For 50 years I have repeatedly declared that every Christian should be a student of God’s Word. We should all become teachers in a sense, but you can’t communicate what you don’t comprehend. We must be taught before we can teach. Since God speaks to us through His Word, what could be more important than this? I’m not talking about simply reading a section of the Scriptures each day– although we should do that. Nor am I talking about merely reading a devotion that someone has written–although that can be profitable. I’m talking about actually studying the Bible yourself. Think of yourself as a teacher and study a portion of the Bible as though you were going to teach it the next day. Any teacher will tell you that they learn more from their lessons than anyone else.
Yet, try as I have, I feel that I have failed miserably in convincing people to make Bible study a daily habit. Maybe I haven’t tried hard enough. Or, perhaps I haven’t used the right method. I’m certainly willing to take some of the blame. However, when all is said and done the responsibility lies on their doorstep. Even if I did nothing to encourage you, and in fact tried to stop you, that shouldn’t dissuade you from studying the Bible. Considering the wonder of the Word why should you need anyone to encourage you to study it? It is so amazing how could it not get your attention and win your affection? It is so helpful how could you possibly fail to see the need?
The only thing that keeps me from studying more is the demands placed upon me by the Word. If I had no other duties I could be content studying the Bible eight hours a day. Maybe you’re thinking, “Well that’s just because you’re a preacher and that’s what you are suppose to do”. But you’re wrong. Were I never to preach again my love for and joy in Bible study would still be there. And I’m convinced that those who truly see the wonder and worth of the Word feel the same. I don’t understand how any child of God wouldn’t have that same love for the Word of God. Why should anyone have to beg and plead to encourage you to study the Bible. You don’t have to beg healthy people to eat. If there is a prolonged loss of appetite there is something wrong– whether it is food or the Bible. Our attitude should be exactly as that of Job–“..I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food“(Job 23:12).
Forget the lame excuses–such as “I’m too busy. I just don’t have enough time”. You have as much time as anyone else. You have time to eat, sleep, work and play. Why no time for the Bible? It’s not a matter of time, it’s a matter of priorities and priorities are based on values. When we see the value of Bible study we make time for it. People neglect it because they fail to see the need for it. In their mind it is not essential. They feel as though they can get along just fine without it, but they are wrong!
Getting people to see their need is what’s difficult. You can make a list of all the benefits and preach sermons about it, but that doesn’t assure that they will get the message. Although the Bible clearly declares and describes man’s need for God’s Word few are impressed enough to do anything about it. Whatever it takes, every person has to decide for themselves. For some, a few it seems, instruction is enough, but for others it takes a need or crisis of some sort. They won’t develop a desire for the Word until they are devastated in some way. Then out of desperation they might turn to the Bible for help. The truth is that you need help whether you realize it or not and Bible study affects you whether you know it or not. Just do it then watch God work. –HDS
