Why Should I Study the
Bible?
Introduction:
Something disturbing
happened a few days ago. My youngest daughter told of a
conversation her husband, a youth minister Cortana head with a
mother at the congregation where he works. He was talking about
the importance of Bible study and how it needed to always come
first period the mother came back with, oh no! Schoolwork always
comes before reading the bible. As you might imagine, my
son-in-law was shocked. He could not believe what he had just
heard. It is no wonder that the church is losing so many of its
young people.
So why should you study the
Bible? Also why do Christians not read it? We will look at
reasons given for not reading it first.
Body:
1.
Reasons given for not reading the
Bible.
·
I don't have time To read
the Bible.
Everybody
has 24 hours each day. You do have time to read the Bible. You
just need to make Bible study a priority. Cut back on phone
time, social media, video games!
Ephesians
5: 16 “redeeming of the time, because the days are evil.”
·
Reading the Bible is
boring
definitely
not! It contains stories of miraculous healings, people being
raised from the dead, battles of all kinds, intrigue and
deception. That is exciting stuff.
·
I can't understand the
Bible
Certainly
there are parts that take more time to understand. But if you
really want to learn God's word, with time an effort you can.
You do not need a Bible degree.
Ephesians
3: 4 says “by which, when you read, you may understand my
knowledge in the mystery of Christ...”
1 Timothy
2: 15 “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all
acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save
sinners, of whom I am chief.”
·
The Bible is not relevant
man's
nature has not changed. The same things that bothered people
thousands of years ago also are issues with us today. Family,
health, money, politics, safety...
Remember
the words of Jesus in Matthew 4: 4 “but he answered and said
it is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every
word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”
Our
spiritual life depends upon it, it's time to stop making excuses
and start studying the word of God because it has the power to
change your life.
2.
What reading the Bible can do
·
Reading God's word can
Save you.
James 1: 21
“therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of
wickedness, and received with meekness the implanted word, which
is able to save your souls.”
Romans 1:
16 “for I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is
the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the
June 1st and also for the Greek.” This word is the power of
God unto salvation.
·
Ephesians 5: 26 “that he
might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the
word…” washing of water by the word is a reference to water
baptism.
3.
God's word can inform you have to
serve and worship God.
·
James 1: 25 “but he who
looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and
is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will
be blessed in what he does.”
John 4: 24
“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit
and truth.” Worship in spirit and truth means to worship from
the heart and according to God's Word.
4.
God's word teaches you how to live.
·
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.
·
Proverbs 6: 23 “for the
commandment is a lamp, and the law a light; Reproofs of
instruction are the way of life.”
5.
Reading God's word can protect you
from being deceived.
·
Acts-17: 11 “these were more
fair minded than those in thessalonica, and that they received
the word with all readiness, and searched the scriptures daily
to find out whether these things were so.”
Colossians
2: 8 “beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty
deceit, according to the traditions of men, according to the
basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.
·
Peter 2: 1-3 “but there were
also false prophets among the people common even as there will
be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in
destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and
bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow
their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be
blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive
words; For a long time their judgment has not been idle, and
their destruction does not slumber.
6.
Bible study can keep you from
sinning.
·
Psalm 119: 9, 11 “How can a
young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to your
word. 11 your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not
sin against you.”
Hebrews 4:
12 “for the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than
any 2 edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and
spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the
thoughts and intents of the heart.”
7.
Reading God's word can bring you
peace, hope and joy.
·
Psalm 119: 165 “great peace
have those who love your law, and nothing causes them to
stumble.”
·
Romans 15: 4 “for whatever
things were written before were written for our learning, that
we through the patience and comfort of the scriptures might have
hope.”
·
Psalm 119: 47 “and I will
delight myself in your commandments, which I love.“
8.
Reading God's word will bless you.
·
Joshua 1: 8 “this book of
the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate
it in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to
all that is written in it. For then you will make your way
prosperous, and then we'll have good success.”
·
Deuteronomy 32: 46-47 “and
he said to them: set your hearts on all the words which I
testify among you today common which you shall command your
children to be careful to observe - all the words of this law.
For it is not a futile thing for you, because it is your life,
and by this word you shall prolong your days and the land which
you cross over the Jordan to possess.
Luke 11: 28
“… blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”
Revelation
1: 3 “blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of
this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it;
For the time is near.”
Conclusion
as we have seen, nothing is more important than
knowing God's word and obeying it. Give yourself to diligent
study of it. Remember the words of Peter and John 6: 68 “you
have the word of eternal life.”
Bobby Stafford
January 26th, 2020
