But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. 4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. 5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. 6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth—7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” (Isaiah 43:1 – 7 – emphasis added)
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
Based on the many helpful comments over the last two days, we appear to recognize the importance of Bible Study. However, our lives do not always reflect this recognition. How can we improve?
It might be helpful for us to think deeply about the implications of studying or not studying God’s word. Do we really feel as if we miss something vital when we drop Bible study from our schedule? Consider the two passages above. The passage from Isaiah points out that we were created for God’s glory, and the passage from Ecclesiastes says that our duty is to Fear God and keep his commandments. If we link the messages from both passages together we could reach the following conclusion: The Bible provides the instructions for us to come alive and live out our purpose of glorifying God. Therefore, one of the important things that we miss when we are not careful enough to study the Bible is a clearer understanding of our true purpose to glorify God, and how to live out that purpose.
Questions
What do you think about the following statement? “If we really believed that we are missing something vital when we forsake Bible study, we would be more disciplined.”
March 13, 2019 at 9:21 am
Bible study and fellowship meeting is a vital part of my life eversince I became born again Christian (it was indeed very timely especially when I was a young mom). Now, I’m
a grandmother. I must say bible study and fellowship with my sisters and brothers in Christ helped me all these years to have a sound doctrine of my faith that leads to my amazing relationship with Jesus. Trusting God’s word gives strong foundation. To me , bible study like BSF or International Bible study in my church here in Japan, and in all bible study groups I joined in the past countries I’ve lived, have molded me to become the child of God that the Lord wants me to be. Studying God’s word and relying on it for every single detail of my life is the very reason why I can live a victorious life despite the many ups and downs along the way. Jesus wants us to be victorious that’s why there is the Gospel. It gives hope and life.
March 13, 2019 at 10:04 am
I do believe that Bible Study enhances my Christian Walk. It ensures I regularly study the Word and share with others on the same Walk.
March 13, 2019 at 10:34 am
I believe there is much truth in that statement. Unfortunately many of the things I should prioritize I don’t. My knowing doesn’t always easily work into my doing.
Reminders through the Holy Spirit, friends and family is vital to staying focused. Making preparations to set myself up for doing my Bible Study is key: Bible by my bed, apps on my phone, designated quiet place.
March 13, 2019 at 1:52 pm
Great testimony from Aurora and I feel the same wayBridget feels .
Hopefully I can spend more time in a group to do bible study.
It makes a huge difference all around but I recently migrated so will find soon.
Right now this study is helping me .
Thanks to Norman and All participants.
March 13, 2019 at 6:42 pm
I would challenge that statement a little bit. There are things I KNOW will benefit me but yet I do not do for one reason or the other, even to my potential detriment. In my opinion DESIRE to know God’s word has a big part to play in regular Bible study.
I believe when desire has run dry, its hard to go it alone. Desire can be increased through group Bible study and through association with strong believers who can encourage and inspire you, and spark new interest and curiosity for God’s word.There is only so much you can do on your own.
March 14, 2019 at 2:44 am
I think it is good that on this question we have varying views because a deeper debate on the topic might be helpful. I would suggest though, that you prayerfully have this debate with a group of trusted believers. Consider why despite our statements of belief and our strong desires so many of us still do not follow through on the essential habit of Bible study. Listen carefully to what God tells you is at the root of your struggle, rely on God and partner with fellow believers to overcome the struggle. The prize is God’s glory so the stakes are extremely high.