What Good is Bible Study?
Have you noticed how Paul begins and ends his letters with “grace to you” or “grace be to you?” Paul understood his inspired writings to be a conduit to the grace of God. So, when you read God’s word, you receive his grace in a number of ways. In I Corinthians 12, Paul is struggling with a “thorn” in his flesh. He prays for it to be removed, and God responds with, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” That’s a very interesting response that could have angered Paul, but it didn’t because God’s word is ALWAYS the best medicine.
Are you plagued with doubts? The Bible helps us defeat our doubts by strengthening our faith. “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17)
Do you want to defeat the sin in your life? Jesus prayed to the Father to “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17)
Do you struggle with important or difficult decisions? The Bible helps you make decisions according to his will. (Prov 19:14, 21:19&31; I Tim 3:1-13; Eph 6:5-9; Prov 14:7; Prov 22:24; I Cor 15:33)
Do you feel week against the schemes of Satan? Do you remember when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by Satan? How did he shut Satan down? (Matt 4:1-11)
How do you determine truth from error in a world filled with sin and deceit? In Ephesians 6:14 Paul metaphorically speaks of the word of God as a belt of truth that helps us understand what is reliable and trustworthy. It is ONLY through the word of God that we can discern truth from error. It is the ONLY standard of right.
Have you ever wanted to encourage someone when they are hurting or discouraged? David says “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” (Psa 19:7)
Have you ever felt dissatisfied or discontent? Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35)
Look into God’s word and be filled!