Discover answers to some of the most-asked questions about the Bible, including Why Is It Important To Memorize Scripture?, and Why Do We Need God's Word Today?
• Why Do Christians Need To Read and Study the Bible?
• Why Is It Important to Memorize Scripture?
• Why Do We Need God’s Word Today?
• How Does God Discern Our Thoughts?
• Can the Bible Provide Direction for Finding God’s Will in My Life?
• Does the Bible Have Advice for My Family and Career?
• Does the Bible Have Answers for the Daily Stresses of Life?
• How is the Bible Spiritual Food for a Christian?
Why Do Christians Need To Read and Study the Bible?
The Bible is a Book which came directly from God’s heart. It was His desire that we know Him and His purpose, so He gave us the Bible as our guidebook. Within the pages of the Bible, we learn about God’s unconditional love for us. Once we become a follower of Christ, we look to the Bible for instruction on how to live in the world today. It corrects and exhorts us to refrain from sin and resist Satan’s snares. And the Bible encourages us to do the things we know we should do—such as love others, be a servant to all, and to forgive as we have been forgiven. As we study God’s Word, we draw closer to Him and develop a deeper understanding of His love for us. Through the Holy Spirit, the Word of God illumines our understanding as we seek to know Him better. We don’t have to stumble through life on our own. Answers to daily living are found within the pages of the Bible. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Reading and studying the Bible is that light—it prepares us for life, gives us peace through the forgiveness of sin, shows us how to love God and others, and promises a future home in heaven. The Bible is God’s love letter to us—we need to read it!
Proverbs 4:20-22
Why Is It Important to Memorize Scripture?
As we memorize Scripture, we are empowered by its truth that permeates our thoughts and our actions. In Ephesians 6:17 Paul instructs us, “And take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” When we commit God’s Word to memory, it is immediately available to recall whenever temptation or trials enter our lives. It is the sword of the Spirit—and it is more powerful than any weapon man could ever imagine or design. Just as Jesus quoted Deuteronomy as He resisted Satan’s temptation in Matthew 4:1-11, we also need the power of God’s Word hidden in the arsenal of our heart and mind to be victorious over Satan. The truth of God’s Word is not only valuable to defend our faith; it is the truth that sets the sinner free. When Scripture is carried in your heart and mind, it is available to share with others. Take those words of comfort, of hope, of salvation, of joy, and of heaven with you at all times. The Word of God gives solace in times of trial and hope when dark days appear.
Psalm 119:127-130
Hide His Word in your heart—it is a priceless treasure beyond worth!
Why Do We Need God’s Word Today?
God’s Word applies to our lives today, just as it applied to the lives of Christians in the Early Church. The Bible is good for all things—for saving us, teaching us, correcting us, restoring us, and training us—because it is from God. Through studying God’s Word, we become spiritually prepared for life. Second Timothy 3:17 tells us that Scripture equips us for “every good work.” When we let the Word of God be our compass as we seek our God-given purpose, we become prepared for the work He has for us. If the Word of God is in us, it will make us productive Christians, zealous for good works, and our actions will not only silence our critics, they will demonstrate our faith. People will take notice of what we do because we’ve been in God’s Word and been nourished by it—our life and our choices will reflect our faith.
How Does God Discern Our Thoughts?
God is omniscient, which means He knows all things. Nothing is hidden from Him. Many times people think that they can deceive God, but He not only knows our thoughts He also knows our desires—whether for good or for evil. In the book of Hebrews, we learn how Scripture reveals to us the condition of our heart—it discerns what is going on within us and makes us aware of our need for a Savior. Sometimes we can be deceived and fail to understand the true condition of our own heart, but God knows. Studying God’s Word reveals the innermost thoughts of our heart and through the Holy Spirit leads us to repent of our sin and enter into fellowship with God.
Hebrews 4:12
Can the Bible Provide Direction for Finding God’s Will in My Life?
The Bible doesn’t contain a chapter and verse that will tell you exactly which career you should choose or whom you should marry. However, the Bible does tell us how we should relate to our employer, what qualities we should look for in a spouse, the importance of showing reverence to our parents, how we should treat others, and so much more. When it comes to the will of God, we are to obey what God tells us to do. One of the reasons we do not have more divine guidance is that we have not followed the instruction God has already given us in His Word. Within God’s will, great responsibilities do not cancel out routine requirements. As you commit your heart to trusting and obeying God in small things, He will move you from confusion to confidence concerning His will for your life.
Proverbs 16:9
Does the Bible Have Advice for My Family and Career?
The Bible is filled with advice for our daily lives! In Ephesians chapters 5 and 6, the apostle Paul gives us advice on marriage, family, and work relationships. In Ephesians 5:22-33, Paul tells believers how husbands and wives are to treat each other. When we do what God tells us to do, our marriages will grow and prosper. At the beginning of Ephesians 6, Paul discusses the relationship between children and parents. Children are to obey their parents, and parents are to give oversight to their children without discouraging them. Learning how to live under authority is one of God’s plans, and it is learned in the home. In Ephesians 6:5-9, Paul tells us that when our attitude and actions are right, that as a servant of God in whatever career or profession we have, we are a witness to Almighty God and His goodness. That is great advice!
Does the Bible Have Answers for the Daily Stresses of Life?
God’s Word is filled with His perspective on how to live peaceably in a stressed-out world. In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus says, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Through salvation we find spiritual rest, and through voluntary surrender to Christ we find true rest for our souls. When we hear, read, study, memorize, and meditate on God’s Word, we build up our inward man. If we take the time to build up the inward man, we will be in a position to prevail against the external stressors that enter our lives on a daily basis.
How Is the Bible Spiritual Food for a Christian?
First Peter 2:2 says, “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.” Just as milk helps an infant to grow physically, God’s Word helps Christians to grow and mature spiritually. It helps them learn about the fundamentals of following Christ. New Christians are encouraged to grow spiritually and to mature—to leave behind the infant-stage in their knowledge of God. Every Christian should continue to be challenged to know more, to be a student of the Bible, and to move beyond the basics of Christianity to an ever-growing faith and closeness to God. Hebrews 5:14 says, “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” As we walk with the Lord, He gives us discernment to know what is good and what is evil, and we are better equipped to face the challenges of life because we are growing and maturing in Christ. Feeding on the truths in the Bible will help us become:
Spiritually Proficient
Hebrews 13:20-21
Spiritually Prepared
The Bible also makes us “thoroughly equipped” to do His work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). This image is similar to loading the provisions needed for an ocean voyage onto a ship before it leaves port. Likewise, the Bible equips us for our walk of faith.
Spiritually Productive
Being proficient and prepared definitely has a purpose: to be spiritually productive. We are not saved by good works, but we are saved for good works. In Titus 3:8, Paul offers these words of instruction: “Those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works.”
