Why Is It Really Important to Study the Scripture? ⋆ Effie Darlene Barba

Of all the Apostles, Paul was the most educated in the Scripture; having been taught by Gamaliel, a respected member of the Sanhedrin. Paul, prior to his conversion was a Pharisee, who because of His intense loyalty to Judaism and the tradition of the elders, he began to persecute the Christians.[1] Yet, when he met and was confronted by the risen Christ; he realized that all this teaching by men had failed to teach him the truth. Before he began his ministry, he went into Arabia where for three years he studied the Scripture with God alone being his teacher. “But I certify you, brethren that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:11-12).

Paul had not walked with Jesus while he was on earth. Therefore, for him to become the teacher of the Gentile nation as God had called him, he would need to be taught the truth of Scripture by Jesus Christ before he listened even to the other apostles. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul outlines this with great detail. All too often, we as Christians find ourselves satisfied with just attending a church and only learning of scripture by what the preacher says. Although, this is important; it does not negate our need to daily set aside time to prayerfully study the Scripture ourselves so that we might rightly discern the truth of the gospel. We must not rely solely on what other men tell us.

The Importance of Studying the Scripture

Some of you say, “the Bible is too hard to understand, so I don’t read it.” But Jesus Christ promised us that “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26). While, specifically Jesus was speaking to those who would write the Scripture inerrantly by the Holy Spirit; it is also true that the Holy Spirit guides us in the reading of Scripture and brings scriptures to mind when we need them. Apart from the books God breathed and preserved as our Bible, no other books are God’s word. However, we each are obliged to study the Scripture ourselves, prayerfully allowing the Holy Spirit to help us to understand.

Certainly, when I reach passages I don’t understand; I do turn to some very sound commentaries such as the Walvoord and Zuck’s Bible Knowledge Commentary, the commentary found in my Liberty Annotated Study Bible, or The MacArthur Bible Commentary; but these, I use to help me and not as my primary source. The Scripture must be my primary source. That means I am responsible, daily to take the time to be alone with God, to study my Bible; before, turning to other men or women to help me. I must not rely on preaching alone. Although, I do listen to a large number of preachers as well. I listen to John Piper, Charles Stanley, Michael Youssef, Chuck Swindoll (to name a few), in addition to the pastors at my church. Never can they be the only source.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

So, my dear friends, study the scripture. Take time to be alone with God each day. I guarantee you, it will change your life. God is our Joy, our Peace and our great treasure. He so richly poured out His grace upon us through the blood of Jesus Christ. How can we not start each day seeking to be alone with Him?

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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.