The Importance of Bible Study

May, 2004

by: Lisa Hughes

As a young believer I was taught to read my Bible on a daily basis and to record the things I learned. Soon, I joined a Bible study where we studied a book of the Bible. I loved going to Bible study to hear what the other women discovered as they answered their questions. I also enjoyed the camaraderie with the other women as we got to know each other through the study of God's Word. When my husband started teaching his How to Study the Bible class, I began to see that greater gems could be mined from God's Word than what I had been getting thus far. I realized that just reading my Bible wasn't enough, I needed to study it to really see God's Word change me.

Sometimes studying the Bible is like skiing when the snow is fresh, the sun is out, and your legs are strong! It is exhilarating! Other times studying the Bible can be like trying to trudge through the snow back to the lodge because the binding broke on your ski. Slogging, trudging, persevering, but as soon as your binding is fixed on your ski you can begin soaring down the slopes again. When you study the Bible you discover wondrous truths to ponder and doctrine to understand and apply. As with anything we undertake, there must be a commitment to working at it, to persevere, to be faithful because of the reward. What reward comes from studying the Bible? Here's a few:

1. Getting to know God better. Because God is the author of the Scriptures and they reveal Him then it makes sense that the place to get to know God begins in the Word of God itself. Don't just read books about God. Study the Book that explains God and His purposes.
2. Builds discipline in your life. Working on a Bible study each week builds diligence and routine in your spiritual life. Knowing you need to have your questions answered for class pushes you to get your study done.
3. Sharpens your mind. Becoming a student of the Bible strengthens any brain cells that may have gotten lazy over the years. Let's face it — there's not much mental challenge in changing diapers or watching TV!
4. Know the Scriptures to apply them to your life. Life has plenty of ups and downs and the more you know God's Word the more encouragement and strength and purpose you will have.
5. Grow in discernment. No doubt about it, understanding God's Word brings a greater ability to distinguish between truth and error, wisdom and foolishness.
6. Fellowship. Friendship, encouragement, and accountability are the natural results of a weekly Bible study.
7. Growth in sanctification. Anytime we study God's Word and apply it to our lives we're going to see areas that we need to repent and turn away from. We need to continually stand in front of the mirror of God's Word to see ourselves — and our sin — accurately.

There's always plenty of reasons people may give for not being in a Bible study: too old, too young, not been a Christian long enough, my kids are too little, my kids are too busy, my husband is home, I work, I'm dyslexic, I've already done a study on that book, I need to work out. God uses His Word as the primary means to make us like Himself. Take advantage of the many opportunities we have here at Calvary Bible Church to study God's Word!

Ps. 119:129-133 : “Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul observes them. The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. I opened my mouth wide and panted, for I longed for Your commandments. Turn to me and be gracious to me, after Your manner with those who love Your name. Establish my footsteps in Your Word, and do not let any iniquity have dominion over me.”