When my son was just a boy, we used to watch the G.I. Joe cartoon together. Every time it was going off, one of the characters would come out and give some kind of safety tip and then say, “Now you know, and knowing is half the battle.”
We know that just knowing is not the whole battle; doing must always follow (Jas.1:22-25). The Hebrews writer tells us that Jesus is the source of salvation for all who obey (Hebrews 5:8-9). Still, without knowing, doing would be impossible. Thankfully, by God’s grace, His Word teaches us how to live.
Titus 2:11–12 (ESV)
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,
God has done His part by giving us His Word, and even providentially preserving it (Matthew 24:35; 1 Peter 1:25). We must now do our part by receiving His Word into our hearts.
Colossians 3:16 (ESV)
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Do you allow the Word of Christ to dwell in you? The best way to do that is to make a habit of studying the Bible. This never happens by accident. Growing in knowledge only comes from determination and sacrifice. Many things in life compete for our time and attention. Some of those things are trivial, but some are very important and time-consuming. Unless we purposely put time aside to study the Word of God, it will go undone. There may be some things that you have to forego to have enough time in your life for God’s Word. Is it worth it? Of course!
God’s Word produces faith (Romans 10:17). Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Anything that helps us to please God is worth pursuing. Faith gives us the strength to overcome the devil and all his attacks against us. John said, “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (1 John 5:4).
Without knowledge of the ways God, victory is not attainable. Being filled with the Word of God is worth the time and effort it takes to accomplish it. I have never known anyone to regret studying God’s Word, but many have lamented the neglect of the Bible over the years. Do not let that be you.
Take the time to study the Bible. It will make you stronger in the faith and cause you to love the Lord more, drawing nearer to Him. You will be able to contend for the faith the way God desires (Jude 1:3), and defend the gospel against the world’s assaults (Philippians 1:16). While it is a privilege to study God’s Word, never forget that it is a responsibility as well.
2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
As you wind down for the night, think about these things.