The Importance of Reading the Bible

There are many reasons why people don’t read God’s Word. Here are a few of them. ‘The Bible is too hard to understand … I don’t have time … I don’t know where to start … there are so many different versions (interpretations) of it.’ 

These are poor excuses for not reading His Word. But instead of repudiating them, let me spend time declaring the benefits of reading the Bible. Here is a short list. 

The Bible is unlike any other book. The writer of Hebrews tells us, “For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

In short, God’s Word is alive—it is able to convict you of sin and judge your thoughts. It can cut you to the heart so that you know for sure Hell is a real place. Best of all it can enable you to know Jesus Christ is indeed the very Son of God.

The Word of God always accomplishes His Purpose. We read in the Prophet Isaiah, “So shall My word be that goes out from My mouth; it shall not return to Me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11) The Bible, when read, can be used by God in the same way His creative Word was used making this universe. 

The Written Word of God is eternal, lasting forever. All created things on this earth will one day die because of sin. However, this is not the case with the Scriptures. “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God will stand forever.” (Isaiah 40:8)

The Lord God inhabits His Word as He reveals Himself to His Creation. Paul tells Timothy that God’s Word is ‘God-breathed.’ No other writer can say such a thing. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16) The Holy Spirit wrote this Living Word through 40 human authors so we could know God.

By His Word we learn of His Great Love for us and that we can have fellowship with Him in it. The Word of God, the Bible, can be read as a love letter written by the LORD to His beloved Church. He wants His people to know this great love and rest in it. Christ desires His beloved bride to have security in His covenant love. 

We can have fellowship with Christ just as His disciples did 2,000 years ago. In fact our communion with Him is better now. The Holy Spirit, Who is the Author of the Scriptures, also dwells in His people. “That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. (1 John 1:3)

The Word of God in the Bible brings forth life, death, and subdues all its foes. When the Lord Jesus Christ comes back, His Power will flow out of His Mouth. This is seen clearly in the book of Revelation. “From His mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.” (Revelation 19:15)

The Bible was written for us so that we may know God. In fact we must know God if we are to know His commands and His plan of salvation. His great attributes, as well as His great acts in history, are played out before us in the Bible. 

In order to increase our desire to read His Word we must have greater expectations for meeting Him there. Once you meet the Living God in His Living Word you will be changed forever—fellowship with Him will be most precious to you.

Short Videos to Encourage Your Bible Reading:

* JOHN PIPER 10 MINUTE VIDEO—‘Ten Reasons to Read the Bible’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-TnnG143Ok

* JOHN PIPER 10 MINUTE VIDEO—‘How do I Become Passionate about Bible Reading?’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBB8wp1KJbg&t=4s