Section V – “Study to Show Yourself Approved”
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The Word of God is a “quick” (living, spiritual) Book (Heb. 4:12). But, seeing no purpose, some have no interest in studying its contents. Do you understand the value of Bible study? How can you establish a pattern and stick to it? What kind of things should you study? The book’s final section will teach you why you should study the Bible!
We have seen that the Bible is the inspired Word of God—His written Instruction Book to mankind. It answers every important question in life. It explains how to live—and reveals the road to salvation. Then why do so few know HOW to study the Bible?
First, we must ask, why study the Bible? II Timothy 2:15 admonishes, “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
The apostle Paul tells us that proper Bible study leads to approval from God. The same verse also speaks of other benefits. First, as workmen, we need not be ashamed—if we study God’s Word. Instead, studying becomes fulfilling and satisfying. You have done what God expects you to do—an acceptable type of self-approval.
Rightly dividing the Scriptures—knowing the Bible, inside and out—takes a lifetime. God’s Holy Spirit opens one’s mind to this spiritual understanding (Psa. 119:18; John 16:13). True biblical knowledge and understanding come from diligent effort and God’s Spirit working in you.
God expects us to familiarize ourselves with His Word. Only by fully appreciating it will we act on it. Christ said, “…It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4, quoted from Deut. 8:3). Psalms 119:105 affirms: “Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
And as Paul admonished Timothy: “And that from a child you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (II Tim. 3:15). He continues in II Tim 3:16-17: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
Taking in the Word of God for spiritual nourishment surpasses the need of taking in physical food. The Bible provides light to avoid pitfalls in the path of life. The Bible gives us wisdom to understand the weighty aspects of salvation. All Scripture is inspired by God to mold and teach His people so that they may become perfect and equipped “for good work of every kind” (Moffatt translation).
Bible study is a vital process that does more than teach us.
Ephesians 5:25-26 reveals the washing or cleansing effect that comes from Bible study: “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave Himself for it; that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.”
This is echoed in Hebrews 10:22: “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.”
The analogy of water washing the body is not to be confused with the water of baptism. The water of baptism is not what washes us clean. (Upon repentance, the blood of Christ cleanses one of past sins.) In this case, water symbolizes burial of the individual being baptized. The “watery grave” typifies the death of the old self and the emergence of a new person with a new life.
By contrast, Bible study washes the individual. This is our part of the cleansing process—God expects us to do our part. This process takes place as one internalizes God’s Word. This leads to the desire to repent and grow in godly character. God’s Spirit is instrumental in this cleansing process. But diligent Bible study is the means to ourselves being washed and cleansed.
Bible study has many benefits. Therefore, one should establish goals in undertaking this vital spiritual activity.
There are many kinds of goals within Bible study. They basically fall into three categories: short-term, medium-term and long-term. Establishing this thinking in your mind makes goals much more obtainable, as well as interesting. Each of these categories will be listed below with suggested examples.
It should be understood that one could work on more than just one goal at any given time by alternating Bible study sessions, or splitting each session.