Why it is so important you study your Bible and not just read it...

Chapter Nine:

Previously, we have looked at an overview of the books of both the Old and New Testament.  Now that you have a basic overview of the Bible, it's time to get a better idea of how to actually study the Bible, not just read it as if it's just a regular book.  I cannot overemphasize the importance of studying the Bible as it is crucial to becoming a strong Christian.  There are several reasons you need to study your Bible:

First, it helps you to get a better understanding of what your salvation really means and what it cost Christ to be able to offer it to mankind.  It helps you to see what the Church has gone through these past centuries and how the sins that mankind struggled with back then are still the same sins we struggle with today.  It helps you to be able to reach out to others in the hope that they, too, will see their need for the atoning power of the cross and will become fellow disciples.  You'll read stories of people who had struggles and problems and how they overcame them with God's help.  It will inspire you when you, yourself, have trials that you are facing, knowing that you are going through what others have had to endure.  You'll be encouraged during your difficulties as you read about others being helped by the Lord during their difficulties.  What you will ultimately realize, however, is that walking with  God is not an easy road.  My prayer for you is that you will see that the cost is worth it,  and you will press into God regardless of how others may try to pull you away.

Second, Psalm 119:11 says, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." It's very important that we know what the Scriptures say in order to walk holy before God.  

Third, so that you are not deceived by others.  Scripture tells us that especially in the last days there will be many false prophets and deceivers who will be so subtle and convincing, that unless you really know your Bible, you may be easily tricked into following someone who is not really a servant of God.  Peter warned the church in 2 Peter to be on guard against false teachings and challenged them to be steadfast. 2 Peter 2:1 says, "But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you.  They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them...".   

Matthew 7:21-23 says, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord , Lord' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophecy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?  Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you.  Away from me, you evildoers!' .  God is referring to the fact that these false prophets will so convince Christians that they are servants of God, and therefore are worthy to be followed, that they will even be able to do miracles, but these miracles will not be through the power of God but from Satan, who is intent on deceiving Christians. I Timothy 4:1 says, "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will  abandon the faith (you cannot abandon something if you haven't been a follower!) and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons."   You have to be in the Word so that you can discern who is really a servant of God and who is not.

 

In the next chapter we will begin to look at the different ways you can study your Bible.  Until then, continue reading and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you how you can personally apply what you are reading.  Remember, we don't just study the Bible to gain knowledge...we study it so we can apply it to our own lives as our goal is to become more like Christ.