A quick note: If you are a new believer, or have never read through the Bible in its entirety, I encourage you to read this post first:
What’s The Bible All About?
Let’s start with what the Bible is. The Bible is an extraordinary book. Actually, it’s not ‘a’ book, rather, it is a collection of books that together contain the greatest story ever told.
This story is so epic that it has endured for thousands of years, and it excites and inspires people in their very core. It is a tragedy, a comedy, a love story, an adventure story. It’s a story of heroes and villains, of sacrifice and betrayal, of wrath and justice, of sin and redemption. It is a story of unending love and unfathomable grace.
The central character is Jesus of Nazareth. He is a man unlike any other. He is literally God made flesh. Jesus came to earth because of His great love for sinful man, and sacrificed himself to redeem mankind. He conquered death, and rose from the grave. His selfless act paid the price for my sins and yours. Now He offers you the gift of eternal life, and all you have to do is receive it.
The Bible is truth. It is history, poetry, and prophesy. Food and water for the soul. A light for your path. The Word of God.
Throughout history, evil people have tried to destroy the Bible. It has been burned and banned by those who have rejected God and His message. Christians have been jailed, even killed, just for having a Bible. There is no other piece of literature like it.
Why Study The Bible?
What happens to a physical body if it eats nothing but junk food and doesn’t exercise? It becomes unhealthy and out of shape (no judgment, I’ve been there). Something similar happens to us spiritually when we don’t take the time to study the Bible. We become spiritually weak and sick.
Bible study is nourishment for the soul, and just as our bodies must regularly intake good food and water to remain healthy, so too our spirits need to consistently “consume” the Word of God to remain strong.
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
II Timothy 2:15 [KJV]
Another good reason to study scripture is to protect yourself from false teachings. Some pastors today cherry-pick from the Bible, and pervert the context to tickle the ears of their congregations. In times past, people have twisted the words of the Bible to justify atrocities. Diligent study allows you to spot false prophets.
Reading vs. studying
It’s not enough to just read scripture, you have to study it, and the difference is important. Through study you gain insight and understanding.
To study a passage of scripture is to…
- …understand the context so that you can interpret its meaning correctly.
- …determine if the text is prescriptive or descriptive (i.e. Is this passage telling me what I should do, or is it merely describing something that was done?).
- …contemplate how the passage fits in with the rest of the Bible.
- …reflect on how it applies to you today.
These steps take time and effort. In addition, you may find that different “experts” have different opinions on what a passage means or how it applies, which will require additional research and prayer for discernment. But the reward is worth it. The Bible is a powerful, divinely inspired, life-changing text! It’s the primary way in which God communicates with us. Read it, study it, and watch your life transform.
