Paul said, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy. 2:15). While Paul was writing to a young preacher, there is no indication that we should not apply this verse to our lives. The study of God’s Word has always been required by God (John 5:39; Acts 17:11). Let us look at a few reasons why we should be committed to studying God’s word.

The Bible Is the Inspired Word of God

2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV)
¹⁶  All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

The Bible is not just another man-made book. It was written by God through the instrument of inspired men. These men were led and guided by the Holy Spirit (John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:6-13; Ephesians 3:1-5). Every word in the Bible is there because God so willed it to be so. It is the only way that God communicates to us today; thus, reading and studying the Bible is how we can become familiar with the will of God. Why is that so important? Jesus tells us.

Matthew 7:21 (NKJV)
²¹  “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

We cannot do God’s will if we do not know it. Since the Bible is the only place to find it, studying it is critical to our salvation

Bible Study Is Profitable

It is in our own best interest to study the scriptures. In 2 Timothy 3:16, Paul tells us that the scriptures are profitable for us. The word “profitable” means, “yielding advantageous results or returns.” In most areas of life, we are quick to do that which is advantageous to us. Anything that yields high returns is usually something in which we are interested. Since studying the Bible will, without question, yield high returns to us spiritually, why would we not take the time to do it? Paul gives us four areas where studying the Word of God is profitable.

It is profitable for teaching. When we study the Bible, we are first teaching ourselves. Generally speaking, teachers end up learning much more than the students. Studying, then, puts us in a position to teach others. Many people need teaching. When we engage in this noble endeavor of teaching God’s Word to others, both non-Christians and Christians alike, we are being used by God to fulfill His will. The only way we can do that is to study.
 
It is profitable for reproof. It is our duty to rebuke those who go astray. Jesus commands us to rebuke brethren who sin against us (Luke 17:3), indicating that it might lead to repentance. Without repenting the sinner will be lost. We are doing a great service to those who sin when we, with kindness and love, are willing to confront them with the Word and offer gentle reproof. James reminds us that when we help bring back a wandering soul, we save that soul from death (James 5:19-20).

It is profitable for correction. None of us are perfect. There is a lot about all of us that needs correcting sometimes. There are times when our attitudes need correcting. At other times we might need correcting in an area where we have come to a wrong scriptural conclusion. Then, of course, we all sin from time to time and we need correction. The Bible can help us get back on the right track in all of those areas. When we study the Bible, it helps us to help ourselves, as well as others, when correcting is needed.

It is profitable for training in righteousness. This alone makes Bible study extremely valuable. Only those who do righteousness are righteous (1 John 2:29; 3:7). The more training we receive, the more righteousness we can practice. Paul taught that we should put on the breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14). How do we do that? We do it, at least in part, by studying the Word of God. We should all be able to see how profitable it is to study the scriptures.

Bible Study Causes Growth

Every Christian who is concerned about growing will spend time studying the Word of God. Sufficient spiritual growth is impossible without a proper diet of God’s word. Peter said that we should desire the sincere milk of the word so that we may grow (1 Peter 2:2). The new convert, who does not develop a good study habit, will remain a babe in Christ longer than he should (Hebrews 5:12-14). The main reason Bible study helps us to grow is that it produces faith (Romans 10:17). This is exactly the reason why the Devil would rather that we neglect to study the word of God. He knows that it draws us closer to God and nearer to heaven by increasing our faith (Luke 8:11, 12). Spiritual growth is a good reason to study the Bible.

We all know that we need to study. The only thing left to do is do it!