Why Study the Bible?

 

There was once a young mother who had two young children. She was a stay-at-home mom who dearly loved her kids. This mom had worked for several years but decided it was best for her to stay home and raise the kids. So, she did. But over time, the mother found something was missing from her life.

 

This young mother decided that she needed to make some friends. But where could she connect with other young mothers? At that time, there weren’t many places for mothers to gather together with their children, except for church. So, the mother decided to connect with other mothers at one of her town’s local churches. 

She turned to the church she had attended as a teenager. This church was familiar, and there were still people there who remembered her and her parents. So, she started attending church, getting involved in the choir, and meeting other young mothers. 

Over time, something began to happen. This young mother’s faith began to blossom, and she had a strong desire to know God more closely. So, she joined a Bible study led by the church pastor and found the class fulfilling for her mind and soul. 

This mother didn’t know that the Bible could have such a draw for her. But she learned many things about God, His Son, Jesus, and so much more. Over the rest of her life, the Bible became a stable anchor through some hard times and good times. Studying the Bible continued to be a major part of her life. 

It was/is Me

As you may have gathered, that short tale is about me. Long ago I was that young mother staying home with her kids. I found being a stay-at-home mom fascinating, fun, and a lot of work. But over time, I realized it was necessary to have some friends for the kids and myself. 

At that time, my faith was there, but it was still in the infant stage. Something in me wanted more, though, so that made me start attending church and getting involved with kids’ activities. That led to becoming involved in the choir, the Bible study, and an intercessory prayer group. Through it all, my faith and awareness of God began to grow.

The Word of God Grows Our Faith

Bible study has been an integral part of my life all these years, though I haven’t talked about it all that much until now. In this modern age, it seemed necessary to remind each of us about the importance of studying the Bible and learning more about God. After all, the Bible is the foundation of our faith! 

Some people believe that once you’re saved, that’s it. You don’t have to worry about anything else regarding your faith or where you go after death. But that’s simply not true. In that state, our soul remains infantile—an immature soul. The problem is that we’re called to grow and mature in the Holy Spirit in this life.  

Reading the Bible is part of growing more mature in Christ; however, Bible study is also needed. It’s through Bible study that we build the foundation and anchor of our faith. 

…that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ…

Ephesians 4:14-15

Growing in Christ means practicing prayer, reading the Bible, Bible study, and living and practicing your faith in life with others. These activities grow our faith and knowledge of God over time. More importantly, these are ways to have a deeper relationship with God. 

If you want to know God more deeply, Bible study needs to be part of your life. Studying the Word of God deepens and strengthens your faith. The Scriptures are the food our souls need to grow and mature in the faith and knowledge of God. 

The Word of God Corrects Us

Some find one aspect of Bible study difficult to deal with. They find it hard that the Word of God corrects us at times. Correction is part of the Scripture’s purpose, as it says in Proverbs 3:11 NKJV, “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction; for whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights.” 

In this verse, the Hebrew word for “chastening” can mean “correction, reproof, discipline, and instruction.” Each of these words is part of the process of chastening. No one likes to be chastened or rebuked; however, as children of God, we do require reproof and discipline at times. God chastens (teaches, guides, and disciplines) us through different means, including His Word, the Bible. He does this because He loves us. 

When He corrects you through His Word, your conscience feels guilty. He may show us how we’re wrong and how to fix it, though He may only show that we’re wrong. In that case, we need to pray for guidance on what’s wrong and what we must do to correct it. This can all happen through reading the Scriptures, during prayer, or when we’re washing the dishes. It definitely can happen when we’re reading and studying the Bible. 

The Word of God Teaches Us

As we read and study the Bible, God’s Word can teach us, but only if we’re open to His guidance. 

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 NKJV

The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. 

Psalm 119:130 NKJV

Studying God’s Word brings enlightenment, growth, understanding, and more. It also helps us avoid becoming caught up in false doctrine and lets us know when someone’s quoting Scripture incorrectly. When we’re not protected by knowledge of the Bible and God’s power, we’re left open to all types of errors and the cunning craftiness of others. On the other hand, when we know God’s Word, we are filled with His Holy Spirit and can be wise. However, we must remain humble in order to receive His teaching and guidance.

This is not to say that we can’t sin. Yes, we can and do sin, even if we’re studying the Bible. We’re humans, and we will make mistakes. However, when we study God’s Word, we are better informed and armed to avoid some mistakes. We can trust God to correct us when we need it. 

When we combine God’s Word with prayer, we are safe and cannot be led astray by false doctrines or those who would do us harm. 

God’s Word Causes Us to Love Him More

As we read and study the Bible, the words cause us to love God and Christ that much more. Read the miracles performed by Jesus. Learn of the mercy He showed the adulterous woman. Study God’s instruction for Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Issac, and the mercy that He showed them both. How can we not start to love this God who has given His only Son to die for our sins? 

As you study the Scriptures, you can’t help but start to love our Father and Jesus. The Word becomes more precious to us as we read and study it more. 

Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts. 

Jeremiah 15:16 NKJV

An Invitation to Study God’s Word

If you haven’t already started, I’d like to invite you to study God’s Word in the Bible. Why not give it a try for a few weeks and see what happens? You may be surprised by how much you enjoy it! You may develop such a taste for the Word that you keep studying the Bible for the rest of your life! 

This is what happened to me with God’s Word, and I pray you experience a growing, deep hunger for His Word, too. 

God bless,

PS If you'd like to find apps for prayer, Bible study, etc., head over to our Resources page!