Once one becomes a Christian, we have noted that one needs to remain faithful and that he is expected to continue to grow as God would have him to do. That leads to asking how one is to grow. The answer includes a number of things. In this article, we will discuss one of them, Bible study.

Proper communication is important in any relationship. Husbands and wives must communicate if they desire a strong marriage. Parents need to communicate with their children what is expected of them. Children need to communicate with their parents also. A boss needs to communicate with his employees, and his employees need to keep him informed. Strong friendships are often based upon good communication. What makes communication good? It is the fact that all parties involved communicate two ways, that is, they tell what needs to be said and they also listen.

Proper communication is also needed with God. And He has provided ways for us to understand what His will is for us and for us to communicate with Him. For us to understand His will for us, He has given us His word to read and study. And for us to speak with Him, He has provided the avenue of prayer.

In previous articles, we have established that the Bible is God’s word. We also know that it was written in such a way that we can understand it (Eph. 3:3-4, 5:17). But how do we develop a proper understanding of His word? The answer is studying the Bible.

Numerous passages indicate that a Christian needs to study the Bible regularly. Paul urged Timothy to "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Tim. 2:15). To rightly divide means to place things in their proper context which demands study. Peter said that Christians are to, "...as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow there by." (1 Pet. 2:2). In his 2nd letter he concluded saying, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Pet. 3:18). Note that one area we are to grow in is knowledge of Jesus, which means studying His word. Colossians 3:16 says, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom...". In Ac. 17, Paul spoke to the Bereans and they were commended because, "These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so." (17:11). Again, they were commended for something that can only be accomplished by studying God’s word.

There are so many things about Christianity that demands study. We are to give an answer to everyone who asks us a reason for the hope that is in us. (1 Pet. 3:15). We are to be like Christ (1 Cor. 11:1). We need to know how to become complete (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Ignorance causes sin (1 Tim. 1:12-13, Psalm. 119:11). Not everyone who claims to teach God’s word actually are doing so. Consider the multitude of passages warning us about false teachers (Gal. 1:6-10; 1 Tim. 4:1-3; 2 Tim. 4:3-4; 2 Thes. 2:9-12). In addition to these passages the entire books of 2 Peter and Jude are dealing with false teachers. We are also to reach a point where we are no longer tossed about with every wind of doctrine, in other words, we are to be steady and steadfast in our beliefs (Eph. 4:14-16, 1 Cor. 15:58). And let us not forget that we will be judged by God’s word ( Rom. 2:16; Jn.12:48). Every one of these actions demand that we study God’s word regularly. It is one of those areas that I call a spiritual indicator: That is to say that the amount of study in you life will correspond directly with how strong you are as a Christian. (Other spiritual indicators include prayer and assembling to worship).

In this age, God’s word is the only way we can find out what He wants us to do, so we must find time to study. What about you? Is Bible study a regular part of our life? If you want to be pleasing to God it has to be such. Why not begin resolving to set some time aside every day to consider what God has to say to you. Do you have questions? How can we help you?