Bible Study? What For?

Posted on Jan 13, 2020 by admin in General, Reading the Bible |

The vast majority of believers don’t read or study their Bible on a daily basis. According to Gallup Poll surveys, about 10% of all Christians read or study the Bible every day. There are several different reasons people don’t study the Bible.

Reason #1: The Bible is not relevant today. It is seen as an archaic, out of date, old fashioned book. Reason #2: People don’t know how to study their Bible. It’s too hard or confusing. Reason #3: Bible study is for teachers and professional people, not laypersons. Reason #4: Bible study is just not a priority. People don’t have the time or interest. Reason #5: The Bible is boring. It’s not interesting. Reason #6: People have their doubts about the Bible. It’s not reliable. There are other reasons and excuses that people give for not reading and studying their Bible, but these are the ones most often given.

There are other reasons and excuses that people give for not reading and studying their Bible, but these are the ones most often given.

The larger issue is “Why do we need to study the Bible?” There are three huge benefits for learning to study your Bible.

#1: Bible Study is imperative if you expect spiritual growth. 1 Peter 2:2 reveals as a baby has to have milk to begin the growth process, so a Christian needs the Word to grow spiritually. The Bible is essential for spiritual growth.

#2: Bible Study is imperative if you expect spiritual maturity. Hebrews 5:11-14 reveals as a child eventually moves from milk to meat bringing him to maturity, so too does the believer need the meat of God’s Word to mature in their faith. The Bible is essential for spiritual maturity.

#3: Bible Study is imperative in order to become like Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reveals that the Bible is profitable for every believer. The Scriptures tell us what’s right, what’s not right, how to get right, and how to stay right. The Bible is essential for spiritual effectiveness.

The goal of Bible study is to become more like Christ. Amazingly, the more you study the Bible, the better you get to know God and what He is like; and the better you know you God, the more like Him you become! The Bible is not just a book of information. It is a book of transformation. Someone has well said that the Bible is the only book that you can read that also reads you!! Bible Study will transform your life.

There are three steps in the process of learning to study your Bible. #1: Observation. What do I see? What are the facts. #2: Interpretation. What does it mean? What is the biblical author saying? #3: Application. What does it mean for me? How does it work? Application always answers the “So what?” question.

Many people have invested in my life. Professors and preachers have taught me the importance of Bible study and fueled my fire and passion for the Scriptures. Men like Howard Hendricks, Chuck Swindoll, David Garland, Jimmy DeYoung, Robert Smith, Jr., James Merritt, Adrian Rogers, Jerry Vines, John Laida and others all challenged me and taught me the value of the Word of God. My parents, Jim and Barbara Hampton, were invaluable in my early years of learning to read and study the Bible. It is my hope that I will be able to give to others what I have been blessed with over the years. I hope many of you will get started on this journey with me on Wednesday nights.

–Pastor Cal Hampton