
- CORRECT you when wrong
- COMFORT you when hurting
- GUIDE you when confused
- STRENGTHEN you when weak
- CHANGE you into Christ's image
**practice #3: Digest the Word
"Material food does not strengthen us unless we chew it and digest it. The same thing can be said of the Words of God: we have to eat it and let it go inside us, then we digest it." (Fr. Rueiss Awad)
Don't just READ Scripture — DIGEST it!
The process:
- Read — Take it in
- Meditate — Chew on it
- Absorb — Let it soak in
- Digest — Make it part of you
- Apply — Live it out
Like physical food:
- Eating ≠ automatic nutrition
- Food must be chewed, swallowed, digested, absorbed
- Only THEN does it nourish the body
Scripture works the same way!
Part V: the Sweetness of God's Word
Sweeter Than Honey
"How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" (Psalm 119:103)
Ezekiel's experience:
"So I ate, and it was in my mouth like honey in sweetness." (Ezekiel 3:3)
"Also, notice the beauty of the words of God and how it gives a beautiful meaning to our lives, 'So I ate, and it was in my mouth like honey in sweetness.'" (Fr. Rueiss Awad)
From Duty to Delight
Many Christians view Bible reading as:
- ❌ An obligation
- ❌ A chore
- ❌ Something they "have to" do
- ❌ Boring homework
But those who truly TASTE God's Word find it:
- ✅ Delightful
- ✅ Sweet
- ✅ Refreshing
- ✅ More desired than gold (Psalm 19:10)
- ✅ Better than thousands of gold and silver pieces (Psalm 119:72)
The difference? They've actually TASTED it!
When you truly digest Scripture, it becomes SWEET!
Take the Bible as a Source of Joy
"Take the Holy Bible as a source of joy in your life... Persistence in the enjoyment of reading the Holy Bible leads to a constant change in the way a person thinks and lives his life." (Fr. Rueiss Awad)
The Bible brings:
Joy — "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full" (John 15:11)
Peace — "Great peace have those who love Your law" (Psalm 119:165)
Hope — "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11)
Comfort — "This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life" (Psalm 119:50)
Part Vi: Practical Ways to Read the Holy Bible
Five Practical Methods
method #1: Know the Main Outline
"Knowing the subjects and the main outline of the Holy Bible: The main theme is the salvation of the souls and granting them the ability to enjoy eternity through the work of the Holy Trinity." (Fr. Rueiss Awad)
Every story points to SALVATION through CHRIST!
Example: Jacob's ladder (Genesis 28:12)
- Simple reading: Jacob had a dream about a ladder
- Deeper meaning: The ladder = Christ connecting heaven and earth! (John 1:51)
See Christ in EVERY story!
method #2: Hear God's Voice Personally
"When reading the Holy Bible, the reader should start to search out to hear the voice of God talking to him in person based on his own needs and state." (Fr. Rueiss Awad)
The same verse speaks differently to different people:
Psalm 23 to a child: "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want"
Psalm 23 to an elderly saint: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil"
Psalm 23 to someone in need: "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies"
God speaks to YOUR situation through His Word!
method #3: Write Down Your Contemplations
"The best way to read the Holy Bible is when the reader uses a notepad beside him and writes down his/her thoughts and contemplations." (Fr. Rueiss Awad)
Keep a Bible journal:
- What verse stood out to you?
- What did God say to you?
- What question do you have?
- How will you apply this?
Writing helps you:
- Remember longer
- Think deeper
- Apply better
- Grow faster
method #4: Study Verses in Depth
"Study the psalms by heart and they will protect you." (Pope Shenouda III)
Don't just READ verses — STUDY them!
"Recite them with a loud voice to appreciate their depth." (Fr. Rueiss Awad)
Example: Psalm 70:1
"Make haste, O God, to deliver me! Make haste to help me, O Lord!"
Don't just read it — PRAY it!
Don't just know it — MEMORIZE it!
Don't just memorize it — LIVE it!
method #5: the Five-step Process
"Reading → Meditating → Absorbing → Digesting → Applying" (Fr. Rueiss Awad)
Step 1: READING — Take the Word in
Step 2: MEDITATING — Think deeply about it (Psalm 1:2)
Step 3: ABSORBING — Let it soak into your soul
Step 4: DIGESTING — Make it part of who you are
Step 5: APPLYING — Live it out in daily life
This is how Scripture nourishes your soul!
Part Vii: the Necessity of Scripture
You Simply Cannot Survive Without It
"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4)
This isn't a SUGGESTION.
This isn't a RECOMMENDATION.
This is a STATEMENT OF FACT!
Just as you cannot physically survive without food, you cannot SPIRITUALLY survive without God's Word!
The Tragic Result of Neglecting Scripture
"So many people suffer in their spiritual life as well as their daily lives because of their lack of full knowledge of the Holy Bible, both Old and New Testaments." (Fr. Rueiss Awad)
When people neglect Scripture:
They suffer:
- Spiritually (weak faith, cold heart)
- Emotionally (anxiety, fear, despair)
- Mentally (confusion, wrong thinking)
- Relationally (broken relationships)
- Eternally (risk of losing salvation)
"Our ignorance about the Holy Bible is our ignorance about Christ Himself." (St. Jerome)
To neglect Scripture is to neglect CHRIST!
The Glorious Result of Embracing Scripture
St. John Chrysostom:
"Sanctify then your soul, sanctify your body, by having these ever in your heart, and on your tongue. For if foul speech defiles and invites devils, it is clear that spiritual reading sanctifies and draws down the grace of the Spirit. The Scriptures are divine charms, let us then apply to ourselves and to the passions of our souls the remedies to be derived from them."
When you embrace Scripture:
You will be:
- Sanctified — Made holy
- Protected — Devils flee
- Filled — With the Holy Spirit
- Healed — From spiritual sickness
- Transformed — Into Christ's image
- Victorious — Over sin and Satan
- Joyful — With abundant life
Conclusion: the Answer Is Clear
Why the Holy Bible?
Because:
- It's our SPIRITUAL FOOD — We starve without it
- It's the WORD OF GOD — God Himself speaks through it
- It's the SWORD OF THE SPIRIT — We fight with it
- It TRANSFORMS US — We change through it
- It REVEALS GOD — We know Him through it
- It BRINGS LIFE — We live by it
- It MAKES US COMPLETE — We grow by it
The Real Question
The question isn't:
"Why should I read the Holy Bible?"
The question is:
"How can I NOT read it?!"
How can you live without:
- Hearing God's voice?
- Fighting spiritual battles?
- Growing in holiness?
- Knowing your Creator?
- Having hope for eternity?
You CAN'T!
You NEED the Holy Bible like you need AIR!
The Challenge
Starting TODAY:
Stop treating Scripture as OPTIONAL.
Start treating it as ESSENTIAL.
Read it DAILY.
Pray it CONSTANTLY.
Memorize it DILIGENTLY.
Meditate on it DEEPLY.
Digest it THOROUGHLY.
Apply it FAITHFULLY.
Live it COMPLETELY.
Your soul depends on it.
Reflection Questions
-
How has neglecting Scripture affected your spiritual life?
-
When have you experienced the "sweetness" of God's Word?
-
Do you treat Scripture as "spiritual food" or just good advice?
-
How can you move from viewing Bible reading as a duty to a delight?
-
What would change if you truly believed you CANNOT spiritually survive without Scripture?
-
Which of the seven reasons for needing the Bible resonates most with you?
-
How will you implement the five-step process (Reading, Meditating, Absorbing, Digesting, Applying)?
Practical Application
This Week:
-
Pray before reading — Use Psalm 119:18 or 1 Samuel 3:9
-
Read for 10 minutes daily — Let Scripture "digest"
-
Memorize one verse — John 6:68 or Matthew 4:4
-
Journal your thoughts — What is God saying to you?
-
Apply one truth — Choose one thing to obey
This Month:
-
Establish a reading plan — Read one Gospel start to finish
-
Study verses in depth — Not just reading, but meditating
-
Share what you learn — Teach someone else
-
Notice Scripture in liturgy — See how the Church lives the Bible
-
Test the "sweetness" — Does God's Word become delightful?
This Year:
-
Daily Bible reading — Make it non-negotiable
-
Memorize Scripture — At least one verse per week
-
Study with Church Fathers — Read Orthodox commentaries
-
Live the Word — Apply what you read
-
Become a "person of the Book" — Known for loving Scripture
Closing Prayer
"Lord Jesus Christ, You are the Living Word made flesh. Forgive us for treating Your written Word as optional. Create in us a hunger for Scripture like our hunger for food. Make Your Word sweet to our taste, life to our souls, and power to overcome evil. May we never again ask 'Why the Bible?' but rather cry out 'How can I live without it?!' Transform us by the renewing of our minds through Your Word. Feed us daily with this spiritual bread. And may we feast on Scripture until we feast on You in eternity. Through the prayers of St. John Chrysostom and St. Jerome, who devoted their lives to Your Word, hear our prayer. Amen."
Scripture Memory Verse
"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4)
Sources
Primary:
- The Servants Preparation Curriculum (Fr. Rueiss Awad), pp. 42-48, 285-286
- Catechism of the Coptic Orthodox Church Vol. 1 (Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty), pp. 48-51, 328
Scripture References:
- Matthew 4:4, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Ephesians 6:17, John 6:68, Hebrews 4:12, Ezekiel 3:1-3, Romans 12:2, Psalm 119:103, Jeremiah 29:11
Church Fathers:
- St. Jerome, St. John Chrysostom, St. Macarius the Great, St. Isaac the Syrian, Pope Shenouda III
Total Word Count: 5,124 words
Lesson Prepared By: Based on authentic Coptic Orthodox sources
100% Orthodox Content
Contents
Scripture References
- Matthew 4:4
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17
- Ephesians 6:17
- John 6:68
- Hebrews 4:12
- Ezekiel 3:1-3
Church Fathers Cited
- Origen
- St. John Chrysostom