Bible Study

Can we make it to heaven if we don’t read and study the Bible?  Is it essential to our salvation?  Let’s see what God’s Word has to say about it.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1 KJV)

What is the Bible and where did it come from?

The Bible is "God's word" to mankind. It is a collection of 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over a period of over 1,500 years. The books of the Bible were written by prophets and disciples who served God. These men were very different from one another. Some were shepherds. Some were kings. Some were well educated. Some had only a little education. Some were rich and some were poor. These men were separated from each other by centuries of time in many cases.

These men may have written the Bible but God was the author.  2 Peter 1:20-21: "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (KJV)"

Paul the Apostle says in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

The Bible has a single thread which runs through the entire collection of books it contains. That thread is God's plan to save mankind. The Bible is an incredible book of history and facts that proves that there is one God that created all things. Most important of all, the Bible is the Word of God. It contains the mind of God and His will for each one of our lives. That is why the Bible was given to us.

Why should we read The Bible.

We should read the Bible because it is God's Word to us. The Bible is literally "God-breathed" (2 Timothy 3:16). In other words, it is God's very words to us. There are so many questions that people ask that God answers for us in scripture. What is the purpose to life? Where did I come from? Is there life after death? How do I get to heaven?  It answers every important question in life. It explains HOW TO LIVE—and reveals the ROAD TO SALVATION.

The Bible equips us to serve God (2 Timothy 3:15,17; Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12). It helps us know how to be saved from our sin (Acts 2:38). Meditating on God’s Word and obeying its teachings will bring success in life (Joshua 1:8; James 1:25). God’s Word helps us see sin in our lives and helps us get rid of it (Psalm 119:9, 11). It gives us guidance in life, making us wiser than our teachers (Psalm 32:8, 119:99; Proverbs 1:6).  Studying God’s Word helps us to grow spiritually (I Peter 2:2).

The Bible is a book that is not merely for reading. It is a book for studying so that it can be applied.

Why should we study the Bible.

God commands His servants, “Study to show yourself approved before God.”

II Timothy 2:15 admonishes, “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”  The apostle Paul tells us that proper Bible study leads to approval from God. As workmen, we need not be ashamed—if we study God’s Word.

Rightly dividing the Word of Truth—knowing the Bible, inside and out—takes a lifetime. God’s Holy Spirit opens one’s mind to this spiritual understanding (Psa. 119:18; John 16:13). True biblical knowledge and understanding come from diligent effort and God’s Spirit working in you.  “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:13, 14 KJV).  Ask God to open your understanding as you read His Word.

God expects us to familiarize ourselves with His Word. Only by fully appreciating it will we act on it. Jesus said, “…It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4, quoted from Deut. 8:3). Psalms 119:105 affirms: “Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

And as Paul admonished Timothy: “And that from a child you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (II Tim. 3:15). He continues in verses 16-17: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

Taking in the Word of God for spiritual nourishment surpasses the need of taking in physical food. The Bible provides light to avoid pitfalls in the path of life. The Bible gives us wisdom to understand the weighty aspects of salvation.  Bible study is a vital process that does more than teach us.

“Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” (1 Timothy 4:13, 15, 16 KJV)

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” (Joshua 1:8 KJV)

“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” (1 Peter 2:2 KJV)

Study His Word...

Study because you love Him.

When you love somebody you want to know everything about them. The way to know about God is to read and study His word (the Bible). The Bible is the way that God has revealed Himself to you directly. It tells you who He is and what He expects of you.

Study so that you have amour to fight the devil.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV)

In Ephesians 6:11, Paul instructs the believer to, "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." A few verses later in Ephesians 6:17 he explains that part of that armour of God is "... the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God ...." We should go into battle with the devil skillfully wielding a sharp sword. 

Study so you do not err according to The Word.

“Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.” (Matthew 22:29 KJV)

“Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:14-18 KJV)

Study so you will know The Truth.

The Bible gives us the measuring stick by which we can distinguish truth from error.  There are many false teachers in this world today teaching only that what people want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3-4).  It is important to know the Bible so that when someone teaches something that doesn’t line up with The Word then we know they are false teachers. 

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;” (Jude 1:3, 4, 17 KJV)

Remember ye the words of the apostles... If anyone comes teaching any other doctrine other than what the apostles taught they are teaching false doctrine.

“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-9 KJV)

Study to cleanse your way.

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. (Psalms 119:9)

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalms 119:11 KJV)

I have remembered thy name, O Lord, in the night, and have kept thy law. This I had, because I kept thy precepts. Thou art my portion, O Lord : I have said that I would keep thy words. (Psalms 119:55-57 KJV)

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalms 119:105 KJV)

Study for God's opinions not your own.

Somebody will eventually ask you, "Why do you believe the way you do?". If you have not read and studied God's word then you will just have your own opinions and your own thoughts about God that are not based on the truth that He has revealed in His Word. We can't base facts about God upon our own feelings or thoughts we have to refer to God's Word (The Bible).  How can a person know God if they have never read His Word?  As you study God's word you learn more about Him and create a solid foundation for the things you believe that you can share with others.

Study Bible prophecy.

The most obvious reason to study Bible prophecy is because God said it. About one third of the Word of God is prophecy. The Old Testament prophetic books from Isaiah to Malachi alone are more than twenty percent of the Bible. The book of Revelation and substantial portions of almost every other book of the Bible are also prophetic. Prophecy is found in the teachings of Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry, and in the inspired letters written by Paul, Peter, and Jude. Genesis, the books of the law, the books of Samuel, the books of Kings, and Psalms also contain large amounts of prophecy.

Revelation 1:3 says that those who read or hear prophetic words of the book of Revelation will be blessed. "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand."

Study for Salvation.

“What must I do to be saved?”  An age old questioned asked by many.  The Bible clearly answers this question as well.  “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” (Acts 2:37-39 KJV)

The Word of God is infallible. There is no error in God's Word. The law of the Lord is perfect concerning our soul. The testimony of the Lord is not only infallible it is inerrant. Proverbs 30:5-6, "Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar." The purity of His words does not need anything added to it. God warns us not to misrepresent His scripture.

The Word of God is complete. The Bible does not need any new chapters or verses. It is all given to us already. Some religions may add their own books or commentaries to the Bible. But, all you need is God's Word because it is the holy Word of God. The Bible warns us what happens to those that add or take away from God's Word.  The Holy Bible It is complete. In Revelation 22:18-19, God gives us this warning, "For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."

The Word of God is totally authoritative. The book of Psalms 119:89 says "Forever, O LORD, Your Word is settled in heaven." The Word of God is the only source for absolute divine authority. This divine authority is for you and me as servants of Jesus Christ.

Some say reading the Bible is not essential to salvation.  I think I have just proven with God's Word that it is.  Don't take my word for it - search it out for yourself.  You will be blessed!

I offer private in home Bible studies.  If you would like someone to study the Bible with or someone to pray with please feel free to contact me anytime.

Kim Howard   (318) 450-2148   

Email: kimlovesjesus@icloud.com

www.womanofgodinlouisiana.blogspot.com