What other—less helpful—reasons might people have to study the Bible?
Answers
1. We quest for meaning beyond ourselves. In the Word, we find our ultimate meaning in a Person, not a concept. Our goal in studying is to come closer and closer to the meaning God intends us to receive, and ultimately closer to him. Scripture is the breath of God carrying the weight of who he is with its message, which means the more we interact with it, the more we personally engage with the Spirit himself. When we refuse to open God’s Word, it is not just a rejection of a material book, it is a rejection of a relationship with God himself.
2. His Word creates life. Paul often begins his letters with some form of “grace TO you” statement and concludes with some form us “grace be WITH you” phrase. When we open God’s Word, its truth will be imparted to us in some way, and when we close it, we are left WITH his Word to shape us further. You see, Jesus’ words are his actions—just like Christ created life at the beginning of time, his words to us now are living and active to create new life in us (Hebrews 4). God’s Word promises to accomplish what it sets out to change within us (Isaiah 55:11). I am not alive, the Bible is, and when I read it, it makes me come alive.
3. The Word responds to our deepest needs. 2 Timothy 3:17 is a bold verse claiming that the Word is sufficient to speak to every human need, even the darkest ones—pain, insecurity, confusion, shame, stress, disability, betrayal, more. Scripture informs our brokenness and our joys, thoroughly equipping our minds and informing our everyday actions. No matter the magnitude of the mess we carry, the Word is alive and powerful to speak to those needs. In fact, our brokenness is what compels us to go deeper into it, and back to it, again and again.
4. Bible study is God’s will for our lives. God’s ultimate will for our lives is that we display his character no matter who we are or what we’re going through. While many struggles we face are more an indication of issues outside our own making or control, it may also be true that some of our struggles are because we are not prioritizing the pursuit of Jesus’ words in our lives to influence our thinking and behaviour.
5. Bible study deepens godly community. It’s easier to study when we’re not alone. Consider grabbing some friends to plunge into God’s Word together as a community. In doing so, we’ll deepen our relationships, keep one another accountable and encouraged, and reflect the nature of God, who characterizes community himself being Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
6. Bible study grounds evangelism. Scripture is beneficial not only for the discipleship of believers but for bringing us to Jesus at salvation (2 Timothy 3:15).