Many read their Bible, but studying the Bible requires more effort and commitment than just reading. A disciple, in the Christian context, is one who is dedicated to learn from Jesus how to live his/her life as though Jesus was living it. To accomplish that requires study.
Here are at least five reasons why we need to study (to learn, not just read to be familiar with) the Bible.
Truth is your weapon against the Devil’s temptations and lies. When the Devil tempted Jesus, he answered each temptation with scriptural truth (Deuteronomy 8:3; v. 8 – Deuteronomy 6:13; vv. 10-12; Deuteronomy 6:16 and Psalm 91:11-12 correctly memorized). Even the most mature Christian is vulnerable to temptation because the Devil is a ruthless enemy intent on poisoning, perverting, ruining, and undermining everything good and every testimony to God’s goodness. The primary battleground is the mind. Studying (learning and memorizing) Scripture fortifies our mind with truth that can effectively identify, refuse, and destroy Satan’s weaponry--both subtle and blatant lies aimed at areas of both our weaknesses and strengths (see 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 6:12).
Scripture portrays your true identity. Satan knew who Jesus was, but at least twice, Satan challenged Jesus’ identity (vv. 3, 9). Knowing the Scriptures, Jesus recognized not only that Satan was misquoting them but he also knew that His identity was bound up in what Scripture revealed about Him (e.g., Isaiah 53; also see John 6:30-58). As Christians, the Scriptures assure us of our identity as children of God and reveal the truth we need to recognize and overcome the lies in the temptations we face.
Scripture reveals what life is all about. By affirming that, “Man must not live on bread alone” (Luke 4:4), Jesus underscored that God’s Word answers the burning questions of meaning and existence. Life is about more than the pursuit of happiness, pleasure, or even daily bread. What the “more than . . .” actually is can be discovered only in Scripture.
Bible study is necessary for maintaining and nurturing a right relationship with God.
When the Devil presented Jesus with alternatives to fulfilling His mission (vv. 5-7, 9-11), Jesus’ responses from Scripture reflect that His biblically formed identity (see reason #2) and priorities (#3) were expressions of an intimate relationship with God maintained by concentrated obedience, faith, and humility (vv. 8, 12).
Our true purpose is expressed in the Bible. As Jesus boldly declared in Nazareth’s synagogue, His purpose was ”written” in the Scriptures (Isaiah 61:1-2). Jesus was “sent” by the Father to fulfill these verses and all Scripture (Luke 24:26-27, 32, 44-49), and the crucified and risen Jesus also sends His followers in the same manner (John 20:21).
LET’S GET PRACTICAL:
Since all our Sunday School classes, Small Groups, Youth Groups, and Life Groups truly study God’s Word—join one!
To take your personal Bible studies to a deeper level use:
the Youversion app
the free subscription MHCC provides to Right Now Media
Bible reading plans
Other
Talk to me if you have any questions or need any help!
865-742-5904