Is Reading the Bible Important?

God expects His people to read His word. “It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the LORD his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees...” (Deuteronomy 17:19)

One of the most important things you can do in your Christian life is to read God’s word.  Without it you will not do well in the fight against the world, the flesh, and the devil.  You must read your Bible.

Do you read the Bible every day, or maybe 2-3 days a week?  Do you only read it when you are at church? I know many people who leave their Bibles at home when they attend church on Sundays.

According to a Transformational Discipleship Assessment study by Lifeway Research, only 19% of churchgoers personally (not as part of a church worship service) read the Bible every day, and 14% say they read the Bible once a week, while another 22 percent say once a month.  And yet, the survey found 90 percent of churchgoers agree with the statement that "I desire to please and honor Jesus in all I do.”

Does that describe you?

In Matthew 4:4, Jesus says “It is written: Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”  Bible studies, daily devotional booklets, and skipping around Bible readings are not enough to help you.  In 1 Peter 3:18 we are told to, “...grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”  God preserved every word down through the ages, and every word has a purpose for the believer.  

The Bible is an incredible book of history and facts that proves that there is a God that created all things. Most important of all, the Bible is the Word of God. It contains the mind of God and His will for each one of our lives.  That is why the Bible was given to us.  The Apostle Paul says in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

So, is ready the Bible important?  The following are a few scriptural reasons that we should consider when answering this question:

1) First, the Word of God is infallible.

There is no error in God's Word.  The law of the Lord is perfect concerning our soul.  The testimony of the Lord is not only infallible, it is inerrant.  Scripture tells us that, “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.” (Proverbs 30:5-6)  And God warns us not to misrepresent His scripture.

2) The Word of God is complete.

The Bible does not need any new chapters or books.  It is complete as it is because it is the holy Word of God.  “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.” (Revelation 22:18-19)

3) The Word of God is totally authoritative.

The book of Psalms 119:89 says, “Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.”  The Word of God is the only source for absolute divine authority.  And as such, it is for you and me as servants of Jesus Christ.  When some say, "I have a word from the Lord for you," write it down and hold it up to the light of God's word, and see if the Lord speaks to you through His Scriptures.  Only then will you know if the Lord is truly speaking to you.

4) God's Word is totally sufficient for all of our needs.

We don't need anything else.  “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” (2 Peter 1:3-4)  As Christians, we can be totally secure in the Lord by studying the Bible, because it is God's plan for our life.

5) The Word of God will accomplish what it promises.

If God told you something will happen, it will happen if you wait on Him.  “...my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)

God sent His word to accomplish His perfect will in our lives.  There are so many promises given to us in the Bible.  And these promises reassure us and bring comfort to our lives in our times of trial.  I challenge you to take time to study the Word of God.

The Lord will show you many wonderful things that will change your life!

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