Lesson I

How To

Study the Bible

By Shane Scott

Lesson 1: The Importance of Bible Study

The most commonly used term in the book of Acts that describes God's people is the term "disciple." In ancient times, a disciple was a person who learned from a master with whom he had a very close relationship. The essence of that term is "learner." If we are going to be true disciples, we must be learners, students of our Master, Jesus Christ. Jesus once issued this great invitation: "Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:29). If you want to accept this invitation to learn from Jesus, it is crucial that you devote yourself to being a student of His word.

This series of lessons is designed to help you do exactly that. Study of the Scriptures requires skill, and in these lessons we are going to hone our skills as students. But first it is important to realize how essential regular study of the word really is. God's word is crucial to our very spiritual survival, because it offers us blessings that cannot be found anywhere else.

The Bible Teaches Us About God

The single most important reason to study God's word is to learn more about Him. God has created us and redeemed us, and for those reasons we should want to know everything about Him we can. Bible study is not just an intellectual exercise. It is a means to a greater end, a closer relationship with the Lord.

Consider these verses from Psalm 119, and notice how they tie knowledge of God's word with a deep relationship with Him:

Psalm 119:2., "How blessed are those who observe His testimonies,

Who seek Him with all their heart."

Psalm 119:10 "With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander

from Your commandments."

Psalm 119:38 "Establish Your word to Your servant As that which produces reverence for You."

Psalm II9:164 "Seven times a day I praise You, Because of Your righteous ordinances."

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The Bible Is Spiritual Nourishment

We have several newborns here at Portage, for whom we are very thankful. But can you imagine how disappointing it would be if these children were exactly the same size five months from now? And if that happened,, what do you think a doctor's first question would be? Certainly a physician would inquire as to that child's eating habits, because nourishment is critical for growth. When we are converted to Christ we are "born again" (John 3.3-5), and just as we expect little babies to grow, God expects spiritual infants to mature. "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food" (Hebrews 5:12).

Nourishment is critical for growth, and the Scriptures are the sustenance which God has provided for His children. Paul told Timothy, "in pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following" (1 Timothy 4:6). We are nourished by the "words of faith"! This means that Bible study is absolutely essential as the basis for spiritual growth. You need a regular diet of spiritual food so that you can develop as your Father wants you to.

To put it another way, how many times do you nourish yourself physically each week? Most of us eat two or three meals a day, and probably none of us has ever gone more than a few days without food. But Jesus taught that there is a greater source of sustenance, "It is written, 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God... (Matthew 4:4). If you understand how critical it is to receive regular meals for your physical survival, and if the soul is infinitely more valuable than the body (Matthew 10:28), then it should be obvious that you need to make Bible study a vital part of your daily routine.

Bible Study Equips You To Be God's Workman

Second Timothy 2.15 is the classic passage about Bible study. "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth." Paul exhorted this young

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preacher to be diligent in his work as a preacher, and specifically to be diligent in

the way he handled God's word.

Although the immediate context for this passage is limited to Timothy, the fact is that all of God's people are to be workers. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord" (I Corinthians 15:58). Diligent study of the Scriptures will equip us for our work just as it readied Timothy for his.

The word of God is the fundamental tool we will use in our work. Without a firm grasp of the Bible, we cannot teach the lost (Colossians 4.6),, we cannot edify one another (Ephesians 4-.15), and cannot raise our children (Ephesians 6:4). God has work for you to do, and habitual study of the Scriptures is God's plan to perpetually train you for His work.

The Bible Protects Us From Sin

The Scriptures promise to aid us in our spiritual conflict with the Devil. The psalmist said, "Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee" (Psalm 119:11). The Scriptures do not merely defend us; they also serve as our "sword" with which we can take the fight to Satan.

The Bible protects us from sin by explaining what sin is (Romans 7:7). It also protects us from sin by recording examples of the horrible consequences sin will produce (as in the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3). Further, the Bible protects us from sin by instructing us regarding how to handle temptation (as in the example of Jesus in Matthew 4:1-11).

Another way in which the Bible protects us from sin is by shielding us from the deceitful work of false teachers. In Acts 20 the apostle Paul warned the elders of Ephesus that after his departure "savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock" (Acts 20:29). What did Paul tell these brothers to do to protect themselves from this onslaught? "And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified" (Acts 20:32).

The threat of false teaching was not limited to the first century, It is still a

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vital concern today. We can be protected from it in our century just like those early Christians. The antidote to all sin and error is spiritual growth fostered by a serious commitment to knowledge of God's word. Peter warned his readers that "the untaught and unstable distort" Paul's writings "as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction" (2 Peter 3:16). His admonition? "You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard lest, being carried away by the error of unprincipled men, you fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of etemity. Amen" (2 Peter 3:17-18).

Conclusion

Because God's word can do so much for us,. it is no wonder the psalmist cried, "O how I love Thy law! It is my meditation all the day" (Psalm 119:97). As you begin this exciting series of classes, keep in mind that as you continue to meditate on God's word, you will be growing stronger, serving better, and living holier.

Questions for Review and Discussion

1. What does it mean to be a "disciple"?

2. In what way does God expect us to grow with regard to His word? (See Hebrews 5:11-14)

3. What did Paul tell Timothy to be diligent to do?

4. Explain why knowledge of the Scriptures is so important to do the following:

Teach the lost (Colossians 4:6):

Edify one another (Ephesians 4:15):

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Raise our children (Ephesians 6:4):

5. In what ways does the Bible protect us from sin?

6. What is the antidote of all sin and error?