I grew up going to church every Sunday. I knew the stories. I accepted Jesus as my Savior when I was 9, and then at 21, I started Bible College. In the end, I had a strong foundation – so strong that it kept me firmly planted when the storms came crashing. 

When my friend asked me to a Precept Bible class in the early 90’s, I had no idea how this would change my life forever. I really did not know how important Bible study was. Bible study would altar my life and change its course.

At one time I thought that listening to sermons and being active in the church was enough. I ignorantly thought I could ride on the coattails of what I had learned as a child and in college. 

But as soon as I began to study the Bible, my heart soared and my thinking changed. Almost instantly God showed up in the pages of Scripture and revealed Himself in ways I had never known. Honestly, I think that many believers don’t know the importance of Bible study.

So please let me offer four reasons why Bible study is so important…

To nurture our faith!

God never intended for our faith to be stagnant. And without Bible study, our faith ain’t goin’  nowhere (Oh no, my Grandma’s southern drawl is coming out in me). 

The apostle Paul writes: “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth…” (Colossians 2:6-7). 

Paul prayed that the believers in Colossae would have “spiritual wisdom and understanding” (Colossians 1:9). He then goes on to say that these things would “produce every kind of good fruit” (Colossians 1:10). Hence, a deep faith.

Bible study can certainly be the tool to bring our faith to new levels.

“Bible study is essential to spiritual maturity.” 
Howard Hendricks, Author and Bible Theologian

Sign up for our  FREE ONLINE Bible study on ACTS…

To be transformed!

When a caterpillar comes out of the cocoon, he emerges as a beautiful butterfly. Everything about him is different. The inside and the outside have changed. This is a splendid picture of the Christian. We read in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that “anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person.” 

The sad reality is that we often can’t spot the Christian because they seem like everyone else. Their flawed human nature trumps good character. Instead of drawing people to Christ, they drive people away from Christ. We are to reflect Christ, but some are not good reflections.

Bible study can be the cocoon to transform us from disfigured creatures to stunning saints. We will emerge as valuable vessels for God’s Kingdom.

When we abandon ourselves to the pages of Scripture and let it take root in our hearts and minds, then we come out looking so different. 

“The Bible was not given for our information, but for our transformation.”
Dwight L. Moody, Evangelist and Church Founder

To know truth!

This one is so important because false teachers are creeping up everywhere. I’ve been in places of worship and cringed at the wrong teaching, while others clapped and nodded in agreement. It’s scary how many believers never recognize teaching that is not from Scripture.

Listen to these hard-to-swallow words: “For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching…” (2 Timothy 4:3). 

Friends, these days are here. Churches are filled with false teachings. There are many pretenders. And the really difficult thing is that their teaching often sounds good and right. But that’s how Satan gets Christ followers – he lures them with a counterfeit message. A message that’s sounds right, but is not truth at all. 

Bible study can be the flashlight to shine a bright light onto truth. And once we become Bible students, we then become adept at recognizing what’s true and what’s false.  

“A Thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education.”
Theodore Roosevelt

To hear God speak!

Does God only speak to the pastors and leaders? Evangelists? Missionaries? No! His voice is for each one of His children. You and I can hear His voice. And trust me, He’s got plenty to say.

Most of us want to hear Him speak. We want to know if we are pleasing Him. We want to know which path to take. We want direction. But we’re stumped because His voice seems distant, almost unrecognizable. And this can lead to doubt and lack of faith.

It’s important to remember one thing: God speaks through His Word.

Listen to these familiar words: “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives… God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). 

It’s true that God can speak in other ways (and often will), but for our everyday lives, He uses His Word. Hebrews 4:12 says that “The Word of God is alive and powerful.” 

Bible study can certainly be the instrument to help us hear what God has to say to us.

“When God speaks to you, he is not writing a new book of Scripture; rather, he is
applying to your life what he has already said in his Word.”
Henry Blackaby, from his book Hearing God’s Voice

I hope today’s mini lesson has stirred your heart for more of God and to study His Word.

With that said, I hope you’ll join us in January for our ONLINE Bible study on Acts. It’s FREE. And did I say it’s gonna be AWESOME? Sign up here…  

Please share with others and have a blessed day,