Why Bible Study is Necessary
Bible study involves mortal men interpreting the holy word of the Sovereign God of the entire universe. Because the Bible communicates the will of the holy Lord, difficulty comes to the student in interpreting parts that convict or show sin. Great benefit comes to the student of the Word of God when he comes sincerely, eagerly, and expectantly.
Bible study needs the proper tools to be done correctly. The number one tool of having the Scriptures in the student’s primary language cannot be over looked. Devotion and awe of the text comes to the reader who enjoys the flow of his/her own native language. All other tools are lesser than the great tool of having the Bible in the student’s original language. A dictionary and concordance provide additional assistance in Bible study. The careful student needs help in understanding the original languages of the Bible. Word study books, commentaries, and Bible dictionaries are helpful for those students able to utilize these helps; however, the Bible in the student’s primary language remains the primary tool for worthwhile Bible study.
Why do Bible study? The Apostle John wrote, “But these [the Gospel According to John] are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and by believing you may have life in His name.” (HCSB John 20:31). Bible study involves studying the One Who gives eternal life, Jesus Christ. He came from the Father, showing us the way, and gives life to those who repent of sin and believe on His name. Studying the way of God through His word is the logical progression of one who is “born from above.”
The new life from God results in an ongoing relationship that develops repentance as a way of life. “For me, living is Christ” (HCSB Philippians 1:21a). The way of following Christ means to live for Him while at the same time, dying to the old lifestyle as in this text: “and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” (HCSB Galatians 2:20). “Put to death whatever in you is worldly” (HCSB Colossians 3:5). The sparking of new life comes through the Bible’s teaching, and the furtherance of the new life’s development comes through meeting God in His word. The sanctifying power of the Bible can be seen in the changed lives of Bible students. “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping Your word.” (HCSB Psalm 119:9).
Bible study is the instigator and sustainer of holy living. These two results of able Bible study demonstrate the practicality and necessity of Bible scholarship. The Bible itself urges the believer with this command: “Study to show yourself approved unto God.” (KJV, II Timothy 2:15).
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations marked HCSB have been taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible Copyright 1999,2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.