Why Men Ought To Study The Bible
That the Word is God's power to save is obviously set forth in the following reasons why men ought to study the Bible.
1. We ought to study the word of God that we might know the will of God. Paul said, "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The Just shall live by faith." (Rom. 1:16,17)
2. We ought to study the word of truth that we might handle it aright. In the exhortation to Timothy, Paul said "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Tim. 2:15) How can one handle aright or rightly divide the word without knowing it?
3. We need to study the word of God because it contains all of the spiritual light and revelation the world has ever known.
4. We need to study the word of God in order to have faith. "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Rom. 10:17) And John said, "And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." (John 20:30,31)
5. We need to study the Bible that we might be saved. Paul said the gospel is the power of God unto salvation. (Rom. 1:16) Also that the Corinthians were saved by the gospel. (1 Cor. 15:1-4) And James says the engrafted word is able to save our souls. (James 1:21)
6. We need to study the word of God in order to grow spiritually. Peter said, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious." (1 Peter 2:2,3) (See also 1 Cor. 3:1-3)
7. We need to search the scriptures that we may be corrected and instructed. Paul said, "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, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Tim. 3:16,17)
8. We need to study the word of God in order to show ourselves approved unto God. (2 Tim. 2:15)