Why should I study the Bible?
Engaging in Bible study is crucial for spiritual development.
“As newborn babies crave pure spiritual milk, so let us crave the pure milk of the Word to grow into salvation.” (1 Peter 2:2)
Just as infants need milk for growth, we need God's Word for our spiritual nourishment. It's not merely a necessity; it's a deep desire. I find the term "crave" in 1 Peter 2:2 particularly poignant. We deeply desire it. Secondly, we hunger for it. We seek it. It is vital for our spiritual well-being. Lastly, we need it, as we cannot mature spiritually without it. Just as depriving babies of milk stunts their growth, so does neglecting the Word of God hinder the growth of the church of Jesus Christ.
2. Studying the Bible is vital for spiritual maturity.
“We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:11-14) Beyond the basic nourishment of the Word, we require solid food for spiritual growth.
3. Bible study is crucial for spiritual effectiveness.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
The phrase “All Scripture” is powerful. Every part is valuable, including Leviticus, Habakkuk, and Deuteronomy. Consider when Jesus was tempted in the desert by the devil—how did He respond? He quoted from where? He quoted from Deuteronomy. Imagine if your spiritual success this week depended on your knowledge of Deuteronomy. Scripture not only helps us understand God but also prepares us to be effective instruments in His hands. At some point in our spiritual journey, we've likely thought, “I want to be more effective. I wish I could do more for Jesus Christ.” The Word of God is the answer. It is essential for spiritual effectiveness.