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Articles
Why is Bible study so important?
The study of God’s Word is not a course that can be easily passed just by memorizing a few words and phrases for a final exam. It is a lifelong pursuit of taking off the old man and putting on the image of Christ. The measure of good Bible study is much more than merely reading the text. It is the process of absorbing the Word into our hearts and allowing it to direct our footsteps in everyday life. While the world may move away from the directions offered in the Bible, we must be dedicated to understanding its precepts, obeying its commands, and applying its truths. Our discipleship hangs in the balance of achieving these goals – “So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you continue in My Word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.’” (John 8:31-32). Do we understand the importance of studying God’s Word?
The study of God’s Word should be impressed upon its reader throughout the Bible. In the Psalms, the distinguishing factor between the righteous and the wicked is the righteous man’s willingness to mediate on the Word of God day and night (Psalm 1:1-3). The Psalms also describe the righteous as having the Word of God as his guide through life – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (119:105). Earlier in the same psalm, the psalmist spoke of the method by which the righteous abstains from sin – “Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You” (119:11). The influence of the Bible in our lives can never be overemphasized.
The prophet Isaiah wrote about the greatness of God and the eternal nature of His Word – “All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, When the breath of the Lord blows upon it; Surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:6b-8). The Bible does not become outdated or antiquated in future generations, but remains the one source of consistency throughout the scope of man’s entire history. The Bible and its words do not change but are eternal!
The apostle Paul told the Colossians, “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (3:16). This is another verse that expresses the necessity of having the Word of God in our lives. Finally, the admonition given by Paul to Timothy – “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). If we desire to faithfully serve God and bring glory and honor to His name, then we must study diligently and understand how to properly use His Word as the light of our life. We must realize the great importance that God has revealed in the knowledge and application of His Word.
In our busy lives, the study of God’s Word must remain constant for our spiritual health. The Bible contains all things necessary for life and godliness, and gives man the blueprint to a life well-pleasing to God. May we adopt a similar theme to our lives as what Martin Luther wrote, “The Holy Scriptures require a humble reader who shows reverence and fear toward the Word of God, and constantly says, ‘teach me, teach me, teach me.’” May God bless our efforts to know Him more fully, as we strive to live a life given to the study of His Word!
