Lesson #2: Studying the Word

Studying the bible has to be the most important thing ever. Why? Because the bible literally contains the answer to every question ever asked. Here are a couple examples:

1. Studying the bible teaches us our identity.

There are so many parts of the Bible that focus simply on why we were created and what God thinks of us. It talks about what we’re supposed to do and how we’re supposed to do it. The Bible literally lays out everything we’re supposed to expect and how God wants us to react to it. Can you believe that? But the problem is we don’t actually understand the magnitude of what is contained inside the Bible and so we neglect it. We call it boring. We only open it on Sundays at church. Do you know that anyone who doesn’t read their bible doesn’t actually know their identity? It is actually very possible to walk around with an incorrect perception of our identity and millions of people live their whole lives this way. Let’s begin to find out what God says about us:

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus” Ephesians 2:10

“I am fearfully and wonderfully made” Psalm 139:14

2. Studying the bible teaches us how to live (the way God intended)

Jesus says something really cool in the book of John. He says, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” Wow! We’re actually supposed to live a life of abundance? Crazy right? A lot of us know this scripture because it’s encouraging to hear, but we’re often left confused because we don’t see the “abundance.” The key to achieving this life of abundance is by studying the Bible. Jesus made this statement to catch our attention, but the only way we’ll be able to live a life of abundance is if we keep on reading. It’s very easy to memorize encouraging verses and stop there, but the key to actually unleashing the fruits of God’s promises is if we continue reading, so we can carefully obey.

Joshua 1:8 says, “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.”

I think this verse is very self-explanatory. If we want to prosper, succeed and live that life of abundance, we must skim the bible everyday? Just read the verse of the day? No! We must study and meditate on the word of God daily!

As we’re all beginning another school year, I want to encourage you all to actually study your bibles with sincerity. We should study our bibles the same way we study for an exam at school. Actually take it serious. Don’t let it be an afterthought. Don’t let it be an obligation. Make it the first thing you do because it is the most important thing you want to do. Because God is the most important thing to you.

Tobi is a senior biology major on the pre-med track. "I just love Jesus and everything about Him."  Instagram: @TobiWestCoast