Studying The Scriptures
The discipline of studying the Bible is central to the whole process of renewing the mind in such a way that we can respond in the right way to the truths of God’s Word. Studying the Scriptures involves not only reading, but active involvement in observation, interpretation, and application of its contents. This discipline of studying also includes devotional reflection; meditating on the word.
To own a Bible is a awesome responsibility—to whom much has been given, much is required (Luke 12:48). "The Scriptures must not only merely be owned, but known; not merely known, but believed; and not merely believed, but obeyed." Lets look at how we can better be good stewards of God's word.
The Benefits of Bible Study
To own a Bible is a awesome responsibility—to whom much has been given, much is required (Luke 12:48). "The Scriptures must not only merely be owned, but known; not merely known, but believed; and not merely believed, but obeyed." Lets look at how we can better be good stewards of God's word.
Purpose of Bible Study
By drinking deeply and regularly from the pure well of God's Word, (reading, studying, and meditating) our entire moral system will be gradually transformed from the temporal to the eternal. The study of Scripture sets our minds on the things above (Col. 3:2), the source of all spiritual life. It allows us to "look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Cor. 4:18).The Benefits of Bible Study
Of course there are many reasons for studying the Word and letting the Word get into us, here are just a few:
1. Spiritual Nourishment and growth. The Word of God is not just written for information purposes, but for the transformation of our mind. "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16-17). While the Bible is an inspired revelation from God, it requires our response before it can have an impact upon our lives.
God loves us and desires that we grow in our faith. When we grow spirituality, we mature in our relationship with the Lord. This transformation is a dynamic relationship with the truth of His Word provides us with the spiritual nourishment we will need to grow into the maturity of Christlikeness.
Exercise: Look at 2 Peter 1:2-8 to trace the increasing effect that the knowledge of God and His word has upon the life of a believer.
2. New priorities and morals. The study of God's word can deliver us from the bondage of our narrow and Worldly perspectives and provide us with a Kingdom (eternal) moral value system. By regularly renewing our minds with the Word (Rom. 12:2), our thinking, which in turn effects our emotions, then our emotions influences our behavior, and that causes us to be in conformity with God's view of significance, purpose, identity, which results in successful Christian living. The pursuit of God's value system leads to satisfaction and contentment in contrast to the frustration and bondage that results from the pursuit of the world's value system.
3. Dealing with and overcoming temptation. The study of Scripture provides us with both suppressive and preventive medicine. Suppressive meaning we study scripture to deal with issues in our lives that pop up in everyday living. For instance, we are struggling with unforgivness. We need to deal it right away much like a doctor would give us medicine for a cold. Preventive meaning we study Scripture on a daily basis leaning seeing from the examples set for us by the Saint in the Word how to avoid temptations we can expect (e.g., Prov. 4:10-27; 5:1-23; 1 John 2:15-16), the word tells us about the process of temptation (see Jas. 1:12-17), and shows us how to deal with temptation (1 Cor. 10:13; Eph. 6:10-18).
4. Wisdom and insight for decision making. The Word reveals God's moral will for practically every area of life. A working knowledge of God's commands, prohibitions, and principles of the Bible will give us wisdom, insight, and guidance in the decisions that shape the course of our lives here on Earth (Ps. 119:105; Prov. 1:2-5), and a divine perspective that will empower us to respond in the right way to our circumstances and rise above them (Jas. 1:5).
5. Knowledge of ourselves. The Bible cuts deep and smashes the surface stuff (appearances outwardly) that we as humans think is important. It lays bare our secret motivations and plans ( 1 Sam. 16:7). As we read it, the Word becomes a mirror that shows forth our true character, and it exposes areas of self-righteousness, and compels us to change (Jas. 1:21-25).
6. Knowledge of God. The Bible is a progressive revelation. It makes known to us the plan, the character, mind, and will of God. We cannot hope to know Him better or His ways apart from spending time in His Word.
Homework
Read Psalms 119 write down your observations of the beneficial effects of the Scriptures in cultivating a relationship with God.
