<aside> 💛 Why is Bible study so important that it requires discipline and intentionality in the first place? Why must it be a part of our daily routine? Why do we need to use a planner for consistency? Here are five reasons ↓
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💛 To Grow in Our Knowledge of God
It is impossible for us to know God outside of His word. God has given us His word for us to become acquainted with His nature, His character, His statutes, and His will. To say, “I want to have a better relationship with God this year” and not make any plans to cultivate a consistent Bible study habit is a contradiction.
In human relationships, we know that a big aspect of growing closer is intentionally getting to know each other, whether it be platonically or romantically. In movies, when someone is trying to, maybe, introduce a fake partner or spouse to their families or friends, one of the first things they do in preparation is to share details about their personal lives that the fake partner or spouse should know in order to make the pretend relationship more believable. This is because it is impossible to be in a thriving relationship with someone and know little or nothing about them. Similarly, it is impossible to have a vibrant relationship with God without devoting time to knowing Him through His word. To know God’s heart, we must first honour, love, and know His word.
This year, God wants the Bible to be more than just a book on your bedside table or a book you open solely on Sundays. He wants to reveal Himself to you in His word; let Him.
💛 To Grow in Our Understanding of Who We Are in Christ
The Bible is filled with the effects of transformative power of salvation in the life of a believer. In the Bible, we see what Jesus has done to save us from the power of sin and death, and we also see the new life every believer is called and enabled to live as a result.
In the Bible, we discover the authority we now have as children of the Most High God, the responsibility we have as sons of God, and the life of holiness we are to live as those who are dead to sin, alive in Christ, and carriers of His Spirit.
To live in constant awareness of who we are in Christ, we must abide in the word. So, when the devil tries to lie to us about who we are, we are able to counter his lies with God’s truth. And when the trials of this world try to sway us, we will not be shaken because we are rooted in Christ and His word.
Want to be assured and confident regarding your identity as a child of God? Study His word. This is how you deepen your convictions about who God is and who you are as His child.
💛 To Pray Better
There is a relationship between scripture and prayer that cannot be overlooked. As we become diligent students of the word, it transforms the way we pray, the things we pray about, and our motives in prayer. When we grow in our knowledge of who God is, we grow in our reverence of Him in prayer. When we discover more about who God says we are and understand the fatherhood of God, it transforms the things we say when we pray and how we approach God in prayer.
As we study the word and grow in alignment to God’s will, we are able to pray His will and not pray amiss. Also, as we become more anchored in scripture, we become less dependent on our own words or eloquence in prayer and rely more on God’s word. This way, we find ourselves praying longer and more frequently because His word is our guide and reference when we pray. Lastly, it is easier to insist on God’s word in the place of prayer when His word dwells richly in us.
💛 To Be Led by God
One of the primary ways God leads us is through His word. This is why Psalm 119 refers to God’s word as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. In God’s word, we find His counsel and instructions. Another well-known verse, 2 Timothy 3:16, states that all scripture is given by the inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
There is no leading of God that is apart from His word. Any leading that you believe is from God must first and foremost align and be consistent with His word. God’s word has to be our lens at all times. The clarity and discernment you will need this year is available to you in His word.