Why Study the Bible?

It helps us live for God. 

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” 

Psalm 119: 9, 11  

“All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 

We come to the Scripture to be changed, not to amass information. 

It helps us not be swayed by false doctrine.  

“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2  

Scripture can be misused and abused (i.e.: Satan’s temptation of Jesus, pharisees, synchronistic). 

It brings conviction. 

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:12-13 

It is an atomic habit for missional living. 

An atomic habit is a regular practice or routine that is not only small and easy to do but is also the source of incredible power. Daily time in Scripture leads to other positive habits: regular accountability, praying for others in need, living out the gospel as a disciple maker and knowing God’s character traits well enough to distinguish His voice. 

The Bible came at a high price. 

People like John Wycliffe and William Tyndale gave their lives for the Bible to be available in English. Just because we now all have a digital copy of the Bible in our pockets, does not lessen the original price people paid with their lives for us to have it. 

What Prevents Bible Intake? 

Does not seem to apply to my life 

Feels old, archaic, and out of date 

Don’t know how to study 

I am not a professional 

Don’t have time 

Not sure it is even true 

Can seem boring 

“We fail in our duty to study God’s Word, not so much because it is difficult to understand, not so much because it is dull and boring, but because it is work. Our problem is not a lack of intelligence or a lack of passion. Our problem is that we are lazy.” - R. C. Sproul