by Barbara Latta
8 Benefits of Bible Study – And a Free Download for the Month
As a new school year starts, our minds focus on books and learning. Homework assignments fill backpacks, science projects loom on the horizon, and for older students, research papers fill them with dread.
Summer vacation means a break from homework, but we should
never take a vacation away from reading the Bible. The more we renew our minds
with God’s Word, the more strength and wisdom we have to guide children
and teenagers in their their lives, as well as our
own.
Year-long Scripture reading plans can be found in numerous
places online and in print. This is usually a common goal at the beginning of
the year. But we can sometimes slip into our routines of daily life and fall
behind. But that doesn’t mean we can’t start again. As kids go back to school,
we can follow a holy assignment and absorb God’s Word with new determination.
Why do we need to read the Bible? How can a book written so
long ago be relevant to our lives and society today?
Because it is alive. The words are not merely black ink on white
paper. The content has the power to change hearts because it pierces the soul
and spirit. No human knowledge or intelligence can do that.
For the word of God is living
and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the
division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of
the thoughts and intents of the heart.
(Hebrews 4:12 NKJV)
Here are 8 benefits of Bible study we can receive:
- We learn from other’s successes and failures (1 Corinthians 10:11)
- We can know the living God (John 17:3)
- We increase in wisdom (Proverbs 2:6)
- We have guidance for decisions (Proverbs 3:5-6)
- We are an example for future generations (Psalm 145:4)
- We build faith and strength to withstand trying times (Nahum 1:7)
- We have hope for the future (Romans 15:13)
- We have knowledge of our identity in Christ (Colossians 2:9-10)
I beseech you therefore,
brethren by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living
sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do
not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your
mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of
God. (Romans 12:1-2)
The only hope we have to avoid the darkness this world
promotes is to counter it with the light of our heavenly Father. He shines upon
us through the brilliance of His Son.
Studying the Bible is not boring if it is approached as an
opportunity to fellowship with the Creator of the universe. His arms are always
open. He waits for us to approach Him with an open heart.
Each month, I will offer a free download to correspond to
the blog’s theme. You can receive August’s PDF, “Scriptures and Prayers for Back to School” here.
What other benefits do you receive from reading God’s Word?
Join the conversation.
You provide wonderful rational for studying the Bible. I completed a Bible reading plan that I started during Lent during lent last year and the timing proved wonderful for me. You’re right - We don’t have to wait until the first of the year to begin.
ReplyDeleteCandyce
Candyce, I have found using a reading plan keeps me on track and each year that I go through one I find new insight about the same Scriptures I read before. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Blessings!
DeleteMuch to enjoy in this post Ms. Barbara, and much to consider. Two words that came to my mind while reading were "homework" and "heart-work". Homework reminded me that even as adults (some of us long removed from school days of past) need to do our homework. We need to stay grounded in the word of God. We need to demonstrate its importance in our lives to those little eyes and ears who are watching and learning from us. "Heart-work" reminded me that just as the "littles" in our lives are learning from us, we need to approach God's throne as a child as we watch and learn from Him. One way we can do that most effectively is to study God's word and let Him transform us as He shares His wisdom and knowledge with us. Loved this post ma'am. Great reminders for all of us.
ReplyDeleteThis posted as anonymous, but I think it is J.D. I love your term as "heart-work." That is what we need to pay attention to. We never know who is watching or listening to us. Jesus told us "out of the heart the mouth speaks." Thanks for sharing. Blessings!
DeleteReading the Bible is one of our most important ways to strengthen our relationship with our Lord (along with prayer and intensive study). Your eight reasons are so true and encourage us to faithfully read and be the role model for others. Thank you for this inspiring message, Barbara.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, Katherine, the Bible is the most important way to strengthen our relationship with our Lord and to know Him fully. God's Word is our lifeline. Thanks for sharing. Blessings!
DeleteWhat a resource-filled post, Barbara. I appreciate your list of the values of Bible study. Learning more about who are in Christ through His Word can sustain us in challenging times. -Jeannie Waters
ReplyDeleteYes, Jeannie, we are empowered by knowing who we are in Christ and Bible study helps us know what we have been given. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Blessings!
DeleteI have been very intentional about Bible study this year and I am learning so much and feeling much more closeness with Christ. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteMe too, Yvonne. Those yearly Bible reading plans help a lot with staying focused. Thanks for sharing. Blessings!
DeleteBarbara, you provide excellent reasons for studying the Bible. I can't say I always felt this way, but I'm excited to learn from God's Word every day. It's so rich that I can hardly pull myself away to tend to my other responsibilities.
ReplyDeleteAnnie, God's Word is a treasure chest that has no end. We can get excited when we learn so much truth. Thanks for sharing. Blessings!
DeleteI have been much more consistent at staying in the word and studying and I have felt so different and learned so much. God is so good and faithful to reveal Himself to us when we seek to know Him more.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, Jen, consistency does pay off. We learn so much about God's love and faithfulness. Thanks for sharing. Blessings!
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