Why should we study the bible?
The simple answer is because God in His word tells us to.....
2nd Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
We are exhorted to preach the word and to be able to defend it......
2nd Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction..
Scripture is the tool God has given us and it is our duty to study it, know it, and apply it.....
2nd Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Studying the Bible develops an appetite for God’s Word and allows for spiritual growth.....
Matthew 4:4 But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' " We must nourish our physical body with food. Without food our body begins to grow weak and can not function to its fullest potential. In this condition we can not properly perform our duties at home or the work place. We become ineffective and worthless. As our physical body needs nourishment, so does our spiritual part. If we do not take in a regular intake of bible doctrine, we become worthless as servants to God.
To be strong spiritually and be good stewards we need a steady diet of His Word.....
1st Peter 2:2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,
By feeding on God’s word we will become mature Christians. As believers we have a hunger that can only be satisfied by God’s Word, anything else will leave us feeling hungry.....
Job 23:12 I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.
* Studying the Bible gives us the opportunity to know God and to reveal His character: As believers we should know God on a much more personal level then the world. We learn through His Word that He is a loving God offering comfort, peace, and mercy. He is our hope and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who is our savior. If we do not know God, how can we love and appreciate what He has done for us?
Ephesians 3:19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
* Studying the bible helps us know the truth: As students of the Bible, we must not trust the authority of man, but search the scriptures to see what God says. We must study the Bible with diligence and prayer.
Acts 17:11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.