Studying God’s Word is a habit that will not cause dejection. In fact, the opposite of it happens. It cheers us up. Often believers tend to depend on the teachings and preaching of pastors alone, whether at their church or listening to them through various sources. It gives them joy and comfort, but often it’s lost quickly, since it is not accompanied by studying the Word. The consequence further allows Satan to take the opportunity to induce worldly things as well as the things God does not wish to enter them. Studying God’s Word is a practice that a believer can be proud of and immensely benefit. It clarifies many issues and matters and helps us envisage the effect of situations that are ready to fall on us. The essence of joy and peace remains in us.
Studying God’s Word not only teaches us to live a proper moral and ethical life, but also keeps us in them as long as we live. We are constantly revived by doing it. We find answers for issues regarded as grey matter or ambiguous by others. Consequently, we uphold His light; we project the real truth and righteousness as opposed to the seemingly. Again, we are corrected of our weaknesses and imperfections. We are taught of the wrong and the effects of missing the mark (sin). Most importantly, we are taught of the nature of human beings, i.e. their mindset and their sheer ability to think as well as the way they think. Many times we wonder if men could think in such and such a way. But studying God’s Word reveals the profundity of man’s thinking. We are actually taught what not to do and how not to do things. Our thought process changes to suit Christ. In a nutshell it makes life easier. Paul in the Spirit advised the following. “Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come” (1 Cor. 10:11).
The world ends with us, i.e. the Christian dispensation. Christ will return any moment. Many believers do not notice the above mentioned advantages of studying God’s Word. It may be because they are not truly saved or they simply don’t make time for it or they are afraid to make changes and wish to be comfortable where they are and with what they have. For example, how significant is it to know the nature of man and the way his mind works? We can escape many undesirable and unprofitable situations and things in life; we can revel in good consequences. There are those who do not give much importance to studying God’s Word and study it in the Spirit, because they are more into the works based philosophy. They believe it has some advantage. They believe that to do works justifiable before men and in God’s name is worthy of pleasing God and being righteous. These have not truly tasted its fruit. Works done in faith are a must and good, and that faith is born by studying the Word. When men set aside the habit of studying it, which causes dependence on God, their works are without purpose, direction and power. This leads to faithless living. It lets wrongdoings make way into their endeavors. Therefore, people begin to question the way God works, His judgments and He is not give the due honor. Furthermore, it causes divisions among the churches giving rise to so-called believers.
Notice the words of Paul. He reminds that the things happened earlier are given to us for an example and are an instruction to us so that we act in accordance to God. When we read of Ananias and Sapphira or Hymenaeus and Alexander, there is a sense of fear and reverence toward God that develops in us. It tells us of what they did and why. It teaches us that if we are not careful, we too are capable of developing a similar mind. Studying God’s Word is an exceptional habit. He who does it can only benefit and be blessed. There are pointers to take note of so that we do not lose touch with His Word and are rewarded.
- Be a constant learner. Though we are saved by grace and are sure to have everything prepared for us in heaven, it must be our aim to keep learning from God until our last day. We are all heirs to His goodness and must be like a child that awaits his time to rejoice. As Paul said, “Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave although he is owner of everything” (Gal. 4:1), we ought to consider ourselves as children that need to be strengthened. We all wait for that glorious day. And as of now we have not yet beheld the greater things.
- Hold on to the truth. Studying God’s Word can be a joyous and productive activity when held on to the truth it reveals. The truth working in us gives us the enthusiasm to know more of God’s mind. Many study, but not with a view to know His mind. When there is a truth that is touching our heart, though it is difficult to take, we ought to sacrifice our carnal mind for it. If we cannot, we must keep trying seeking God’s help in the Spirit until we grab it. Or else, there is every danger of damaging our faith and good conscience. It may further lead to collapse of faith. “Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme” (1 Tim. 1:20).
- Seek to establish God’s priority. The Word of God shapes us up for it. “The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:17). God’s priority for us is to do His will. It is not only the purpose He appointed to us, but His will for every circumstance. The earth and everything the people on it crave for will certainly vanish one day. It’s a teaching that when accompanied by faith will allow us to see the priorities God set for us. Studying the Word will help us to fulfill them.
There is a good sense in studying God’s Word, to make it a habit as well as reasons to take up the pointers for it.
- To receive honor. “(Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and men will not see his shame)” (Rev. 16:15). Christ is coming to honor us. We do not need to lose His precious rewards.
- To stay wise. We condition our hearts to suit God’s desire, will and purposes. Nothing we do is deserving of His blessings and rewards. Yet, everything we do according to His will avails His grace, peace, mercy and everything that come by them. “IN WHOLE BURNT OFFERINGS AND sacrifices FOR SIN YOU HAVE TAKEN NO PLEASURE” (Heb. 10:6).
- To be safe. The wisdom and guidance we get from studying God’s Word strengthens us to live from His perspective. Then at all times we realize Him as our protector as Paul said, “who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver us” (2 Cor. 1:10).