Reasons to study the Bible

While many books and preachers say that the goal of Bible study is to observe, interpret and apply I prefer to think a little more relationally. Of course they are correct however we don’t want to miss the very lifeblood of the message. Our calling, our very purpose in life is to know God and love and serve Him forever. If we don’t know Him then how can we serve Him? The motivation can be one of obligation, fear or other work-based efforts to serve…but not necessarily love.

When my husband and I were courting, we lived in different cities, separated by over 500 kilometres. We used to speak on the phone regularly (and there were no where as many competitive phone rates then either) but we also used to write letters to each other. Yes, we wrote love letters to one another. Through these letters, we got to know each other…each others likes and dislikes, etc. If you were to read those letters, they may not seem to tell you much, but they weren’t written in this decade, nor were they written to you in your situation right now. But if you understand that my husband was writing to me, (an 18year old, living in a country town, who was a new Christian) in the late 1980′s (fashion, music, current events) then you would have a little more understanding of his letters. If you were to read all of his letters you’d start to notice a few phrases, key words and expressions that permeate the letters. You would eventually start to get to know John and if you were to then meet him you may even feel like you actually knew him.

Well, the Bible is God’s letter to us. Through it we learn all about Him, His character, His righteousness, His faithfulness, justice, holiness, perfection, sovereignty, love and His grace. In Bible study, if one attempts to look for ‘application’ before observation and interpretation then error is a likely result and the correct step is to go back and star again- with observation.

We study the Bible that we may know God…that we may know the mind of Christ…that we may be transformed by the power of the gospel, and grow a Christian world-view.

We desire to know God, not merely of God but to know Him. Moses also desired this as we can see in Exodus 33:13 “If you are pleased with me, each me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you”. If our heart’s desire is to know God intimately, then we can do that through His word. Jesus is the word; He is available to us. “In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:3 May we seek Him!

The Bible is not only a fabulous piece of literature, rich in vocabulary, cultural and timeless sayings and valid moral stories and creeds…it is much more! This alone would make it a worthwhile book to read. But it is so much more, to those who are believers and those who wish to know God. This book promises to give us an understanding of why we are here, how we got here and where we are going!

Reading is different to ‘doing a devotion’, which is different to memorizing, which is different to studying. But many people don’t know how to study their Bible without a prescribed study! Some procrastinate because they don’t know how or where to start. They think that simply reading won’t be enough so they don’t start…they think that Bible Study must be something difficult- far out of reach of the average home-school mother! This is not so. God’s word is available for every one to read and understand…there is no way that it must be studied…so long as we read it, and seek to understand. One of the best ways to learn about something is to teach it. The challenge for the home-school mother is to not only teach facts but the practice of the facts.

For us to teach a subject we must know the subject, we must study the subject. However, it is not enough to simply pick up a book and start reading it aloud…we must be taught by the Word itself and by its Author who is God Himself.

Why should we devote time to studying the Bible?

The Bible is the only source of divine authority. In it, we come to see and know the mind of God and His will. But wait! There’s more.

  • This book will sustain you in your walk with God.
  • This book is complete and without error.
  • This book provides us with assurance of salvation and points the way to eternal life.
  • This book is totally sufficient for our needs.
  • This book gives us [tooltip text="Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Ps. 119:105)"]guidance[/tooltip], [tooltip text="For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek (Rom. 1:16)"]power[/tooltip], [tooltip text="As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby (1 Pet. 2:2)"]growth[/tooltip], [tooltip text="But He said, 'More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it (Luke 11:28)"]blessing[/tooltip] and [tooltip text="Sanctify them by Your truth; Your word is truth (John 17:17)"]truth[/tooltip].

The question therefore is not why should we read it rather why not read it?

Maybe you need a fresh start with God…maybe you need to grasp the basic truths in order to impress them upon your children. Maybe you’ve been a Christian for awhile but still struggle with knowing how to teach your children straight from the Bible without various curricula…or how to tackle particular topics? Maybe you are unsure of the absolute validity of the Scriptures because of a lack of solid understanding of how they came to us? Maybe you’re simply looking for further ways to hide God’s word in your heart? Regardless, I hope that you will find something of use within this site. It is not the aim of this resource to be definitive or exhaustive…rather I’d like to consider that it is in part, a teaching tool, equipping parents with some tools that will help them dig into the word for themselves and that it will serve as a launching pad to kick start further studies with your family. I offer not absolute, step-by-step lesson plans for one to follow rather an approach that can be put before the Lord and allowing the Holy Spirit to dictate the way in which you can use it…while looking to the needs of your family in using this tool to help you in your work. It is my desire that after going through this study, you will not need to order further Bible studies or guides. I hope that you will be able to study the Bible and let Him speak to you. Remember that the better student you become, the better teacher you will be!

All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
(2 Tim. 3:16–17)

Contents of pages in the Bible Study section:

Susan  (740 Posts)

Meandering through marriage, motherhood and mess as a child of God. Married to Beloved for over 20 years. Five children later and I”m still having a ball!

My greatest passion and desire in life is to share the love and grace of God. I enjoy blogging, web design with wordpress, social media, technology, chocolate, coffee, good movies and being with family and friends.