Why Study the Bible?

Paul the Apostle was the mentor for young Timothy, and in II Timothy 2:15 he admonishes Timothy to "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." This verse is reason enough to show us the importance of studying God's Word, but we can even go to the Old Testament and find more reasons.

We have a gold mine in Psalm 119. Last week I used verses from this Psalm to go parallel with the Prayer of Jabez. This week I will give some verses to show why we must study God's Word.

In Verse 9 the question is asked: "How can a young man keep his way pure?" and it is answered in the same verse "By living according to Your Word." If we want to live righteously, we need to know what God's Word says and live by it.

Verse 11 states: "Thy word have I hidden in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." We need to have God's Word in our hearts to help us keep from falling into sinful ways.

In verse 72 it tells us that "the law of thy mouth (His Word) is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver". God's Word is more precious to me than all the riches available to man.

Verse 104 tells us that we will gain understanding through His words. How can one say they do not understand God's Word when it is not even read.

It is very beneficial to get into a Bible study, perhaps in one's neighborhood, or in the church. It is also important to take a few minutes each day and read the Word. Just a few verses at a time, starting with 15 minutes and gradually increasing it. Take a chapter such as Psalm 119 and see what instruction you can glean from it that can be useful to your own life.

You will find in no time at all, you will have a deeper understanding of God's Word, and you will find that like Jabez (talked about in last week's blog) you will have enlarged your territory of wisdom and understanding in the ways of the Lord.

It has been said "God's Word will keep you from sin; Sin will keep you from God's Word."

1. Psalm 119
2. From the heart of CC