Why Study Your Bible?

By Les Ellison

•27 April 2013

Estimated Read Time: 2 minutes

Just what is the point of Bible study?

Is it just something we feel guilty about when we neglect it, or is there a purpose to do it? And if Bible study's as good for you as people say, does why you do it actually matter?

Here are five reasons: some good, some less than good, for working with the Word.

(Less-than) Best Reasons to Study the Bible

1.“You must study the Bible because Jesus said so!”

Yes, but that doesn’t actually help you get over the day to day distractions and diversions that come between you and your Bible. Worse, it makes you even more aware of what you’re missing out on.

2.“To understand the Bible's impact on your world.”

Again, yes, but that’s not going to actually change anything for you. You might get just as much 'understanding' from spending your time with Aristotle’s works on ethics, Adam Smith's on economics or Einstein's on relativity.

Better Reasons for Getting Into Your Bible

3. “So you can better explain the Bible to others.”

True, but the most effective Bible sharers are the ones that live the Bible rather than talk it, and that’s where Bible study can really help you; in your personal witness.

4. “To help your defence against false teaching.”

Very true. And by now you’ll be getting the picture that the better reasons for Bible study mostly start with you, and what it can do for you in your life and relationships.