The Benefit of Real Bible Study
As we begin our “schooling” experience, our teachers are those who try to expose us to information and teach us to properly use that information to our benefit. They call it teaching. We call it learning. But, the cycle is not complete unless we apply ourselves to the information provided. This is called “study”. As we continue our education we better understand this and it seems that the ones who benefit most are those who: 1) learned how to study, 2) developed the love of study. These are the ones who end up with the best grades and seem to be better equipped to succeed and to come out on top. Those who “come out on top” in this world are those who succeed in business and are called successful by our society.
We tend to understand this as adults and try to impress this on our children, but often only in areas of secular studies. Why can we not see that this has application to the Word of God as well? The idea of study is defined as: “the act of making an effort to learn by reading, practicing, or memorizing. Or, “a careful investigation or examination of something”. Can we not see that a careful examination and investigation of God’s Word can and will provide us great benefits? Why then do many not really study it?
Many see study of any kind as a bit of a burden, and if a person is not interested in something, they are not likely to put their full effort into it. The Holy Spirit had Solomon point this out in Ecclesiastes 12:11-14 as well as the conclusion of the matter, and the reason every effort should be put into the study of God’s Word. The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. 12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. 13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
The first part of this is that much study can produce “a weariness of the flesh” at times. But even things that are not the most exciting, when properly understood after putting forth the effort through study, become so important to us. Then, when we “understand” we see the conclusion. In this case, it the conclusion of the “whole matter”. The immediate benefit of Bible study is a deep and abiding respect for God and the desire to keep His Commandments. However, one cannot know or follow God’s Commandments unless one knows them. And one cannot know God’s Commandments unless they study and learn them. One also cannot be approved unto God unless he/she does the things that are directed in His Word.
One of the most familiar scriptures relative to this is found in 2Timothy 2:15 in which the Spirit had Paul direct Timothy: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Of course, when one studies the Word, they cannot be “approved unto God” unless they “rightly divide” or handle that Word aright.
To improperly divide the Word brings us to false conclusions and renders us unacceptable to Him. It is so important to read, study, and conclude properly as we will be judged by that very Word. Solomon was directed to write of this as we read above in Ecclesiastes 12:14. This is also something that Jesus said while He was on earth before He died to procure the means of salvation for a lost humanity. He said in John 12:48: He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
Doesn’t it seem it would be beneficial to engage in the study of God’s Word so we can do what it says to do? How can we possibly truly believe in Christ unless we read and study God’s Word? Jesus brought this to our attention in John 8:24. He said: I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. He then gave us Words in John 8:32 that are very beneficial. He said: And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. The question is: “Do you want to be free?” You can be free from sin, but it takes more than believing. One will need to read and study the Bible, then do what it directs to gain the ultimate benefit. The ultimate benefit of Bible study if applied, is eternal life.
Do what it takes and you can come out on top where it really matters. Study the Bible daily – Rightly divide it – Then follow it. You will truly benefit.
Dennis S - Mooresville
