Bible Question:
I know the importance of Bible study. I have heard numerous sermons and read many books on the subject. I have seen the effects in my own life of the importance of Bible study. The problem I have is wanting to do it. Deep down I know I need to, but all too often I just do not feel like reading the Bible. How do I deal with this problem?
Bible Answer:
May I ask, “Why do you want to read and study the Bible?” This is an important question. If we have the wrong reason then the motivation is all wrong. Next we want to ask, “How do you stay motivated?”
Why Study the Bible?
Christians are often encouraged to read the Bible because it is important for their spiritual growth.
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. (NASB) 2 Timothy 3:16-17
But many Christians find that something is missing. So it is not surprising that Bible study often becomes a time of remembering facts and sharing Bible facts or truths one already knows. We remember the Bible “stories” we were told at a younger age. The Bible does not seem to have very much that is new. Why?
Why does the Bible seem not to be very interesting? Some of us have missed the greatest reason for studying our Bible. Moses tells us why.
Moses said to the LORD, . . . ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you (NASB) Exodus 33:12-13
The passion of Moses’ heart was to know God. He did not mean that he wanted to know how God was made or how old or how big God was. He wanted to know God as a friend knows a friend , and there is only way to know Him. He is found in the pages of scripture.
Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD. (NASB) Jeremiah 9:23-24
I believe that Christians often study the Bible for the wrong reasons. So the Bible truths are the “same old thing” and not very interesting. The Bible has become academic for many Christians and Bible study has degenerated to facts, rules, and details. Why should we study the Bible? To know God personally and intimately. How do we understand Him? He is to be found in the pages of the Bible. That is the reason for Bible study, and as we seek to know Him more and more the rest of scripture will explode within us. We will want to know how to please Him.
Last Ingredient
What is the final missing piece? What is the second part? It is called prayer. I would encourage you to ask God to give you a passion to know Him and a desire to know His Word in order to know Him.
Conclusion:
The passion for study is to know Jesus!
As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for Thee, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; (NASB) Psalm 42:1-2