Delights And Disciplines Of Bible StudySample

 We Should Study the Bible Because of What the Bible Does

I was leisurely browsing through the stacks in our seminary library one afternoon and picked up a magazine that looked interesting. I turned the pages and was suddenly arrested by this:

2 Timothy 3:16–17

All Scripture is given by inspiration

of God, and is profitable

for doctrine—that’s what is right;

for reproof—that’s what is not right;

for correction—that’s how to get right;

for instruction in righteousness—

that’s how to stay right;

that the man of God may be

perfect, throughly furnished

unto all good works (KJV).

The word perfect means “complete” or “adequately prepared,” and “throughly,” of course, means “thoroughly.” Ponder those verses until they become a part of your inner person. This is what true Bible study is all about. Life is transformed when God’s Word is in control.

In those few words in 2 Timothy 3:16–17, Paul told young Timothy how to treat the inspired Word of God. I don’t know of any other summary that states so clearly the goals of Bible study. If studying the Scriptures teaches me sound doctrine, convicts me of what is wrong in my life, and shows me how to correct my errors and not repeat them, then I want to be a good student of the inspired Word of God. Our personal goal is spiritual maturity, being adequately equipped by the Lord to serve Him as the Holy Spirit enables us to know and to do the will of God. We want to glorify Him and minister to others as the Lord directs. Many self-help books line the shelves today, but none of them can claim to be inspired by the God of the universe as is the Bible, nor can they claim to be inerrant, living, and powerful (Heb. 4:12).

The Bible is actually a library of books, each written at a different time about different matters, but all of them focus on Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and the nation of Israel that gave us the Bible and the Savior of the world. As we read in the Gospels, “Salvation is of the Jews” (John 4:22), meaning it came through them. Knowing their story and how God worked among them is essential. The Bible not only gives us history, biography, and prophecy but also poetry, wisdom, promises, warnings, and practical counsel.