Why study the Bible? Can’t I just read and heed?

HowRU? said:

Hello gang.
I enjoy reading the Bible, and I sometimes divert to look at other passages that come to mind as I read that relate and bring clarity. I know that the Bible says that we should study to show ourselves approved unto God, workers that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
My question is: why do you think it’s important to study the Bible; and what do you get out of it? Why does God want us to study his word?
Suppose I don’t teach the Bible to anyone because it’s not God’s will for me, what then? (Because not all followers of Jesus are called to teach)
No links or videos, okay? I want your two cents.

I’m really interested in your insights on this. Thanks.

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Well, I don't study Scripture.

I do use the daily readings, and try to read them slowly and prayerfully, though.

I don't really have the time to devote to hard-core Scripture study.

If you don't study it, you could get fooled by bad arguments that take only a skin-deep look at Scripture but miss the overall meaning of how those passages are to inform and illuminate the Christian life. Some people walk away from the faith when that happens. Others are convinced that Scripture compels them to do evil. The serpent himself misused Scripture to deceive Eve into eating the fruit. Therefore, you must know what Scripture means, and that comes with study as well as practice.

HowRU? said:

Why study the Bible? Can’t I just read and heed?

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The "dos" & "don'ts" are basic and they are the "milk" of God's Word. Even unbelievers can benefit (on this side of eternity) by "reading & heeding."

If you have the Holy Spirit, studying helps to start seeing God's character behind the "dos & don'ts." As we better understand His Heart, our walk with Him becomes more of an intuitive dance than a necessary inconvenience, and we become more of a natural outlet for Him to flow through.

HowRU? said:

Suppose I don’t teach the Bible to anyone because it’s not God’s will for me, what then? (Because not all followers of Jesus are called to teach)

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Not true. We are called to evangelize/make disciples. Not all of us have the gift of teaching, but we can share what God has given us so far.

HowRU? said:

Hello gang.
I enjoy reading the Bible, and I sometimes divert to look at other passages that come to mind as I read that relate and bring clarity. I know that the Bible says that we should study to show ourselves approved unto God, workers that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
My question is: why do you think it’s important to study the Bible; and what do you get out of it? Why does God want us to study his word?
Suppose I don’t teach the Bible to anyone because it’s not God’s will for me, what then? (Because not all followers of Jesus are called to teach)
No links or videos, okay? I want your two cents.

I’m really interested in your insights on this. Thanks.

Click to expand...

I think it's very important to do deeper studies of scripture whenever you can. I find on occasion when I read, somethings don't fully register and/or I may be trying to cram in my Bible reading times on days where I don't necessarily feel like reading my Bible (which is a good reason to make your Bible time more of a discipline rather than reading due to fickle motivation).

Doing deeper studies really allows you to dive into God's Word and the meditation that comes with it, helps you to connect more pieces of His Truth you may have not seen prior. It's not only a good way for us to show God our love and interest in Him and His Word, but also you may get more revelations from the Holy Spirit which you may not have gotten through just regular prayer or reading. As far as teaching the Bible, you never know who God will place in your path and the more you know of the Truth and how to defend that Truth against the many lies of this world, the better off I think you'd be. It gives more room for God to use you in much greater ways. Not to say that if you don't know much, it doesn't mean God couldn't use you. Even when I was a new believer in Christ, God used me in the most unexpected and pleasant of ways that I never saw coming and I wasn't close to knowing the knowledge He's gifted me with now.

For those who are looking to make it a habit of reading daily, I would suggest starting off small and working up to things like studying scripture more deeply. I've struggled in my walk with reading the Bible in general and it really affected me spiritually because it made me feel as if it was even difficult to utter a prayer, let alone open The Word. Now I find I really enjoy and look forward to my daily readings that I've made the dedication to do so. If I miss a day, the Holy Spirit then gently reminds me, thus making me more sensitive to the Holy Spirit! Which is something I've certainly been praying for! Praise God!

HowRU? said:

Hello gang.
I enjoy reading the Bible, and I sometimes divert to look at other passages that come to mind as I read that relate and bring clarity. I know that the Bible says that we should study to show ourselves approved unto God, workers that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
My question is: why do you think it’s important to study the Bible; and what do you get out of it? Why does God want us to study his word?
Suppose I don’t teach the Bible to anyone because it’s not God’s will for me, what then? (Because not all followers of Jesus are called to teach)
No links or videos, okay? I want your two cents.

I’m really interested in your insights on this. Thanks.

Click to expand...

It is important to study the bible as its original language is in Hebrew for the OT (a lot of it is Hebrew poetry) and Greek for the NT. The language of Christ would be closer to Hebrew or Aramaic with is derived from Hebrew but has been recorded in Greek. The English language is far from the original meaning behind the words. English words are abstract and so are Greek words whereas Hebrew words are concrete in their meaning.

To to understand the meaning behind the bible verses requires studying and understanding the culture, the context, the history and language of who is delivering the message to whom.

The good thing is the English bible still delivers the message of Christ to all.

HowRU? said:

Hello gang.
I enjoy reading the Bible, and I sometimes divert to look at other passages that come to mind as I read that relate and bring clarity. I know that the Bible says that we should study to show ourselves approved unto God, workers that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
My question is: why do you think it’s important to study the Bible; and what do you get out of it? Why does God want us to study his word?
Suppose I don’t teach the Bible to anyone because it’s not God’s will for me, what then? (Because not all followers of Jesus are called to teach)
No links or videos, okay? I want your two cents.

I’m really interested in your insights on this. Thanks.

Click to expand...

Reading the Bible plainly (literal interpretation) is probably not a good idea.

There are many teachings in the Bible if only plainly read/understood would contradict other teachings in the Bible which clearly tells that we are misinterpreting teachings.

Take Proverbs and Ecclesiastes for example. Wealth having meaning vs being meaningless. Confusing if you treat those teachings literally.

And of course, Paul's teaching about "Faith without works" which doesn't always agree with some of Paul's other teachings if understood literally.

The Bible does deserve additional attention to be understood correctly.

HowRU? said:

An interesting point that didn’t even occur to me. Thank you.
But then again, wouldn’t the Holy Spirit warn me in such a situation?

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Many Christians claim to be guided by the Holy Spirit and yet they don't agree with each other concerning many teachings in the Bible. How does that happen if we are all guided by the same Spirit?

Things really go deeper....

But one thing for sure, this religion isn't meant for slouchers.

HowRU? said:

An interesting point that didn’t even occur to me. Thank you.
But then again, wouldn’t the Holy Spirit warn me in such a situation?

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Who's to say he didn't warn those who were deceived?

HowRU? said:

Ha ha! Story of my life. Lol.

You also said that “it’s a good way for us to show God our love and interest in Him.” Awesome. This is how I feel even about just reading God’s word. I look at it like, if I’m not interested in what God has to say, why should he be interested in what I have to say? So how much more studying His word?

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Yes, which is why I would stress discipline and self-control versus acting upon feelings and emotions. There will be seasons when we won't feel genuinely interested in Him or His Word (which is fine to admit!) but we must persevere and push through regardless, otherwise it leaves too much room for the enemy to attack us. Rest assured, we don't have to do it alone, the Holy Spirit is our trusty helper!

"He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls." Proverbs 25:28

Many prophecies that God gave to prophets to write and share with us are yet to be fulfilled and we better study so that we be prepared. There are particular scriptures given for last generation and it requires in-depth study to understand them. There are warnings from God and we better be wise and study. Just reading and knowing is not sufficient but meditate on the word of God. It’s healing to your body, mind and spirit. In Jesus time, many Jews read scriptures by heart but it was the wise men from far away who studied and researched, got prepared and found Jesus at His birth. Deeply studying the scriptures will give you insight about what is happening in this world, why it happening and what will happen in the near future and how to deal in those times. It’s a great blessing that I live in a time and place where the complete scripture is made available. There was a time when it wasn’t available and many still do not have access to it even today. And, there’s coming a time when you will need it but you won’t find it. Holy Spirit speaks to us through Holy Scriptures while we study them. God’s word is the source of all wisdom for all ages. There are Spirits disguised and we will not know which Spirit is warning/leading you unless you compare and study the scriptures carefully. We usually reflect what we read and see. Study the scriptures to know more deeper about our God which help us to reflect Christ. It helps us to pursue holiness. Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word of God.

HowRU? said:

Hello gang.
I enjoy reading the Bible, and I sometimes divert to look at other passages that come to mind as I read that relate and bring clarity. I know that the Bible says that we should study to show ourselves approved unto God, workers that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
My question is: why do you think it’s important to study the Bible; and what do you get out of it? Why does God want us to study his word?
Suppose I don’t teach the Bible to anyone because it’s not God’s will for me, what then? (Because not all followers of Jesus are called to teach)
No links or videos, okay? I want your two cents.

I’m really interested in your insights on this. Thanks.

Click to expand...

One big reason is so that we are not deceived.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.

Acts 17

17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Interesting thread

HowRU? said:

Actually, one my favorite translations is the NASB, which is one of the most literal translations available, to my knowledge.

My understanding about “faith without works is dead” is that works are the evidence of faith. I’m not conflicted or confused about Proverbs or Ecclesiastes, for the record.

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Ok, cools seems like you got it.

I like NASB too. I actually use several Bible translations and I read online mostly.