13) Why Study the Bible?

This seems like a silly question, especially as we embark on an in-depth study of the Bible. I recently met some new followers of Jesus, and one of them almost seemed scared to read the Bible. They commented on how they felt the Holy Spirit would guide them to truth. While the Holy Spirit is undoubtedly good at guiding believers to truth, God's Word, as presented in the Bible, is an invaluable resource for the followers of Jesus. As believers, we should know why we read our Bible.

We Read the Bible for Instruction and Guidance

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV Bible)

While I believe Paul was specifically talking about the Hebrew Scriptures when he said, "All scripture," I think it is appropriate for modern-day believers to include the New Testament in this declaration as well. As Paul points out, the study of Scripture helps us conform our lives to God's will by showing us the truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, and training us to live righteous and godly lives.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10, ESV Bible)

Our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. (Titus 2:13-14, ESV Bible)

To be "zealous for good works and good deeds," we must know what those deeds are and how and when to do them. We must diligently study the Scriptures, God's road map, and instruction manual.

We Read the Bible to Know God and Jesus

In Jeremiah, we read about how in God's coming kingdom, our eternal destiny, all people will know God: 

And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 31:34, ESV Bible)

Another reason to read the Bible is to better know God and Jesus. In Luke 24, Jesus tells us we can find Him in the Scriptures:

And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. (Luke 24:27, ESV Bible)

Please don't think that we can learn about Messiah only in the Gospel narratives. As Jesus tells us in Luke 24, the entire Old Testament is filled with both overt and covert references to the Savior of the universe. Likewise, don't think the Old Testament's sole purpose is pointing to Jesus. 

Proverbs tells us:

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (Proverbs 9:10, ESV Bible). 

The ancient Hebrews equated knowledge with intimacy:

"Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain" (Genesis 4:1, ESV Bible). 

Intimacy requires knowledge. To be intimate with God, we must be passionate about getting to know Him. God's magnificent creation teaches us a lot about God:

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. (Psalm 19:1-2, ESV Bible)

Perhaps the most direct revelation of God is His Word. According to 2 Timothy 3:16, the words of Scripture are God's very breath:

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness... (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV Bible)

We Read the Bible to Teach Others

Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:19, ESV Bible)

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV Bible)

Your method of study should not only help you learn from the Bible; it should also help you illuminate the Bible for others. In Matthew 5, Jesus promises a great reward for those who teach others--especially those who teach God's commands to others.

If you don't feel capable of teaching, remember the Chasidic saying, "He who knows only alef and beit (the first two letters of the Hebrew alphabet) is required to teach he who knows only alef." As you begin studying and living out the Bible, you will likely find yourself in situations where you will have opportunities to teach others.

On the other hand, remember the warning of James, Jesus' brother, who said:

"Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment" (James 3:1, ESV Bible)

This ought to drive us to search the Scriptures with ever-increasing diligence. The ultimate goal of studying the Scriptures is that the people of God might be built up and trained to serve His purpose, know Him more intimately, make many disciples, and glorify God.