How to study the bible Series
Part One: Why Study the Bible?
Before endeavouring to know what saith the scriptures concerning how they need to be studied, first there needs to be a directive, a motive, a reason to know exactly why we need to study its sacred pages and, also to continue studying its sacred pages. We will simply explore only one reason among many that the bible say, will reward the diligent student of the bible.
Romans 10:17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
The importance of studying the scriptures is brought here in principle. This verse in context is not dealing with studying the bible, but we can derive a vital principle from this verse on the importance of studying its sacred pages. The text tells us what is derived from the scriptures, “...faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God”, it is faith that the word gives.
Is faith essential for the Christian to receive? Most certainly, for the bibles says “…But without faith it is impossible to please him…” (Heb 11:6) “…for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” (Rom 14:23). Is God pleased with sin? Certainly not, is He pleased with faith that works by love? Most certainly, therefore this experience cannot be obtained or retained by Christians if there is no constant diligent effort to become well acquainted with its promises. God’s word is just that, Gods word, it is His voice speaking to us, giving strength and instruction along our narrow pathway, for it is a “…lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psa 119:105).
All Christians derive their hope from Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. As we have seen faith is derived from the scriptures, the scriptures and a right understanding of them inspire it, and it is this faith that is needed to receive grace that gives a soul salvation, gives a soul freedom from sin. No faith equates any salvation, no matter how much grace is revealed to an individual, that individual will not and cannot experience what grace has for them if they disbelieve the grace of God. The bible says we are saved by grace THROUGH faith, so grace is the promise, the remedy for sin, but faith is the actual hand to take hold of this remedy, so that it make take its affect upon the sin sick soul. How does this point of grace link with the studying of scripture? A sincere Christian begins his journey of faith when he first believes and trusts in the merits of Jesus to give him pardon from all his sins. Yet he finds temptations do not disappear, the weak sinful flesh still remains after his conversion, and further more it is the same devil the great adversary of Christ which continues his warfare to win back his allegiance with constant doubts, temptations to sin. This is where the bible gives hope and counsel to all Christians, take note of all these promises and the continuing thought echoed through them on how to be “constantly faithful” to Jesus Christ.
Psalm 101:2 “I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.”
Psalm 119:1,3,9,10 “. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.”
“They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.”
“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.”
“With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.”
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
Matthew 4:4 “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”
John 8:31 “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed”
John 15:4,7 “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”
Romans 1:17 “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”
Colossian 2:6 “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him”
As you carefully read all these scriptures they have one central theme in common. It is that the Christian can live a holy life, he is to live an obedient life to God, to the one Who died for him and set him free from sin. How is this new life in Christ maintained? BY THE WORD OF GOD. This is the supernatural agency that can and will keep any who have FAITH in its promises and commands, for within the very command of God is the energy and power to give the sincere believing soul power to obey God. The bible teaches us that Gods word has creative energy, as the psalmist says, “By the word of the LORD were the heavens made” (Psa 33:6). It was faith in the word of Christ that many sick were healed, the word of God granted them the accomplishment of Gods will in them, for it was Gods will to free them from disease and suffering.
What is the cause of spiritual weaklings, though they claim to know an “all powerful God”? What is the cause of many a sincere Christian to be struggling with sin and worldliness? It is due to a lack of diligent study of Gods Word. For without a constant study of it, meditating upon it, imbibing its principles into our minds, what strength and what wisdom is the guide of our life? How can one expect to fight the daily temptations that surround us without the indwelling of Gods word in us for the psalmist says “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11).
What brings a sinner to receive Gods grace? Faith. What is faith? Believing in Gods word that it will do, what it says it will do. What then will keep a Christian from sin? Faith. Continual obedience to Gods word. It was faith in the beginning and faith all along the way that will allow Christ to finish that work He started, as Hebrews 12:2 states Jesus is the “author and finisher of our faith”. The scripture states “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom…” this is too be so, for God has spoken it, yet how many professed Christians neglect the study of Gods word? How many assume that its irrelevant whether I study the bible for myself or not. This dangerous thinking is the result of constant failure for the Christian, for Jesus said “without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5) so likewise without His word we can do nothing, for it was this Jesus said is how He abides with us, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you…” (John 15:7). Jesus is not only a Saviour that died for man over 2000 years ago, but is also an “ever present Saviour” who desires entrance into our heart to LIVE THERE AND ABIDE there, to give strength and power for the daily trials and temptations that beset us in this wicked world.
If you have not experienced the victory and power that comes with studying Gods word faithfully, then I exhort all to waste no more time, and start today. Be faithful, start small and Gods word has promised strength and power to all those who believe in His Word.
