by: Sandy Chery
The Bible continues to be one of the most influential books historically, having sold billions of copies worldwide. It has and continues to impact generations. Within Christianity, the Bible is considered the authoritative text in which we gain insight into who God is, what we believe, and how we should live. Bible study is not always easy, nor does it always seem appealing to many, but it is necessary for believers. Below, I will list 7 reasons why you should study the Bible. I pray that this list encourages you to pick up a Bible and spend some time getting to know the One who created and loves you, and the Christian faith.
1. The Bible is God’s inspired Word.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…” – 2 Timothy 3:16, NIV
The term “God-breathed” means inspired by God. So, to say that all scripture is inspired by God is to say that God divinely influenced it. Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, each writer of the Bible was able to write the very words of God. And because the Bible is God’s inspired Word, it is authoritative for the believer.
2. Reading, studying, and meditating on God’s Word are considered spiritual disciplines.
”They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.“ – Acts 2:42, NIV
Spiritual disciplines are the intentional practices that believers engage to grow closer to Christ. In the book of Acts, we see how the early church continued to grow in number as they developed spiritual disciplines. They became a church characterized by teaching and learning. Bible reading and studying were essential, alongside prayer, communion, and fellowship.
3. The Bible testifies about the life, ministry, and salvation of Jesus Christ.
”You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me…” – John 5:39, ESV
Every page of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, points to Jesus. The Old Testament alone holds more than 300 prophesies about Him! He is the heart of the Christian faith and the gospel message of Salvation; therefore, taking the time out to read and study God’s Word intentionally is critical for believers.
4. Reading and studying the bible helps you grow in faith.
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” – Romans 10:17, ESV
God can speak to us in many ways, but the primary way in which He speaks and instructs us is through His written Word. When we consistently read and study the Bible, it helps build our faith to trust in Him and to ultimately obey and live according to His Word.
5. Because the Bible is God’s inspired Word. It has the power to sanctify us.
“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” – John 17:17, ESV
The term “sanctify” means to be made holy, cleansed, or purified. It also means to be consecrated unto God. Sanctification is both instant when we receive Christ and also a lifelong process in which we are constantly being transformed and renewed in Christ. Studying the Bible is necessary because it presents God’s truth to us, and the more we engage with it, the more our hearts and minds will be renewed.
6. God’s Word helps us to engage in and overcome spiritual warfare.
“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God…” – Ephesians 6:17, NIV
The Bible lets us know that spiritual warfare is a reality that exists in the believer’s life. Spiritual warfare, in a nutshell, is the conflict that exists between the devil and his agents and God and His people. Ephesians 6:11-12 says to “put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” The Word of God is considered a “sword.” It is the primary weapon God gives us to fight against the enemy. When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, He used the Word of God to fight. Get to know God’s Word so you can fight and stand firm in faith.
7. The Bible reminds us of God’s promises and gives us hope.
“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” – Romans 15:4, ESV
The Bible reminds us of God’s goodness, faithfulness, and great works. Within it, there are countless promises in the Bible that we can hold onto to be encouraged. There are also many testimonies about people of faith who put their trust in God to protect, deliver, or heal them, amongst others. These promises and testimonies help us endure and remain steadfast in our faith today, even during trials we may face.
