To get the full flavor of an herb, it must be pressed between the fingers, so it is the same with the Scriptures; the more familiar they become, the more they reveal their hidden treasures and yield their indescribable riches. — John Chrysostom, A.D. 347-407
When I was a new Christian and I was going through my checklist of things to do to become a mature Christian, I prayed that God would give me a hunger for His Word, and He did. I found the NIV Bible on tape and I wore those tapes out. I listened to the Bible from front to back. Back then the Walkman was really the only option for listening while I was working and batteries got a little expensive. That didn’t seem to bother me much. I was hearing God’s voice. The funny thing is that when God really did speak to me, it was through the Scripture that I had read and listened to. And the voice that I heard in that Scripture was the voice on the tapes reading me the Bible. That was ok with me though. I’m sure God knew that would happen. He has a sense of humor also.
The Importance of Studying Scripture
Why is it so important to study this “ancient outdated book?” Well, mostly because it isn’t outdated, it’s entirely relevant to life today. Just think about that, the most recent book of the Bible was written more than 2,000 years ago and still, every single one of the sixty-six books has something to personally speak to us today.
Get To Know Me
Next, it is important to read the Bible because that is the source of how we get to know who God is. Imagine if you had never heard about Niagra Falls. But I just happen to know someone who had been there 50 years ago and had a horrible experience. The hotel room was dirty, the weather was lousy and the boat that goes to the falls was out of order. Now imagine that the quickest and easiest reference you have is my second-hand story of somebody else’s a really bad experience.
Would you be willing to put the time and money into a trip to see this natural wonder for yourself? Of course not. But that story is not the only story. There is also an entire internet that is full of other people’s stories about honeymooning or taking anniversary trips there. Complete with photos and videos and reviews of all of the best hotels and restaurants along with coupons and discounts and contacts for local tour guides and everything else you would want to make your trip as amazing as possible.
Well, that’s kind of what it’s like to only know who God is by someone’s second-hand story of when they got their feelings hurt by a Christian or a church, compared to actually reading the book that was inspired by God Himself so that we might learn who He actually is, about what He has done and is doing for us and about the kind of relationship He longs to have with us.
To Obey
It’s also important to read the Bible so that we can learn how to obey God. Yes, this is a very important part of our day-to-day relationship with Him. He has lovingly set down certain commands that, if followed correctly, can lead to a much happier and healthier life. In the gospels, Jesus says that all of the commandments and law can be summed up into two things.
If you would like to add your thoughts on The Importance Of Studying Scripture, please leave your comment below. I look forward to reading them and interacting with you. Who knows, maybe your insights will be a part of the ebook.