Hi, I have used articles in personal bible studies that I have with certain people. I use them so that I can have “structure” in my studies, and not just open the bible without direction as to what we’re talking about. For some reason, though, I started thinking that I would be opposed one day for not just using the “bible only” in my teaching. This lingers in my mind at times, and I wonder if I’m not thinking for myself when using other’s articles. What are your thoughts concerning this? Am I thinking too much of myself rather than in imparting spiritual information to another soul? Thank You, Anthony Grigsby
Certainly, the Bible needs to be the basis of all worthwhile religious instruction. However, every comment about and explanation of Scripture is categorically comparable to using literature. Every sermon is categorically comparable to using literature, due to observations and comments beyond simply reading Scripture.
The Bible itself expects explanations in addition to simply reading of Scripture. Consider these two examples, one from each testament of the Bible. “So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading” (Nehemiah 8:8). “And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. …Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus” (Acts 8:30-31, 35).
One may use the Bible without literature when teaching someone if he is able to comfortably and effectively do so. Yet, literature (which is simply words written) that is true to what the Bible teaches and assists one teaching and/or one being taught is biblically defensible.
