Why Read and Study the Bible
Why is it important to study the Bible?
Another way to ask is, “Why does it matter?” Christians should know and study the Bible for many reasons, but the primary one is because God is the author.
We all know that God is the Creator (Genesis 1:1); we know Him as Judge (Genesis 18:25) and Redeemer (Isaiah 60:16). But do we think of God as the Author? Human writers convince us that it is vital to read their books.
But it is much more important to read God’s book, the Bible.
Bible Verse: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
“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.”
The Inspiration of the Bible
People have different interpretations as to what it means to say that the Bible is inspired. Is the Bible as a whole inspired or just some parts of it? The apostle Paul affirmed that all Scripture is “God-breathed,” not just some.
Peter also said, “For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21).
Didn’t God breathe in the human authors? The Holy Spirit did not only “inspire” the human authors of the Bible to write it; God also inspired the very words they wrote.
The Bible is a unique book because every word in it was breathed by God.
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The Need to Study the Bible
Why should you study the Bible?
Recently I had a conversation with a close relative and we were discussing eschatology, which is the study of future events. The conversation reminded me of the importance of studying the Bible in general. These include studying the Bible as a whole down to an individual verse.
As 2 Timothy 3:16 says, studying the Bible is a very good idea so that we know what the Bible teaches. How well do we know the doctrines of the Bible?
1. To Identify False Doctrines
We should study the Bible to know how to call out or reprove false doctrines.
Jesus warned us of goats in sheep’s clothing in Matthew 7:15. In fact, one of the most addressed themes in the New Testament is false teachers and false teaching.
Many people today are often deceived into joining religious cults because they do not know the Word. Cult leaders quote Bible verses and passages but twist them to support their beliefs.
We read and study what the Bible teaches because it helps us to identify false teachers and false doctrines. The devil used the Word of God to tempt Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11). But because Jesus knew God’s Word very well, He did not give in. Instead, He used the Word to rebuke Satan to his face.
You see, we can only “fact-check” these false teachers if we know the Word of God. It is not only the pastor’s responsibility to stand up against false doctrines. When presented with a false belief, do you know how to respond biblically?
2. To Live in Righteousness
Studying the Bible for Christians is also very important to change our actions and directions.
When we got saved, the Holy Spirit corrected us so we could change our actions. We are still sinners and sanctification takes time. Thus, the Holy Spirit has to keep changing our minds from desiring to sin to desiring righteousness.
Studying eschatology is an excellent example. The study of future events should lead Christians to reevaluate their life. Knowing that the Lord can come back at any time, we are to purify ourselves just as He is pure (1 John 3:3). As we wait for the blessed hope, we are to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age (Titus 2:11-13).
Are you ready to stand before God or not? One day, every Christian will stand before God give an account of their life. Will God be pleased with how you’ve lived your life?
3. To Grow and Mature
God did not just save us from sin through the suffering and death of His Son (John 3:16); He wanted us to grow and mature in our spiritual life (2 Peter 3:18). But growth does not happen instantly and automatically.
In the same way that a baby needs nourishment to grow, we also need to feed on God’s Word to grow and mature (Matthew 4:4). We cannot expect growth without reading and studying the Bible. This, of course, is in addition to consistent prayer life and regular fellowship with others.
4. To be Equipped
The Christian life is not just about a personal relationship and intimacy with God; it’s also about taking care of the Father’s business. Every follower of Christ has the mandate to share God’s message of salvation to the lost (Matthew 18:19-20).
But we cannot go out there unprepared; we need to know the Word of God. When Peter preached the most powerful sermon on Pentecost, he quoted from the book of Joel (Acts 2:16-21; Joel 2:28-32). The Ethiopian eunuch came to faith in Jesus when Philip explained to him what Isaiah 53 means (Acts 8:26-35).
Christians need to read and study the Bible so that they can share the Gospel with others effectively. How equipped are you?
Closing Words
There are several practical benefits of reading and studying the Bible including but not limited to the above-mentioned. Scripture also reveals our place within God’s program and answers crucial questions about our origin, purpose, and destiny. Knowing these about God through the Bible will aid us to defend the truth and reliability of the Christian faith.
Although we cannot completely grasp how individual events fit into God’s program, we can understand God’s basic plan to come to know Him and serve Him.
Indeed, studying the Bible teaches us how to live in a way that is pleasing to God, so that we may be mature and equipped for all good works.
Are you spending time in the Word?
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Publisher’s Description
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