Why study the Bible anyway?

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The Bible contains everything God wants us to know about Him, about ourselves, and about the world in which we live. The secrets of the universe are inside those 66 Books.

But, the Bible is not just facts and stories. The Bible encourages, and exhorts, it convicts and corrects. It is powerful life changing truth.

The study of the Word of God is the tool the Spirit of God uses to energize our relationship with Him. The Bible is the instrument that God uses more than anything else to sanctify us, to change our hearts, to protect us from the lies of the enemy, and to set our souls on fire!

Why study the Bible? Seriously, there is nothing like it in the whole world.

Top 10 reasons to study the Bible

10. To understand English. The English language is literally filled with Biblical references. “The good Samaritan”, “going the extra mile”, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”, “cast the first stone”, “the blind leading the blind”, “the hand writing on the wall” and “you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free” are all phrases from the Bible. (By the way, the last phrase is the motto of the CIA, albeit out of context.) We use these phrases regularly in conversation, but did you know they originated in the Bible? And each phrase has a specific Biblical context that defines its meaning, sometimes in ways that are different than we understand them today.
Many common names are Biblical names. James and Jacob are actually the same name, and both are in the Bible. Peter, Paul, and Mary are all names from the Scriptures. David, Saul, Samuel, Rebecca, Jezebel (although we don’t use that one much), Ruth, Timothy, Thomas, and the list goes on. The Bible has even influenced the names we choose for our children.
9. You have heard alot about the Bible. Whether or not you were raised in the church or by Christian parents, you have no doubt heard about the Bible your whole life. Isn’t it time to read it for yourself?
8. To see what it says. There is a lot of controversy centered on the Bible. Some people hate the Bible, while others love it; and many from both groups have never even read it. Anything this controversial merits a review! But please read it for yourself instead of relying on others, including the “experts”, to tell you what it says and means. The Bible was written for the common man.
7. For wisdom. The Bible contains the wisdom of God; the basis of all knowledge and truth. But the wisdom of the Scripture is not high-browed spiritual concepts! It is down-to-earth, practical, day-to-day wisdom that will improve every aspect of your life!
“A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but the slow to anger calms a dispute.” (Proverbs 15:18)

That is just a small taste of the sage tips for relating to others, resolving conflicts and successfully managing our lives.
6. It is the # 1 bestselling book of all time. Have you read the bestseller? No? Why?
The Bible may also be the best selling and least read book of all time. You have it, so why not read it?
5. It's influence on English literature cannot be measured! If you removed all references to the Bible from English literature, it would fall apart. It is the one book that shaped English literature more than all others.
4. It isn't actually a book, it's a whole library. The Bible is actually 66 books of history, prophecy, poetry, songs, and intimate personal letters. Do you enjoy a good story? The Bible is full of stories. There are love stories, tragedies, drama, war stories, and action heroes. Some of the stories make great movies, like Cecil B. DeMille's "The Ten Commandments". And some of the stories from the book of Judges are so graphic that not even Hollywood is ready to tackle them. Enjoy a good read? Read the Bible.
3. To understand for yourself. As you study the Word of God you will see a reflection of yourself just as if you were looking in a mirror. It is living and active, sharper than a double edged sword. As you read it, it cuts and penetrates to the very core of your being. Reading the Bible not only shows you who you are, but it also changes you. The Bible is the catalyst the Holy Spirit uses to shape you into the image of Christ. Read2 Timothy 3:16-17.
2. The Bible is the Word of God. By that we mean it is literally the spoken word of the God of the universe. Paul, human author of many of the books in the Bible, in writing his last letter to a young pastor he had mentored said “All Scripture is inspired by God…” (2 Timothy 3:16). The word “inspired” is the Greek word theópneustos, or literally, God-breathed. All Scripture is breathed by God. Scripture is the very words of God.
You should read it and see what God is saying to you.
1. To understand God. The Bible is God’s revelation to us of who He is. It is His personal revelation of Himself. Too many times we read books by men and women telling us what they learned about God instead of learning for ourselves what He says in His book. Read His Word; after all it was written for you.
The Bible contains everything God wants us to know about Himself, about ourselves, and about the world in which we live. The secrets of the universe are inside those 66 Books.

However, the Bible is not just facts and stories. The Bible encourages, exhorts, convicts and corrects. It is powerful, life-changing truth.

The study of the Word of God is the tool the Spirit of God uses to energize our relationship with Him. The Bible is the instrument that God uses more than anything else to sanctify us, to change our hearts, to protect us from the lies of the enemy, and to set our souls on fire!

Why study the Bible?

Seriously, there is nothing like it in the whole world!

"What difference has inductive Bible study made in your life?"

"I don't rely on man's word; I discover truth for myself."~Ian M. - Pastor

Inductive Bible study has allowed me the tools to learn more and more about the God who created me, has a plan for me, and loves me. It has also equipped me to both know my Spiritual Gifts and to minister within them. I love the joy of discovery and to experience that through others who are learning as well.~Peggy – Bible Study Leader

It has given me the ability to discern God's truth from lies.Karen – Bible Study Leader

Inductive study of God's Word saved my life.~Lee - Student

I know who I am in Christ. ~ Pat – Bible Study Leader

I spent most of my young adult years thinking Bible study was reading my devotional and the accompanying verses. I began my first Inductive Bible Study 2 years ago. It was a little intimidating for someone who had never studied the Bible this way. Looking at the Greek/Hebrew scared me because it was something new, but once I started getting the hang of it, I was hooked! It has made me re-evaluate many of the things I had been taught about the Bible. I never realized just how exciting it could be to finally be able to study the Bible for myself!~ Trudie - Student

Learning to study God's Word inductively opens my understanding to the importance of slowing down and observing the text carefully, infuses my mind with questions so I dig deeper, stimulates my heart and mind to respond to its powerful truth, and overwhelms me with the joy of His presence.~Judy – Bible Study Leader

I'm being taught by the Word of God, not by man's opinions, nor by what other's have already predigested. God's word has brought me from darkness into HIS marvelous Light, and by His Holy Spirit I am able to discern truth from error using the study tools of inductive bible study so that when I hear a message, or read commentaries or other materials I have learned truth for myself and I'm able to weigh the good from the bad. It's been liberating and freeing!!!~Suzanne Whitford

Learning how to study God's Word inductively has shaped my life in such a way that I thirst so much for the Word. I have seen and experienced how the Bible fits together as a whole and see the bigger picture of God's sovereignty over man.~Sarah – Bible Study Leader

Inductive Bible study showed me that there was more to Bible study, than reading a few verses and filling in the blanks. The process captured my mind long enough for Jesus to capture my heart! The tools I learned changed forever the way that I approach God's word and deepened my relationship with Him as nothing else could. It has allowed me to walk in confidence with my Savior, because I know what He has said!~Sandy – Bible Study Leader

I have been in church all my life and have completed more Bible studies than I can count, many of them good and authored by very respected teachers. The Inductive studies I have done have planted God's Word deep in my heart. What I have studied inductively I know backwards and forwards and inside out! It is this kind of study that allows the power of the Word to transform my heart and life. This is how I have learned the Truth and the Truth is making me free!~Tiffany - Student

Learning to study God's word inductively has made the difference between reading and receiving, between just knowing truth and knowing how to apply truth, between being God centered versus man centered. It has taught me to navigate God's word, giving me the tools to fulfill His word, namely how to study to show myself approved, accurately handling the word of truth! It has been invaluable in the nurturing of my personal relationship with the Lord, and in equipping me for the work of the kingdom!~Lori – Bible Study Leader