Studying Scripture
Studying the Bible is an important part of being a Christian.
Commonly called Scripture or God’s Word, the bible teaches us about God and His son, Jesus, their redemption plan for all mankind, as well as how we should live our lives.
It’s important to understand it is not just some book a bunch of people wrote a long time ago.
The men who wrote it were inspired by God.
Look at this verse:
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
or put another way:
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NASB)
In other words, God inspired the men to write the bible and it has an important part to play in our lives so that we can become better Christians. Reading Scripture teaches, corrects, scolds (rebukes) us, and trains us to be righteous. It does this so that we will have what we need to do what God calls us to as well as live our lives in a way that pleases Him.
Scripture plays an important part in leading and guiding us through life.
Psalm 119:105 tells us it is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. It shows us the steps to take as we walk through this world.
Hearing (or reading) Scripture increases and strengthens our faith.
…faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. Romans 10:17 (NIV)
When we hear about Christ it stirs up our faith, causing us to trust God more as well as become more determined to live in a way that is pleasing to Him.
God’s Word was given to strengthen and encourage us:
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. Romans 15:4 (NIV)
Reading the bible isn’t something we might or might not need to do. We are called to read and study Scripture:
Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 1 Timothy 4:13 (NIV)
In fact, we are to make knowing Scripture an important part of who we are, internalizing it so it becomes part of us.
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 (NIV)
By hiding it in our hearts it becomes part of our thought patterns and core beliefs. This causes it to influence us in our thoughts, words, and actions. This helps us better live a life pleasing to God because once it’s a part of us we are more likely to follow what He has said and to act according to His Word.
When we add up all these things reading or hearing Scripture does, we see that it changes, improves, and equips us to live a life serving Christ in victory.
I encourage you to dig deep into the Scriptures and see for yourself how God can use them to change your life for the better. You might be surprised at just how alive your faith becomes!
Free Downloadable/Printable Studying Scripture PDF
For further reading:
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrew 4:12 (NIV)
Every word of God is flawless, He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Proverbs 30:5 (NIV)
In the beginning was the Word and the Word was.... John 1:1 (NIV)
…“It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but by... Matthew 4:4 NIV
My post on How to Study Your Bible
My post on Bible Study Tools.
A list of all available lessons can be found on my Lessons Outlines page