The Importance Of Bible Study

In the New Testament, we read of Paul's admonition to Timothy:

“But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim 3:14-17).

It is useful to study this exhortation in some detail since it is so basic to our understanding of the importance of Bible study.

Continue in the things thou hast learned (v. 14). This

16). In these words Paul articulates the practical value of Bible study. As fallen creatures we sin, we err, and we are inherently out of step with respect to righteousness. When we sin, we need to be reproved. When we err, we need to be corrected. When we are out of step, we need to be instructed. The Scriptures function as our chief reprover, our chief corrector and our chief instructor. We can find many books in the bookstores and libraries of this world which will teach us financial management and how to lose weight. But where are the books that will instruct us in righteousness? Where are the books that will help answer the question: "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Mt 16:26).

That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (v. 17). The Christian who is not diligently involved in a serious study of Scripture is simply inadequate as a disciple of Christ. To be an adequate Christian and competent in the things of God we must do more than attend "sharing sessions" and "house blessings." We have to study the Bible for ourselves. Biblically illiterate Christians are not only inadequate but unequipped. In fact, they are inadequate because they are not