Why should we study the Bible?

TL;DR:

Studying the Bible is essential for believers because it helps us understand who God is, His redemptive plan for humanity, and how to live a Christ-centered life.

The Bible is a crucial book to study because in its pages are countless, priceless truths we can discover and apply to our lives. Through the Bible, we can learn about love (1 John 4:19), especially God’s amazing, agape love displayed through the life, death, and resurrection of His only Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 5:6–8). The Bible also reveals God’s redemptive plan and how we can enter eternity through belief in Him—-something that He desires for everyone (Romans 3:10–18; 5:8; 6:23; 10:9–13; 2 Peter 3:9). In our study of both the Old and New Testaments, we can see geological and historical evidence for God’s existence. Additionally, Scripture includes real accounts of scientific anomalies/miracles that can only be made possible through the Creator of the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1), which helps us have a deeper respect for His omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresence throughout the ages of time. God’s Word also gives us direction on what studying it looks like (Joshua 1:8) and why it is completely reliable (2 Timothy 3:16). Through studying the Bible, we can learn more about the God who created us and how we can respond to His love (Romans 10:9–13; Ephesians 2:10).

from the old testament

As we study the Bible, we see that scientific, geological, and historical evidence are consistent with biblical accounts. Even miraculous science in the Bible is accurate because it was orchestrated by the Creator of the world (Genesis 1).
The Bible helps us understand how to handle studying and applying God’s Word to our lives, such as meditating on it and obeying its instructions continuously (Joshua 1:8).

from the new testament

Only the Bible contains God's description of how much He loves us (Romans 5:6–8). To understand God’s love for us is life-changing and healing beyond comprehension.
The Bible alone shows how we can join God for eternity, freed from our sins by the sacrifice of His Son alone and not by any effort on our part (Romans 3:10–18; 5:8; 6:23; 10:9–13).
The Bible shows us how to respond to God's love and grace. One of those responses should be to serve Him through good works He has set aside for us to fulfill (Ephesians 2:10).
Because the Bible is the direct Word of God, breathed out by His Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16), it is inerrant. As we study the Bible, we can trust its instruction because of this.
God is patient, waiting for us to acknowledge Him (2 Peter 3:9). Through studying Scripture, we can see this has always been the case, and He has always been the answer.
God’s Word alone reveals the truth about why we love, which is because God first loved us (1 John 4:19). Through studying the Scripture, we learn about the author of love, the nature of love, and how we can love God and others well.

implications for today

The Bible should be studied because it gives us the answers to our most burning questions that man-made literature simply doesn’t have the authority to answer. Only the Bible is inspired from God, and studying it will so fill us with new truths that we will be able to better recognize the lies surrounding us. The Bible also gives us real-life examples that we can learn from. We can read about people whose lives reveal what happens when we live according to God's will. For instance, Joshua, Jeremiah, and Paul demonstrate that following God is often difficult, but it can be done joyfully and ultimately leads to rewards. Likewise, David and Peter are classic examples of how a humble heart allows God to work through an imperfect character. On the other hand, the Bible also reveals valuable lessons on what happens when we don’t listen to God—-take Adam and Eve, Ananias and Sapphira, or the children of Israel for example. Finally, the Bible teaches us how to reject sin in ourselves (Psalm 119:9, 11) and in the world (Romans 12:2; James 4:4), how to focus on what really matters (1 Timothy 6:17), and how to actively participate in God's plan (1 Corinthians 9:23). To study the Bible is to seek to understand a personal message to us, written by God Himself. To ignore it is to reject His primary method of communicating with us. God wants us to understand who He is, who we are, and how we can be reconciled with Him. The more we study the Bible, the more we will gain His wisdom and the more we will grow in our spiritual walk with Him.

understand

Studying the Bible reveals who God is, His love for us, and His redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.
The Bible is God’s inspired, trustworthy Word that provides life guidance, spiritual growth, and answers to real-life questions.
Through studying Scripture, we learn how to live according to God’s will, reject sin, and actively participate in His plan for our lives.

reflect

How does your current study of the Bible shape your understanding of who God is and His purpose for your life?
How do you intentionally seek to apply the truths you learn from Scripture to your daily decisions and actions?
How do you respond when the Bible challenges you to reject sin or change your behavior?

engage

How does studying the Bible impact a person’s faith over time?
How can we encourage someone to overcome the challenges they face in consistently studying and applying Scripture?
How can we encourage each other to grow in our understanding of God’s redemptive plan through regular Bible study?