The Bible
Our English word "Bible" comes from a Greek word (biblion that meant "book" or "roll." There have been many different "books" down through the ages, but the Bible is a book that is different from all others.
Various passages describe how God intended for people to view the Scriptures. It is called a "book" in Ps. 40:7 and the book of Revelation is designated as a "book of prophecy" in Rev. 22:19. According to Isa. 34:16, it is the "book of Jehovah." "Book of the law" is the designation in Neh. 8:3 and Gal. 3:10. God's word is a "good book" (Heb. 6:5) as well as a document we should regard as "holy" (Rom. 1:2) and "sacred" (2 Tim. 3:15). These designations are appropriate because the Bible is the "law of Jehovah" (Ps. 1:2).
In the New Testament we find the Bible described as the "oracles" of God (1 Pet. 4:11). Because the Bible is from God, it is considered to be "truth" (Jn. 17:17; 2 Tim. 2:15). Not only is God's word true, it is very powerful; in Eph. 6:15 we learn that the Bible is the "Spirit's sword." God's word is also considered to be the "word of Christ" (Col. 3:16) which allows us to have "life" (Phil. 2:16). In fact, the Bible is what generates faith (Rom. 1:16) and is the tool God uses to create spiritual life in people (Jas. 1:18) when they obey it (Acts 2:41). Because of what the Bible does the Bible is considered to be a type of "seed" (Lk. 8:11).
The Bible may be read privately, but God's will is that it also be read publicly (Deut. 31:11-13; 1 Tim. 4:13). In addition to being read, the Bible should be expounded upon (Lk. 4:16-21) and carefully examined (Acts 17:11) to make sure people are teaching the truth (1 Thess. 5:21). God does not want anyone to add anything to His word or take anything away from it (2 Jn. 9; Rev. 22:18-19). If God's word is properly used, many will be convinced they are guilty of sin and they need to obey the gospel (Acts 2:37).
If people will use the Bible, we have all we need to
live a righteous life (2 Pet. 1:3; Ps. 119:9). The Bible is a
document that is considered "God-breathed" (2 Tim. 3:16).
If we look at examples from the past, we find that God intends for "all the words" in the Scriptures to be read (Josh. 8:34-35), people may study the Bible for many hours at a time and study it in earnest (Neh. 8:3). God tells us His word even needs to be read and studied by national leaders and important people (Deut. 17:18). Some have shown their reverence for the Scriptures by standing up when it was read (Neh. 8:5). Even if just one person is interested in studying the Bible, God is interested in this single soul (Acts 8:29-30). Some doubt that the Scriptures can be understood, but the Bible says the Scriptures can be understood (Eph 5:17). For more information on "understanding the will of the Lord alike," see the www.abiblecommentary.com commentary on Romans 15:5-6 (there is a 12 point study on understanding the Bible alike).