Why Study the Bible?

By Becki Marshall

Open Bible When Autumn rolls around like the wheels on the school buses coming through my neighborhood, I know it’s time to get back to Bible Study.  I am eager to start the homework, ready to open the Book of books and see familiar faces around the conference room tables at church.  I truly love God’s Word because it never changes – but for over my forty years of intentional study, the Bible has changed me.  I believe Bible Study has made me smarter than I should be!

Psalm 19:7 echoes that idea: “The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul.  The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.”

God’s Word has been my Teacher and Counselor …a safe place to go with doubts and questions…a wellspring of wisdom.

Here are my reasons for studying the Bible:

  1. To know WHO God is:

I have a college degree, raised a family, and traveled to many places.  But none of these personal experiences has made me wise enough to know God.  The natural world displays what God has done through creation – but the Bible tells me why.  Acts 17:24-27 says that “The God who made the world and everything in it, being LORD of heaven and earth (HE did this!) … so that men and women would seek and find Him.”

I needed to be forced through failure, blindness, and loneliness to look intently into God’s Word.  Not until I realized my need for God, did I learn to love who He is and personalize His mercy, kindness, justice, faithfulness and love.

  1. To know HOW God speaks:

Every day we are bombarded with far too many voices and messages.  It’s getting harder to distinguish truth from error and God’s voice from semi-spiritual sound bites.  God speaks to us from His written Word which is timeless and true.  Whether we need to hear words of comfort, correction, guidance or clarity about the future, God’s Word will speak to us personally if we open our ‘spiritual’ ears to listen.  Lastly…we can learn…

  1. HOW to pray:

The more we understand WHO God is and how He speaks – the more we can learn His language through prayer.  The disciples didn’t know how to pray effectively – so Jesus taught them to approach God as their Father, and ask Him for their daily needs. (Matthew 6:9-13)

Jesus also encouraged them to pray “in His name” as the Living Word of God.  “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you….so that your Father in Heaven is glorified.” – John 15:7-8

The bonus of belonging to a Bible study is praying with -- and for -- the others in the group, strengthening our bond in Jesus Christ and experiencing the joy of answered prayer.

King David, the psalmist, asked the Lord: “Teach me good judgment and knowledge for I believe in your commandments.” - Psalm 119:66

Do you need instruction, truth, or encouragement to begin a new season?  Come join one of our SLPC Bible Studies and open your mind and heart to know more about God, His Word, and His will for your life.

 

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