Commitment to Bible Study

10-9-11

Typically, Christians will have every good intent of studying their Bibles more. Then they figure out how much time it will take to do it the right way, and so they do not even begin. So I realize some of you think that you do not have the time in your schedule to do all that I have recommended in studying your Bible. But you would be wrong! Finding time to study your Bible is not about whittling away a little bit at a time from everything else you are doing; it begins when we make a commitment to study our Bibles, follow through on it, and then let other, less important things go undone, until we finally realize that we do not really miss them at all.

The reason why some people seem so knowledgeable is no mystery. It simply shows that they have invested a great deal of their lives and energy in Bible study. The apostle Paul spoke and wrote by inspiration; however, near the end of his life, he told Timothy, “The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments” (2 Tim. 4:13). Paul studied the scriptures throughout his entire life! That alone should motivate us and help us see just how important it is. It also shows that it involves an investment of your time and thought. So if you were hoping that I was going to tell you about some secret shortcuts to studying the Bible, I must inform you that there are none. Shortcuts in Bible study lead to short circuits in life. A commitment to true Bible study (Ps. 119:97), on the other hand, combined with a sincere heart (1 Pet. 1:22-23), will lead to true commitment to

Christ in all of life (Jas. 1:22).

Bible study is hard work, but it is also very rewarding work. Bible study guides us through the difficulties of life so that we are better prepared and enjoy great comfort (Ps. 119:105; 2 Cor. 1:3-5). It is through Bible study that we are able to better know our Savior and understand our God (1 Jn. 2:3; Rom. 10:17). Bible study prepares us to give answers to those around us (1 Pet. 3:15) and provides challenges that work within us (Ps. 119:11).

Somewhere along the way, Christians grow tired of personal Bible study and come to expect a sermon here and there and a couple of Bible classes each week to provide sufficient nourishment spiritually to get them through life. However, this itself shows how shortsighted we can become. Our goal should never be simply to get through life; it should be to get to heaven. This goal requires a constant feeding of the soul with the word of God (1 Pet. 2:2) to match a hungering of the heart for righteousness (Mt. 5:6). I plead with you not to succumb to the temptation to accept only passive study of the Bible but instead to embrace an active role in your spiritual growth (2 Pet. 3:18) lest you wake up one day realizing how long it has been and how little you actually know. “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat” (Heb. 5:12).

You can become a knowledgeable student of the Bible, and we as a people can become the walking Bibles we used to be known as. However, it will take great dedication on our part as individuals to persevere in diligent Bible study so that we know God’s Word this well. The earlier you start, the more you can learn and the easier Bible study will become. And, guess what? Bible study is so rewarding that it can become addictive! But regardless of your age, and regardless of how long you have been a Christian, NOW is the time for you to start becoming a better Bible student.

Kevin W. Rhodes