Episode 2 – Unlocking the Bible (Benefits and Importance of Studying the Bible)

Benefits and Importance of Studying the Bible

 

IT’S A BOOK ABOUT GOD

The Bible is a book about God (Gen 1v1a). given to us from God, written by God through His servants and points us to salvation and worship of God. (2Tim 3v16)It is not just history with references to God’s people nor is it a record of poetic songs of religious people. It is not just a book about the birth, life and death of God’s Son, nor is it a story of the subsequent spread of Christianity. It includes all these, but it is a story about God.

Christ, the Son of God, is the central theme of the Bible (John 5:38). The Holy Spirit is the divine Author of Scripture (2 Peter 1:20, 21)  ²⁰ Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. ²¹ For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.. Therefore, the Bible is the revelation of God, Christ is the message of the Bible, and the Holy Spirit is the author of the Bible.

• INSPIRED BY GOD

The Greek word inspiration, that Paul used to describe how the Bible was written, literally means “breathed-out from God,” i.e. “all scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Tim. 3:16). Jesus spoke of “every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4). Therefore, when you pick up the Bible to study its pages, you have God’s book in your hands. Determine to get God’s message into your mind.

• The Bible yields food for the soul. It has the milk necessary for the spiritual growth of the babe, and strong meat to sustain the older, mature Christian. (See 1 Peter 2:1-2) ² Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,; Hebrews 5:12-14

A knowledge of the truth and obedience it is necessary to be made free from sin. (See John 8:31-32;  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”)

SPIRITUAL GROWTH

 

• The study of the Bible is foundational to our growth as Christians.Therefore, every Christian should plan to study the Bible, like the way one eats food to grow physically.  Just as one does not grow strong physically by eating only desserts, so a Christian will not grow strong in the faith without a balanced approach to Bible study. Eat rightly rather than simply stuffing your mouth or swallowing without chewing. We need to both devour and digest the Scriptures as we study.
• Eating balanced meals at regular intervals is one key to long term good health. Likewise, getting into the Scriptures daily is a good discipline to encourage ongoing spiritual growth. The secret of our future spiritual maturity lies in our daily routine of Bible study.
• The Bible is your source of strength in your Christian life. John wrote, “I have written to you, young men, because youare strong, and the Word of God abides in you” (1 John 2:14). As you consistently study the Bible, you will be strengthened to meet the challenges you encounter in life.

 

• MIRROR The Bible reveals God’s view of man. It enables the student to see himself as God sees him, for the Bible is God’s mirror of the soul. The Word of God is a mirror (James 1:23); it reveals to us our true selves. (²¹ Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. The Bible must read us.

LIFE MANUAL/GUIDE

• A working knowledge of the Bible arms one against the difficulties and hardships of life. It has a message to cover every condition and problem. It can be used in every emergency from the cradle to the grave.  ⁴⁵ When Moses finished reciting all these words to all Israel,⁴⁶ he said to them, “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. ⁴⁷ They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”Dt 32v47
• For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. So you want to live a good life, this is the recipe book for living a good life 1 Pet 3v10

Rom 15:4  For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 1Co 10:13  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

 

• Another reason for personal Bible study is that it helps you make good decisions. The Psalmist observed, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Ps. 119:105).

5. The knowledgeable Christian is able to comfort and edify the discouraged and brokenhearted. (See Colossians 4:6; 1 Thessalonians 4:14)
6. The Scriptures contain all good works that are pleasing to God, and give all things that pertain to life and godliness. (See 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3)

• GOD’S APPROVAL

One must study the Bible to have the approval of God, to be a ready workman, and to handle aright the Word of truth. (See 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Peter 3:15) 2Ti 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

A knowledge of the Bible is the only safeguard against fatal error. (See Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1) 9. The Scriptures are able to build us up and to give us a home in heaven. (See Acts 20:32; 2 Timothy 3:15) 10. The Bible will be our standard of judgment in the last day. (See John 12:48; Revelation 20:12).

• The life of God is in his Word; the Word is quick and living (Heb. 4:12-13). The Word of God is a seed (Luke 8:11); it contains the life and vitality of the Lord. The Word of God is a sword (Eph. 6:17); it pierces the heart andlays bare and naked our sinful souls before him who only can save us from death. The Bible is a life-giving Word (1 Peter 1:23); it is the vehicle for imparting that life to us which is in Christ Jesus the Incarnate Word. Eternal life for the individual soul begins through believing the testimony of God.

ASSURANCE OF SALVATION

• The habit of personal Bible study strengthens your personal assurance of your relationship with God. In the same epistle John also wrote, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you many know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13). Could it be that Christians who tend to struggle with the assurance of their salvation also struggle with the discipline in personal Bible study?.

 

VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN LIFE

 

• There is a direct correlation between Personal Bible study and the experience of overcoming sin. The Bible describes itself as “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16, Psalm 119 v 11). Sin will separate you from this book or this book will separate you from Sin

 

INTERNAL JOY

• Internal joy and peace are benefits from personal Bible study. Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). Joy comes from Jesus’ words. Then He added, “These things have I spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace” (John 16:33).

 

WITNESSING

• Personal Bible study will help you explain your faith to others. The Apostle Peter urged Christians to “sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15).

 

CONCLUSION

For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. So you want to live a good life, this is the recipe book for living a good life

The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read. Start a regular reading schedule. I will send you bible reading plan some links.