Why We Study God’s Word pt 2 – Tim’s Blog

Why We Study God’s Word pt 2 by Tim Parkinson

I want to begin by saying that years ago, I got a lot of what is written here from the internet. I don’t know or remember where it came from, but it blessed me and I wanted to share it with our congregation and with whomever might be helped by it.

Reading vs Studying

• Reading familiarizes you with the history and relationships revealed in the Bible that stretches across centuries. 
• It reveals the origins of current situations and their backstory. 
• It show the validity of prophecies and promises made centuries ago through the present times.
• It reveals the personalities of ancient times, making them relatable to our daily lives, and giving us guidance for our lives direction.

Studying the Bible is far and above the most important action we can take to secure a happy & fulfilling life.

While not an exhaustive list, below are 8 reasons for studying the Bible:

• Cultural literacy
• To learn what it says firsthand
• Personal edification
• To help others
• Jesus
• Because it is God’s Word to us
• To know God better
• Avoiding error

KEY Scripture 

Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Our Commission and it’s Rewards

Start off with the right attitude. 

• 1. Ezra 7:10  This was because Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the Lord and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel.
• 2. Psalm 119:15-16 I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.

What does the Bible say about itself?

• 3. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul and spirit, joints and marrow, as it judges the thoughts and purposes of the heart.
• 4. Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
• 5. Ephesians 6:17 Also take salvation as your helmet and the word of God as the sword that the Spirit supplies.

Studying Scripture will help you with everyday life and temptations with sin. 

• 6. Proverbs 4:10-13 Listen, my son: accept my words, and you’ll live a long, long time. I have directed you in the way of wisdom, and I have led you along straight paths. When you walk, your step will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go! Guard wisdom, because she is your life!

Study so that you are not deceived by false teachings. 

• 7. Acts 17:11 Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
• 8. 1 John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to determine if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Studying helps us serve God better. 

• 9. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.
• 10. 2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

Study to teach others and to be better prepared to answer questions.

• 11. 2 Timothy 2:2 What you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well.
• 12. 1 Peter 3:15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;

It’s food for our souls 

• 13. Matthew 4:4  But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Not only are there many promises in Scripture, sometimes God will speak to us through His Word in a way that we know it was Him. If God gave you a promise. He will fulfill it at the best time.

• 14. Isaiah 55:11 so My word that comes from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it to do.”
• 15. Luke 1:37 For no word from God will ever fail.”

Study to honor the Lord and to express your great love for Him and His Word.

• 16. Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
• 17. Psalm 119:96-98 To all perfection I see a limit, but your commands are boundless. Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies.
• 18. Psalm 119:47-48 I will take delight in your commands, which I love. I will lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes.

The Scriptures point to Christ and the gospel that saves.

• 19. John 5:39-40 You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

We can Store His Word in our hearts.

• 20. Psalm 119:11-12 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. I praise you, O LORD; teach me your decrees.
• 21. Psalm 37:31 The instruction of his God is in his heart; his steps will not slip.

Scripture is God-breathed and has no errors. 

• 22. 2 Peter 1:20-21 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
• 23. Proverbs 30:5-6 Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection. Do not add to his words, or he may rebuke you and expose you as a liar.

Study Scripture to transform your life.

• 24. Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Bonus Scripture

• Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that we may have hope, through endurance and through the encouragement from the Scriptures.