The Bible is the undiluted word of God. We are encouraged to read the Bible, but can it really help us? Yes, it can. When we read the Bible the Holy Spirit is present to bring revelation, stir our hearts and give clarity. What you read and meditate on will impact your life and help to influence your decisions. Here are several reasons why we should read the Bible.
Reading the Bible will change your life
The Bible contains solutions to all the problems you faced daily. The scriptures will come alive as you read, meditate and wait for revelation from the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will open your eyes to the things of God, and give you fresh insight and new direction for your life.
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
Galatians 2:20 KJV
Reading the Bible will teach you more about Jesus
The Bible gives an account of the life and teaching of Jesus. When we read the New Testament we see the character of Jesus so vividly. We can get a better understanding of his love and compassion for us. This will give an appreciation for the sacrifice he made on calvary’s cross for our sins.
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
John 14:6 KJV
The Bible gives direction
Life is a battle and many wander aimlessly searching for direction for their life. The Bible can help to calm the fears inside and give encouragement and clarity for the way ahead. There is peace, joy, and hope to be found in the word of God.
“Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.”
Psalms 25:4 KJV
Reading the Bible brings peace
When trials and troubles come your way, run to your Bible and read the words of God. Encourage yourself in the Lord, as David did. Find inspiring scriptures that speak about your situation and read and meditate on them. You will find peace for your mind, spirit, and soul.
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
Isaiah 26:3 KJV
The Bible shows the way to a godly life
The commandment and the teaching of Jesus found in the Bible give the blueprint to live a godly life. A life that is pleasing to God. It also shows how to treat others and ways to live at peace with all men. There is always confusion and uncertainty about the way of life but the bible gives clear direction and advice. We can stand firm on the word because it is true.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Psalms 119:105 KJV
The Bible shows what is wrong and what is right before God and man. It helps us overcome temptation and keep us back from sin. There is no confusion in the word, and God will fulfill his words always.
Read the Bible and learn more about God’s nature
If we know God then we will be more like him. Our relationship with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are very important. When we read the Bible, fast, pray, and meditate on the words of God we get closer to him.
“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”
1 John 4:8 KJV
Knowing the word of God gives assurance of the faithfulness of our eternal father. The Bible shows the nature of God and we, his children are encouraged to strive to be more like him. We can meditate on the word and ask God to bring revelation and interpretation through his Holy Spirit.
Reading the Bible makes us wiser
There are great words of wisdom, knowledge, and inspiration to be found in the Bible. There are solutions to life’s problems, life lessons, inspirational stories and motivational words of encouragement to be found in the Bible. Here we find advice and answers to question that we ask daily. Answers that will allow us to make sound decisions. The Holy Spirit will open our eyes to see things from a new perspective.
“Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.”
“I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.”
Psalms 119:98-99 KJV
Learn biblical stories and history
The Bible is filled with stories of love, war, peace, victory, miracles, and hope. There are many lessons to be learned and ways to adopt. These are biblical truths to be passed down to our children and their children. It gives life-changing principles for obtaining wealth, prosperity, and peace. Also strategies for avoiding trouble, and the importance of being a good disciple.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
John 1:1 KJV
Read the Bible and spend time with God
In the presence of God, there is fullness of joy. We need to spend time in the word of God to know more about God and get direction for our lives.
“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
Psalms 16:11 KJV
One of the ways to truly know God is to rely on what we read about him in the Bible. The Bible reveals God as the sovereign Lord, who reigns supreme over all things.
“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”
Matthew 4:4 KJV
Reading the Bible helps to grow our faith in God
We need faith to please God and receive from him. When we read the Bible the words come alive and builds up our faith in God. We read stories of others who went through great struggles but overcame them because they had faith in the most high God. This will motivate us and draw us closer to God.
“But without faith, it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6 KJV
We cannot live without the word of God. Sin will dominate and draw us away from God if we do not spend time in the word.
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Romans 10:17 KJV
As Christians, we have to grow in our faith daily. Reading the Bible with understanding is a great way to move from the baby stage to maturity.
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:”
1 Peter 2:2 KJV
Reading the Bible open your eyes to false teaching
These days there is so many religious belief. Some close to the truth but not quite there. People adopting part of the gospel as it suits their needs. If we know the word of God and follow it unwaveringly then we are wise and alert to everything else that is not the truth.
“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
John 8:32 KJV
Too many are in bondage because of failure to believe and accept the truth. Jesus is Lord.
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”
1 John 4:1 KJV
These are the last days, we should not be quick to listen to unsound teaching. But we should know what the words say for ourselves.
Read the Bible so you will not be drawn away by the cares of the world
These days there are so many things to occupy our time. People seem busier and more overwhelmed with the cares of this world. We should make time to get into the word. Read the Bible and put Jesus at the center of your life; so everything else will surrender, and the cares of this world get dim.
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Romans 12:2 KJV
Read the Bible and get the weapon to fight the enemy
The word is a sword against the enemy. If we do not know the word then we are not equipped to deal with the tricks and tactics of the enemy. But when we know the word we can counterattack and tear down the lies of satan.
“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:”
Ephesians 6:17 KJV
Read the Bible and get words to encourage other believers
The Bible is packed with encouraging words. If you are feeling lost, lonely, or afraid, then find victory in the word of God. Read the Psalms and build up yourself in God. When you know the word then you can give a word of encouragement to others that are struggling; sometimes all it takes is a word to change their situation and entire life.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
2 Timothy 3:16 KJV
The Bible is relevant God does not change
God’s word does not change. Things change, technology improves, but the word of God will stand forevermore. We just need to study the word and make it our lifestyle. Principles found in the Bible are still relevant and will always be.
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”
Hebrews 13:8 KJV
Reading the Bible will bring conviction
Before we accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior of our lives, we walked by sight and not by faith. We had a moral code and ethics that were not of God. But as we read through the Bible, we see the will of God, and the Holy Ghost shows us areas of sin, beliefs, and wrong attitudes that we were not aware of. This brings about conviction and results in changes in our behavior and lifestyle.
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
Psalms 119:11 KJV
These convictions bind our hearts with deep-rooted faith and we stand on these unshakeable words of God.
Prayer for God’s help to ready the Bible more
Dear heavenly Father, I come to you in Jesus’ name. I thank you for your word, let it be a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Father, please give me a deep desire to read and meditate on your word. Lord please open my spiritual eyes to the things of you and let me behold your glory. Let me find hope and strength in your words and lead me into the paths of righteousness. Father give me the grace to be obedient to your words. Help me to follow your teaching and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Lord let me be a doer of the word and let my good works lead others to you. Thank you Father for answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.