Seven Reasons To Study The Bible

People of all ages love to travel. They take long trips to beautiful countryside or cities they’ve never seen and want to explore in depth. Imagine them setting out on a journey without a map or directions. Soon they wander and get lost. They’re completely clueless about their destination, with no plans, purpose, or goals in mind. Similar to individuals, the spiritual journey is one of faith. God gives a roadmap to follow, which is His Word. The Holy Spirit comes alongside to aid in this faith journey. God never expects believers to live the Christian life on their own. His Holy Spirit is both our anchor and guide. 

Let’s inspect how God’s Word instructs us as believers. As we travel this journey of faith, we need a map and guide. The Psalmist reminds us that we are passing through this world and our citizenship is in heaven (Psalm 119:19).We need God’s guidance and provision along our way. As pilgrims, we study God’s map, His Word, to enlighten our path, and to give direction lest we stumble and fall.   

(1) It Is God’s Revelation

     God gave His Word to us by controlling the personalities of men to write without error (2 Peter 1:21). I affirm there are no errors in the Bible as stated in (Psalm 12:6; Psalm 19:7; Proverbs 30:5). I’ve heard doctrines of different faiths rationalize the inerrancy of His Word, disclaiming its infallibility.

       It is incapable of having any errors since God is the divine author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Because God is perfect, how can His Word be full of errors? Nonsense. Neither is it a historical document or a collection of stories and religious teachings given under Moses and the New Testament leaders. Jesus Himself spoke about the Supreme authority of His Word comes directly from the Father (John 7:16; John 14:24). His Word is eternal because Christ is the living Word(John 1:14; 6:51). It is a living testament of God’s love, wisdom, and guidance for His people (2 Timothy 3:16-17). When we study God’s Word, we hear from God to learn His truths and to apply them to our lives. Without regular engagement in Scriptures, our understanding of God and His plan for our lives remain incomplete.

(2) It Deepens Our Relationship With God

        It is impossible to live by faith without hearing from Him, listening, and obeying His commands (James 1:22 Romans 10:17). Scripture study, memorization, and prayer, are essentials to deepening our relationship with God. How is it possible to know the mind and heart of God without proper study? Through His Holy Scriptures, we learn about His love, will, and plans for us. God speaks to us through His Word, telling us how to live in our relationship to Him and others. God’s wisdom gives us guidance and instruction to avoid unsafe routes in which we travel, obstacles to faith, and gives secrets to victory. By ignoring God’s Word, we lose intimacy by perverting to our own selfishness and His glory that He desires to work through us.

     God calls us to live a fruitful life (Galatians 5:22-25). We live out our faith by sharing and witnessing of His grace and love in every day living. God empowers us to show forth good works by His enabling Spirit. As His ambassadors, we represent Him to those who are living in darkness. We’re the children of light. We allow our light to shine bright in these evil days in which we live (Matthew 5:16a). To win souls for His kingdom requires us to deepen our faith, growing in grace, and loving Him more. In James 4:8, God calls us to draw near to Him, which is a step towards a deeper walk with Him. We immerse ourselves in His Word by drawing close to Him. By doing this, we experience His presence and guidance daily.

(3) It Helps Us To Grow Up In Christ 

       Nourishment is essential to physical health in developing strong, healthy bodies. When babies are born into this world, they begin their physical journey in growing up. They need milk to develop strong bones and a healthy body. As they grow, they add to their diet meat. The Bible is the spiritual food that sustains us, helping us grow in faith and maturity (1 Peter 2:2). When we study God’s Word, we feed our spirits upon His truth. As we feed upon God’s Word, we grow stronger in our faith and more mature in our walk with Jesus. To grow our faith means that we take on a responsibility. We are accountable for practicing spiritual disciplines through prayer, quiet time, and worshiping our Creator. It is through these practices our faith develops by yielding, submitting, and obeying His Word.

          As we align our hearts to doing God’s will, God’s work of grace, transforms and shapes our character. By doing this, He equips us to become better witnesses for Him. Without spiritual growth, we become like a dead tree that withers because there is no life to draw any nourishment from. Jesus is our nourishment for spiritual growth. God is the Vine, and we are branches on it to draw nourishment and life from Him (John 15).  

 (4) It Builds A Foundation Of Truth

      What is the truth? Pilate asked this question when Jesus appeared before him (John 18:38). God declared His Word to be truth (John 17:17). Jesus became the embodiment of truth in His incarnation (John 1:14).  God’s supreme sacrifice summed up the law and prophets in showing us how to live a holy life and to be forgiven (John 1:17).  His grace has made us right  through His sacrificial death and resurrection. God’s finished work to redeem us from sin’s bondage is our only ticket to heaven (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). If we try to enter any other way, it becomes useless efforts.

        In a world that questions the genuineness of God’s Word, it is an unchanging foundation of truth. All other claims we measure by God’s standard, written in His Word. By studying God’s Word, we ground ourselves in this truth by protecting ourselves from deception and error. As we live in this culture, we hear ideologies of humanity that are contrary to God’s Word. It is important to defend our faith and stand upon the teachings of God’s Truth. As we study the Bible, we can discern between truth and error, and stand firm in our faith even amid of opposition.

    (5) It Equips Us For Ministry

         The Bible not only builds a solid foundation of truth, but it equips us for ministry. God uses our pastor to equip us for ministry to serve others. The pastor uses the Bible to explain to us God’s will in preparing us to serve in our churches and communities. God calls us to minister to others in the body of Christ. It just isn’t the sole responsibility of the pastor, but all believers serve Christ in the body by using their gifts.

           We see, according to Scripture, why God gave pastors and teachers in the churches (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Three things were taught: the usefulness of God’s Word. Scripture comes from God because it is His Word to us. We’re taught to find the right path after leaving it. By practicing God’s truth, you’re equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:17).

             A second reminder is God’s Spirit as an agent that equips us. Let’s go to 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, which speaks of the Holy Spirit and His work within. God gives us a spiritual gift, or more than one, that enables us to serve in the body of Christ. Every believer possesses one to use in the body for the work of God’s ministry. The purpose is to serve others. It is important to discover them for use in His service. There are different ways to do this as you seek direction from a pastor or other leader. God gives the gifts, but also, He gives the power to use them effectively as we yield to His Spirit. How is God calling you to serve?    

     (6) It Helps Us To Resist Temptation And Overcome Sin

           Our Spiritual weapons are in Christ (Ephesians 6:10). One weapon of warfare is the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12). Jesus confronts Satan after His baptism by using this weapon to defeat the enemy (Matthew 4:4). In resisting the enemy, Jesus quotes Scripture, God’s Word. Like Jesus, we use the same method in our Christian temptations, which gives us victory. The Scriptures alone are only one weapon in this spiritual battle. We’re admonished to wear the whole amour in this Christian battle we fight. 

             The best method to overcome sin in the heart is to memorize Scripture. It becomes a spiritual weapon that helps us stand against the enemy’s schemes. Be ready for temptation, don’t wait. Satan doesn’t give us time to open our Bibles when he tempts us to sin. As a growing Christian, I come to realize that Scripture memory is vital to my overcoming sin. As I fill my heart and mind with Scripture, it becomes a weapon against the enemy’s schemes. Even King David, could testify to Scripture memory as His means of victory (Psalm 119:11).

       (7) It Fosters Unity And Cultivates A Spirit Of Worship

           The Bible fosters unity among believers. This is true in relation to the historic church and their conduct in meeting together as we find in Acts 2:42. This model still applies today in our churches. As we study together, we grow closer as a body by encouraging one another and building each other up in faith. The Bible provides a common foundation for our beliefs and practices, helping to unite us in our purpose and mission. God’s Word helps us to cultivate a spirit of worship to God. As we study Scripture, it reminds us of God’s greatness, His goodness, and His faithfulness. When we explore His greatest, it leads into worship as we respond to His revelation with praise and adoration.

Conclusion: 

               We cannot overstate the importance of studying the Scriptures. It is a vital part of our spiritual journey in preparing ourselves for life’s uncertainties and ministry. Scriptures guide our path, deepen our relationship with God, give us strength through trials, and help us overcome. It builds a foundation of truth, fosters unity, and a spirit of worship. Let us commit to immersing ourselves in Scripture, allowing it to transform our hearts and guide our lives according to His perfect will. In doing so, we will be well-prepared to face whatever storms life may bring. We have a sure anchor in the truth of God’s Word.