By the grace of God, in April 2024, I published a book (in French), on which I served as general editor, consisting of a series of testimonies of women who recount how the Lord’s faithfulness sustained them through various trials.
What struck me most during the editing process was how each contributor rooted her story in theological reflection. The reason 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.
This has led me to meditate further on the importance of cultivating a deeper knowledge of the Word. Therefore, I offer you here seven reasons why every believer should study the Bible.
1. Because it honours God
John 4 contains the longest dialogue between two people recorded in the four Gospels. In it, Jesus reveals to a Samaritan woman that a day will come when all true worshipers will worship God “in spirit and in truth.” Such are the worshippers God seeks (Jn 4:23). With this statement, Jesus was inviting this thirsty woman – and with her all lost souls – to find their refreshment in him, by his Spirit, through his Word. We honour God when we seek truth in divine revelation.
Similarly, Psalm 119 invites us to delight in the Law of the Lord because he is worthy. This requires more than a superficial reading. To soak ourselves in the Word of God and make it the lamp of our feet and the light of our path, we must ponder it, investigate it, memorize it and dig deep for the hidden treasure.
2. Because life is hard
Our ability to withstand the difficulties of life depends on a solid understanding of God’s nature and a firm assurance of his guidance. We must ground ourselves in the Word of God as the source of this knowledge.
Think of the example of Mary, sitting at Jesus’ feet with his male disciples (Lk 10:38-39). This account highlights how important it was for Jesus that women receive and reflect on his words. For her part, Martha’s profound insight after the death of Lazarus reveals the strength she derived from her theological foundation and faith in Jesus. At a critical moment, Martha declares, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God who is to come into the world.” (Jn 11:27). This highlights the value of developing an increasingly clear understanding of who Jesus is as we face loss.
3. Because our brothers and sisters need us to
The Word exhorts us to encourage one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (Eph 5:19). It also tells us to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep (Rom 12:15). How can I mourn with a suffering saint, or celebrate with a rejoicing one, if I do not know the appropriate truths to apply and remember on the occasion?
This does not mean, however, that we ought to quote Bible verses if they were a Band-Aid. We must understand their meaning for their original audience, how they point us to Christ and how they apply to us today (cp. 2 Tim 2:15). That is how our words of comfort or joy have the greatest impact.
4. Because a lost world needs the hope that only God’s Word offers
Have you ever had a difficult conversation with a non-believer where they asked you a challenging question about your faith? Have you ever felt ill-equipped to answer them? I have. Whether it is the problem of suffering in the world or the bodily resurrection of Christ, our loved ones raise questions that we must be able to address from the Scriptures. Studying the Bible will help us to always be prepared to “give an answer for 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 have heard Titus 2 used as a reason not to teach the Bible to women. “After all,” some argue, “all the imperatives of the passage revolve 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 clear: How can I carry out my high calling as a wife and mother without a solid knowledge of the truths contained in Scripture?
From what other source should we draw wisdom? Women’s magazines? Talk shows? The proverbs and traditions of my culture or family of origin? Not all of these sources are bad, but they are as deep as a birdbath when compared to the vast ocean of God’s inscrutable wisdom.
6. Because solid food is an antidote to worldliness
Most people consider it a great insult to be called a “baby”. Yet that is exactly what Paul called the Corinthians (1 Cor 3:1). He longed to feed them solid, nourishing food, a picture of deep theology. Instead, they behaved like carnal people characterized by envy and strife (1 Cor 3:3). They could only drink milk, i.e., they could only digest introductory-level teachings.
The author of Hebrews put it similarly when he describes his recipients as “dull of hearing” (Heb 5:11) and “not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness” (Heb 5:13). He wanted to go beyond elementary principles, but his recipients could only digest “milk.” They were not mature enough to process solid food. Let this never be said of us. On the contrary, let us be mature, having our “senses trained to discern good and evil” (Heb. 5:14).
7. Because it brings joy
The Westminster Shorter Catechism asks, “What is the chief end of man?” It answers, “To glorify God and enjoy him forever.” How do we do this? We find the answer in Psalm 16, which paints a picture of eternal pleasures at the right hand of God.
We will spend eternity basking in the glory and beauty of God’s presence. The deeper we drink now of the waters of eternal life, the greater will be our joy in this world. Eternal life begins now (Jn 17:3)! What better way to prepare ourselves for eternity than by learning now to delight in the Lion of the tribe of Judah? For He is the Lamb who was slain to purchase us with His blood. Can you picture that great day when we will gather around the throne with the redeemed from every nation, tribe and tongue (Rev 7:9-10)? I can’t wait! Can you?
There’s More!
In Psalm 119, King David composes what we might call a love song to the Scriptures. It is the longest chapter in the Bible and invites every believer to meditate and delight in the Law of the Lord. Its words are reason enough for men and women to study the Bible. So, while I hope these seven reasons have motivated you to study God’s Word, I encourage you to discover even more reasons to delve into the Bible for yourself!
I first published this article in Spanish at Coalición por el evangelio.
