One of Thomas Jefferson’s favorite phrases was “knowledge is power.”  In almost every walk of life, knowledge gives a person an edge.  This is true spiritually as well.  Paul once said that the Jews once had an advantage over the Gentiles because they had the oracles of God (Romans 3:1-2).  Indeed, having God’s Word is an advantage because the gospel is the power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16).

The more knowledge you have of the Word of God, the better chance you have of overcoming the devil.  Remember, it is by the Word of God that we increase in faith (Romans 10:17), and it is by faith that we overcome the world (1 John 5:4).  Knowing this, we should be in constant pursuit of more knowledge, not of the secular sort, but of the Word of God.  Increasing in knowledge is a part of making our calling and election sure, and guarding against apostasy (2 Peter 1:5-10).

Paul recognized the importance of the knowledge of Christ, and he was willing to suffer the loss of all things for it (Philippians 3:8).  We should all feel the same way about God’s Word.  It can help us live right now, and be prepared for the assaults of the devil in the future, for it is a lamp to our feet and light to our path (Psalms 119:105).

Where are you when it comes to the knowledge of God’s Word?  Today, there is only one way to increase in the knowledge of the Lord—we must study the Bible.

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.

I know that the KJV is not the most accurate translation here.  Most translations say something like, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God” (NKJV), or “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved” (ESV), etc.  I have often pointed out, however, that while more modern translations approach the text from the standpoint of how to be approved to God, that is, give our best, the KJV approaches the text from the standpoint of what we must do to be approved to God, that is, study.  When you fail to study God’s Word, you fail to put yourself in a position to give your best.

How often do you study the Word of God?  The amount of time you give to studying the Bible will determine where you are knowledgeably.  I know you are busy.  We all are.  However, if we are too busy to study the Word of God, we need to make some changes in our lives.   Paul admonishes us to be wise by redeeming the time (Ephesians 5:16).  The word redeem means “to buy up,” or “rescue from loss” (Strong).  If you do not have time to study God’s Word, you need to rescue that time and devote it to God by studying His Word.

There are not too many better ways to spend your time than studying the Bible.  Knowing God’s will puts us in a position to do His will; and doing God’s will is essential to entering into the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 7:21).

Having knowledge of the Bible does not happen magically or accidentally; it only happens when we are willing to put in the work and study.  The Psalmist once said the blessed man is the one who meditates upon the Law of the Lord (Psalms 1:1-2).  Let us make sure that describes us.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.