In 2 Timothy 2:15, we are admonished to know the word of God, and at the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said that if a person heard and obeyed His Word, they would be a wise person. 2 Timothy 2:15 says “Study to show yourself approved to God, a worker that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Matthew 7:24-27 says, “Therefore, whoever hears these sayings of Mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Knowing the word of God leads to obeying the word of God; both are essential to life.
Why Get to Know God’s Word?
- For Information About God
We study God’s word that one may know God.
“My son, if you receive my words and treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver and search for her as hidden treasure; then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2:1-5
“As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever.” 1 Chronicles 28:9
2. For Instructions from God
In Scripture, we learn what we believe as Christians
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction…” 2 Timothy 3:16a
“Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which are most surely believed among us…it seemed good to me to write …that you may know….” Luke 1:1-4
In Scripture, we learn how to behave as Christians
“…and for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16b
Doctrine – What is RIGHT!
Reproof – What is NOT RIGHT!
Correction – How to GET RIGHT!
Instruction in Righteousness – How to STAY RIGHT!
3. For Protection from the Temptations of the Evil One
The Word of God helps me to be delivered and Victorious over sin.
Psalm 119:9 “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to your Word.”
Ps. 119:11 Your Word have I hid in my heart that I may not sin against you.
“This Book will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from this Book.”-D. L. Moody
1 John 2:14 “…I have written unto young men, because you are strong, and the Word of God abides in you and you have overcome the wicked one.”
4. For Direction
Scripture helps us know what God’s will for our lives is.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
5. For Spiritual Edification
Scripture will bring spiritual growth.
“As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word that you may grow.” 1 Peter 2:2
God’s word is pictured as food: milk, meat, and honey.
6. For Preparation
God’s word is God’s playbook for life and ministry.
Scripture equips us to be successful in life and in service.
“Blessed….whose delight is in the law of the Lord and on His Law he meditates day and night. “He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf shall not wither and whatsoever he does shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Joshua 1:8
7. For Inspiration
Scripture causes our faith to increase.
“Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” Rom . 10:17
D. L Moody wanted more faith. He prayed and he prayed, but he did not have more faith. But when he started reading God’s Word, his faith began to increase. Men and women who are strong in faith are men and women who study God’s Word.
8. For Transformation
God’s word will change your life.
Romans 12:1 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”