Bible Study: It's Worth It

Moses, in the long ago, spoke for Jehovah to the children of Israel concerning the law of God. In regard to God’s commands, statutes and judgments he said, "Set your hearts on all the words, which I testify among you today, which you shall command your children to be careful to observe—all the words of this law. For it is not a futile thing for you, because it is your life, and by this word you shall prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to possess" (Deuteronomy 32:46, 47).

It was absolutely mandatory that God’s people knew His word. Without uncompromising obedience to it, they could not remain in the land of Canaan. New Covenant legislation is a better covenant built upon better promises (Heb. 8:6). The New Covenant reveals for us all things necessary to be pleasing to God (2 Pet. 1:3). Through the rays of its instruction we can "walk in the light as He is in the light"(1 John 1:7). In other words, through knowledge of and obedience to the word of God we can be saved and stay saved (1 Pet. 1:22). Therefore, we must ask, "Is Bible study worth the effort?" The answer is a resounding "Yes!" Studying the Bible is not a "futile thing" for us, because, as the Old Covenant was to the Israelites, the New Covenant should be our life.

Why is Bible study worth the effort?

1. Because the truth of God’s word can set us free from the guilt and penalty of sin (Jn. 8:32-36).
2. Because Scripture can make us wise to salvation (2 Tim. 3:15).
3. Because Scripture is the very word of God (2 Tim. 3:16).
4. Because Scripture, if obeyed, has the capability of making us "perfect" or "complete" before God (2 Tim. 3:17).
5. Because the Gospel message is God’s power to save (Rom. 1:16;Jas. 1:21).
6. Because the truth of the Lord can build us up and help to give us an inheritance among the sanctified (Acts 20:32; John 17:17).
7. Because the word of God can comfort us when times are hard (Jas.1:2,3; Rom. 8:31-39; Phil. 4:4,13, etc.).

These are just a few of the reasons as to why Bible study is worth the effort. We have all heard the expression, "I would like to pick his brain…" In other words, I would like to glean insight from that fellow. What a privilege that through Bible study we can learn the mind of God. This is the only way we can ever know what God thinks (Isaiah 55:8,9). Bible study is not a futile thing. The truth can be known (Jn. 8:32). Let us therefore make every effort to "study" or to "be diligent" to show ourselves approved before God (2 Tim. 2:15), studying the Scriptures daily with ready minds (Acts 17:11).

~ Bill Burk