In April of 2024, I published my first book, Elles ont vu la fidélité de Dieu. In this edited volume of testimonies, 16 women share ways the Lord’s faithfulness sustained them through various trials. What struck me most through the editing process was how each author rooted her story in theological reflection. The reason for that is simple: When we face the storms of life, the only way to weather them is to anchor our souls in the hope of the gospel. And that is what I hope you will do as you prepare for whatever lies ahead. Because if you are not currently experiencing a trial, it’s only a matter of time before one comes your way. So, I offer you 7 reasons why you should study the Bible.
1. Because life is hard.
In her compelling work, When Life and Beliefs Collide: How Knowing God Makes a Difference, Carolyn Custis James asserts that women’s engagement with theology is pivotal in navigating and understanding their pain. The ability to withstand life’s challenges hinges on a solid grasp of God’s nature and a steadfast assurance in his guidance. James emphasizes the significance of being rooted in God’s Word as the source of this knowledge.
Drawing inspiration from biblical narratives, she illustrates her point with the poignant stories of Mary and Martha, two women beloved by Jesus (Jn 11:5). Mary’s example, sitting at Jesus’ feet alongside his male disciples, underscores the importance of women’s active participation in spiritual reflection. Meanwhile, Martha’s profound insight during the aftermath of Lazarus’ sudden passing reveals the strength she derived from her theological foundation. In a critical moment, Martha declares, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world” (Jn 11:27). She thus highlights her unwavering faith and theological acumen in the face of profound loss. James skillfully weaves these narratives to highlight the transformative impact of theological understanding on women’s resilience and spiritual growth.
2. Because it honours God.
Psalm 119’s invitation to delight in the Law of the LORD requires more than a cursory reading. To imbibe God’s Word and make it the lamp unto our feet and the light unto our path, we must ruminate, investigate, memorize, and dig deep for hidden treasure.
In his longest recorded conversation in the four Gospel accounts, Jesus discloses to the Samaritan woman that a day is coming in which all true worshippers will worship God in spirit and in truth (Jn 4:24). Such are the worshippers God seeks (v. 23). Because it brings him honour when we seek truth as found in divine revelation. By this statement, Jesus was issuing an invitation to this thirsty woman and all lost souls to find their refreshment in him, by his Spirit through his Word.
3. Because our brothers and sisters need us to.
Ephesians 5:19 exhorts us to encourage one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. How can I lament with a suffering saint, or celebrate with a joyful one if I haven’t committed to memory the appropriate songs for such an occasion? And yet, it doesn’t suffice to merely quote a Bible verse like a band-aid. We must grasp its meaning to its original audience, how it points us to Christ, and how it applies to us today. Only then will our words of comfort or joy have their maximum effect.
4. Because a lost world needs the hope that only God’s Word offers.
Have you ever had a hard conversation with an unbeliever in which they asked a challenging question about your faith? Have you ever felt ill-equipped to answer them? I know I have! Whether it’s the problem of suffering in the world or the bodily resurrection of Christ, our loved ones raise questions we need to be able to engage with from Scripture. Let us always be prepared to give an answer concerning the hope that lies within us, with gentleness and respect (1 Pet 3:15).
5. Because younger believers need us to teach them.
Believe it or not, I’ve heard Titus 2 used as a reason not to teach women the Bible. After all, the logic went, all the imperatives in the passage revolved around older women teaching younger women how to love their husbands and children, etc. “Why would any of these requirements require a deep knowledge of theology?” The answer is self-evident: How can I carry out my high calling as a wife and mother without a solid grasp of the truths contained in Scripture? Or to put it another way, what other source should I draw wisdom from? From women’s magazines? Talk shows? Proverbs and traditions from my culture or family of origin? These are not all bad things, but they are as deep as a birdbath when compared with the vast ocean of God’s unsearchable wisdom.
6. Because solid food is an antidote to worldliness.
Most people consider it a great insult to be called a baby. I know my kids do! Yet that’s exactly what Paul calls the Corinthians (1 Co 3:1). He longs to feed them solid, nutritious food, a picture of deep theology. Instead, because they behave as fleshly people characterized by envy and strife (1 Co 3:3), they can only handle milk, which speaks of intro-level teachings. The author of Hebrews puts it similarly when he writes to those he describes as “dull of hearing” (Heb. 5:11) and “unskilled in the word of righteousness” (Heb. 5:13). He wants to move beyond the elementary principles, but his recipients can only handle milk. They aren’t mature enough for solid food. Let this never be said of us. Instead, let us be mature, “those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil” (Heb. 5:14).
7. Because it brings joy.
The Westminster Confession of Faith raises the following question: “What is the chief end of man?” Its answer: “To glorify God and enjoy him forever.” And how do we do so? We find the answer in Psalm 16, which paints the picture of finding pleasures evermore at the right hand of God. We are going to spend eternity basking in the glory and beauty of God’s presence. The more deeply we drink from the waters of eternal life now, the greater our joy will be in this world. Eternal life begins now! Let us prepare now for the new heavens and the new earth by learning now to derive our greatest pleasure from the Lion of the tribe of Judah. For he is the Lamb who was slain to purchase us by his blood. Can you picture that great day when we gather around the throne with the redeemed from every nation, tribe, and tongue? I can hardly wait. Can you?
Conclusion
In Psalm 119, King David composes a seeming love song to the Scriptures. The longest chapter in the Bible, it invites every believer to meditate upon and delight in the Law of the Lord. Its words provide enough of a reason for women and men to study the Bible. Yet anyone who has been a Christian for any length of time can attest to the fact that her knowledge of God via his Word has been essential to her growth in Christ. For the truth is that God speaks to us today. We can hear his voice! We can know his will for our lives! So, if you’ve ever found yourself at a crossroads, wishing you knew what to do next, I hope that the above 7 reasons will motivate you to study the Bible and discover God’s will for your life.
I first published this article in Spanish at Coalición por el Evangelio.
