This week we will be engaging in Bible study every night during our Vacation Bible Study. So, it is a good time to note some reasons for Bible study. Why do we study the Bible?

Because It Necessary To Divine Approval:Paul told Timothy, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). Our study of God’s word is required if we are to be approved by God. Why? It allows us to rightly apply (divide) the truth God has revealed. Further, living our life by the things we learn will allow us to not be ashamed come Judgment Day.

Because It Begins And Builds Faith:The apostle said to the Romans, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). Without study, one will not be able to believe, and without belief one cannot be pleasing to the Father: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Heb. 11:6).

Because It Lets Us See Where We Need To Make Changes: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does” (Jas. 1:22-25). The mirror of God’s word is seen clearly when we study. It shows that which is right with us that in which we need to continue. It also shows us things wrong in our lives that we need to change. The challenge is to make the changes that our study shows us we need to make!

David Eldridge