By studying the Word we gain God’s approval.
2 Tim 2:15 (KJV) Study to shew (show) thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
(NASB) Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
Why should we study God's Word?
God’s Word is authoritative and can be trusted.
Ps 119:89 (NKJV) Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.
The Bible is the only source for absolute authority. If someone says, “I have a word for you from the Lord,” see if it is aligned with the Scriptures.
1 Thess 5:21 (ESV) but test everything; hold fast what is good.
The Bible is infallible, i.e. it contains no errors.
Ps 18:7 (ESV) The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul…
God’s Word is complete! It does not need anything added.
Prov 30:5-6 (NKJV) Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.
Many cults add their own books to the Bible but God warns us not to misrepresent scripture by adding to or deleting from it.
Rev 22:18-19 (NKJV) For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
In the end times sound doctrine will be replaced by false teaching.
2 Tim 4:3 (NIV) For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
Studying the Bible is a guard against error and heresy. The Berean Jews in Acts 17:11 examined the scriptures to see if what Paul said was true. So we must use the Word to see what is true and identify and expose what is false.
By studying the Bible we get to know God better. His character or nature is revealed to us by the words he spoke and the deeds he did.
It equips us to live holy and godly lives.
2 Tim 3:16-17 (NKJV) 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.
The Word gives us direction.
Ps 119:105 (NIV) Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
It exposes our sinful thoughts and motives.
Heb 4:12 (ESV) 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.
We also learn what we should do.
Ps 32:8 (NIV) I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
Josh 1:8 (ESV) This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
It teaches us what not to do.
Ps 119:11 (NKJV) Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.
We gain wisdom.
Ps 18:7b (ESV) … the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple
It builds our faith.
Rom 10:17 (NKJV) So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
When Jesus was tempted, he quoted Scripture (Matthew 4: 4- 11). Quoting the Word is an effective weapon against Satan.
Eph 6:17 (ESV) and take … the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God
The Word of God will accomplish what it promises. If God says something will happen, it will happen – in his perfect time.
Isa 55:11 (NKJV) So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
There are many promises given in the Bible. While we are living in times of hopelessness, loneliness and despair the Scriptures reassure us and bring us comfort and hope.
Rom 15:4 (ESV) For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
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Unless otherwise stated, Scripture quotations are taken from the NIV:
THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV®
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB:
New American Standard Bible®,
Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission. ( Lockman.org)
Scripture quotations are taken from the ESV:
Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.