The Bible is the inspired word of God and contains immense wisdom and truth that can transform our lives. Here are some key reasons why we should devote time to reading and studying the Bible:
1. To grow closer to God
The Bible enables us to grow in our relationship with God. Through reading the scriptures, we come to know God’s character and heart more deeply. We learn about who God is, how he acts, what he values, and what his plans and purposes are. As we engage with God’s word, we also hear him speaking to us and experience his presence. Our faith and connection with God are strengthened as we carve out quiet time to meet with him through his word.
2. To become more like Jesus
Jesus perfectly embodied everything that God desires for us. As we read the gospels and the rest of the New Testament, we can learn more about Jesus’ life, ministry, teachings, and character. We are called to follow Jesus’ example and become more Christ-like in our own lives. Studying the Bible enables us to align our priorities, attitudes, values, thoughts, and actions more closely with Jesus.
3. To know God’s will and calling for our lives
Within the pages of Scripture, we can discover God’s wonderful plans for humanity and his unique purpose for each of our lives. As we learn biblical principles for godly living and read examples of other believers who answered God’s call, we gain wisdom for how to walk in obedience to Christ. The Bible equips us to live out our divine calling and align our lives around God’s will.
4. For guidance, wisdom and truth
The Bible speaks into every area of life, providing God-breathed insight and perspective we won’t find anywhere else. When we face difficult situations and complex decisions, God’s word lights up the path ahead. The Holy Spirit uses Scripture to counsel, correct and teach us. The commands and principles in the Bible act as a lamp guiding our steps. We can turn to God’s word for discernment and walk in greater wisdom by studying biblical truth.
5. For comfort and encouragement
Hard times will inevitably come, but Scripture offers the comfort and hope we need to persevere. The Bible is filled with God’s promises and assurances that provide solace in suffering. As we study passages about God’s faithfulness and care for his people, our spirits are lifted. We gain courage and strength, are reminded we’re not alone, and receive guidance for moving forward in faith.
6. To know God better
Intimacy with God grows as we devote time to knowing him through studying the Bible. We begin to recognize how amazing, good and trustworthy God is. Our awe of him expands. We understand more about God’s majesty, power, holiness, justice, mercy and love. This fuels greater worship and passion for him. We start to see life from an eternal perspective and more fully grasp the magnitude of his grace toward us.
7. For spiritual growth and transformation
Regular study of Scripture leads to transformation by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). God’s word has a way of penetrating hearts and realigning thoughts and habits to become more aligned with Christ. As we read the Bible, our knowledge and love of God grow, old sins lose their grip, character is refined, and discernment increases. Our lives progressively bear spiritual fruit when we abide in God’s word.
8. To receive instruction for righteous living
Within the pages of Scripture we find God’s comprehensive plan for how to live justly, love mercy and walk humbly with him (Micah 6:8). We gain insight into what pleases God and what grieves his heart. There are practical commands about how to treat others, cultivate virtue and avoid sin. As we heed this instruction, our lives begin to better honor Christ and point people toward him.
9. To be reminded of God’s faithfulness and promises
No matter what circumstances we face, Scripture reassures us that God is always faithful. From Genesis to Revelation, we read story after story of God powerfully keeping his promises. He pursued and saved his people in the Old Testament, and did the same thing perfectly for all humanity through Christ in the New Testament. When doubts arise, regular time in God’s word re-instills confidence that his promises endure forever.
10. To gain insight for navigating life’s challenges
Within the Bible, we find beautiful examples of imperfect people navigating all sorts of joys and trials while walking with God. We read about humans just like us who faced fears, temptations, grief, questions, sickness, relationship conflicts, financial hardship, persecution, and much more. Their experiences provide helpful models and insights as we aim to follow God through our own messy lives.
11. To be equipped to share our faith and make disciples
Studying the Bible prepares us to fulfill Jesus’ command to make disciples and be his witnesses (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8). We grow in understanding of key truths about salvation that we can share with others. Our ability to explain and defend the gospel message improves. We become better equipped to guide those seeking Jesus or new in their walk of faith. Regular Scripture reading keeps evangelism and discipleship at the forefront.
12. To gain strength to resist temptation and sin
God’s word exposes the deceitfulness of sin and highlights its destructive consequences, while pointing to redemption found in Christ. As we read stories of people in the Bible who fell into temptation and disobedience, as well as those who stood firm, we become better prepared to resist sin in our own lives. Hiding God’s word in our hearts helps us avoid straying from him during times of testing.
13. To be refreshed and revived in our faith
Life pulls us in many directions that can gradually dampen our faith. God uses his word to revive weary souls and stir spiritual passion within us once again. Even just a few verses lift our perspective from earthly things to eternal truth. We can turn to Scripture when our hearts feel dry or distant from God. He will meet us there to refresh and renew us.
14. To gain ammunition against enemy attacks
Our spiritual enemy seeks to destroy our faith, but God’s word equips us for victory. Memorizing Scripture arms us with wisdom and truth to counter lies and false accusations. No matter what doubts or fears Satan may whisper, God’s promises in the Bible shine light on his deceit. Grounding ourselves in Scripture helps guard and strengthen our minds against attacks.
15. To learn how to worship God fully
The Bible demonstrates ways people worshipped throughout history, ultimately pointing us to Jesus Christ. As we study examples of praise, we gain greater understanding of how to glorify God with our whole being. We become aware of sins that hinder our worship. We are reminded of God’s worthiness. Our worship both privately and corporately grows richer and more authentic.
16. To obtain clarity in the midst of confusion
When facing difficult decisions or surrounded by competing voices, God’s word brings truth and clarity. Scripture cuts through confusion, provides grounding amid chaos, and grants discernment to recognize truth. We can turn to God’s wisdom and perspective when we feel perplexed about the path ahead. His commands bring clarity on how to move forward.
17. To be strengthened through trials
Walking through hardships and pain can feel overwhelming, but Scripture offers hope. Passages remind us God’s strength is perfected in human weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). We gain courage from those before us who trusted God through unimaginable trials. God’s word reveals how suffering can produce Christ-like maturity in us. Our faith in God’s sovereignty expands.
18. To find fulfillment beyond the temporal
Regular immersion in God’s eternal word loosens the grip earthly things have on us. We find satisfy apart from what the world offers. Our perspective shifts from temporary pleasures to things of greater, eternal significance. We recognize idols that drive us and begin desiring God above all else. Our attachment to temporal things starts to wane.
19. To gain tools for overcoming sinful patterns
We all deal with sinful habits and addictions that feel impossible to change. Yet God specializes in redeeming lives. In the Bible we see examples of individuals held captive by sin finding freedom through the power of Christ. Scripture equips us with guidance for replacing lies with truth, pursuing accountability, mindfulness of triggers, and more as we aim to cut away entangling sins.
20. To be part of God’s story and mission
The Bible weaves a cohesive true story of creation, fall, redemption and restoration centered around Jesus. As we read Scripture, we discover where we fit into God’s bigger story and mission to redeem all things. We grasp our purpose as part of his kingdom and family. This fuels passion for our lives to count for what lasts for eternity. The trajectory of our lives comes into alignment with God’s purposes.
There are so many life-changing benefits gained from regular Bible reading and study. Scripture was given by a loving God for our good – to reveal who he is, teach and transform us through his Spirit, equip us for every good work, and bring him glory. When we devote time meeting with him through his word, our lives overflow with meaning, purpose and eternal impact.
