Have you ever wanted to hear from God for direction on something? Maybe you needed an answer to a prayer and you sat down with your bible and closed your eyes and opened up to a random book, chapter and verse and thought, “speak to me”. I have. Now I’m not saying this is a bad thing to do. Sometimes you just don’t know what else to do. However, when I have been in those situations, I have realized that I didn’t know where to go in the bible for answers because I didn’t truly know what the bible said, or where it said it, or the context it was said in. I had not taken the time to invest in understanding scripture. I was simply reading it. I was just “checking the box” if you will, because that’s what Christians do, they read the bible. It took me a long time to recognize the importance of truly reading scripture to absorb it and not just reading to observe it. So why is it so important to truly study the word?
First, all scripture is directly from God. If you want to hear God speak, study His words.
“All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
“Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:20-21).
God speaks through his word. So, why go anywhere else for direction and instruction.
Second, scripture is always true. When we consistently read and study and apply scripture, we are able to keep the truth fresh in our hearts and minds.
“Sanctify them by your truth, your word is truth” (John 17:17).
“And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).
We are sanctified by the truth and the truth sets us free!! What does sanctified mean? To be set apart as holy. We are set apart as believers and made free. Free from what? Free from the bonds of slavery from sin.
Third, the more we know scripture, the more we can share scripture. If we really want to do what we are called to do as believers, which is to love others and bring them to Christ, the best way to do that is through the Gospel message.
“And he said to them, go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15).
“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3).
The more we understand scripture, the more we can share that scripture with others.
So, are you absorbing scripture or are you simply observing it?
How do you make bible study a priority? Here are three tips:
1. Join a bible study group. This action alone will develop accountability on a deep spiritual level. Find yourself a group of women who also want to read and understand the word and support and encourage each other.
2. Have a space in your home that is your “bible study space”. This will help you get your mind ready to study.
3. Schedule bible study time. You have to put in effort just like anything else. As busy moms, it can be challenging to find time to study so make it a priority and schedule that time like any other appointment!
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