Get in the Word and Get the Word in You!

This week I would like to build upon last blog (the importance of God’s word) and continue speaking about the importance of studying God’s word. Mainly outlining some of the reasons why we must study God’s word.

The Greek word for disciple is mathētēs (μαθητής) and it means “student,” “pupil,” “apprentice,” or “adherent,”. In the ancient world, it is most often associated with people who were devoted followers of a great religious leader or teacher of philosophy. So, while the modern-day Christian ascribes the word to be a follower of Jesus, in New Testament times the root of the word was ascribed to mean learner. Therefore, we as disciples of Jesus are not only called to be followers of God but at its core also learners. This is why God’s word instructs us to renew our minds (Romans 12:2) . A mind can only be renewed when we put away worldly thinking and learn the new ways of the Heavenly Kingdom. This does not come from casual reading but by a systematic and dedicated approach to studying God’s word.

God explicitly states we must “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. So by studying we classify/show ourselves as godly workmen, approved and pleasing to God and able to divide God’s true words from lies. The Berean Jews in Acts 17:11 held fast to the concept of 2 Timothy 2:15 regarding studying the scriptures and they examined it with great eagerness. Even when a master teach like the Apostle Paul was instructing them they could have validated what he was saying because of their Godly knowledge. In essence, they were fully equipped to rightly divide the word of truth.

Studying God’s word also made the Berean Jews stand out in other aspects. They were of more noble character than other Jews and this nobility came about because they eagerly examined the scriptures daily. Therefore, educating oneself with God’s word brings a level of spiritual nobility in His eyes.

Deeply studying God’s word also qualifies us to be teachers and to effectively share with others to the saving of unbeliever’s souls and the strengthening of the body of Christ. This is supported by scripture when 2 Timothy 2:2 states, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others”.

The bible declares that in the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God (John 1:1) . If the word was God then each time we study God’s word we are literally taking piece of God and storing it within us. With God’s word (God Himself) inside of us it makes it easier to fight temptation because the Holy Spirit will bring His words back to memory (John 14:26) and help us not to sin (Psalms 119:11) . Case in point, when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness he fought and replied with the word by stating, “It is written”. Without God’s words inside of Jesus he wouldn’t have been able to counteract the enemy’s distortion. The same tactic applies to us, the word helps us fight Satan.

Studying God’s word not only helps us fight Satan on the outside but also aids us individually by giving us rest for our souls inwardly. There is a calmness which comes from knowing and trusting God’s word. Jesus tells us in Mathew 11:29 that we must, “Take His yoke upon us, and LEARN of Him; for He is meek and lowly in heart: and we shall find rest unto our souls”. Learning of the Lord through the pages of the bible and applying His words gives our soul a quietness/rest on earth and a heavenly rest when we are called home to glory. What better reason to studying God’s words than securing our salvation. I regard it as a vehicle which can help give us passage to heaven.

Not only passage to heaven, but it can assist us in navigating life while we are here on earth. The bible declares that “His word is a light unto our feet and a lamp unto our path” – Psalms 119:105. As such, not having or removing God’s words from our life makes us operate in darkness and conjures feelings of being lost, lacking direction, and fright. God’s word stabilizes us and provides a clear path and a better understanding of the direction we must head.

In conclusion, studying God’s word is one of the most important things that a believer can do. It is important to God because he placed his word and magnifies it above His Holy name (Psalms 138:2) . If God placed his word above his great name, this clearly speaks to the importance He places on His word and we as Christians should do the same. Studying God’s word helps us in times of temptation and sin, brings direction and clarity, allows us to minister to lost souls and teach and strengthen the body of Christ, become noble in the sight of God, and by doing this we become approved by God and truly become his disciples (Learners).

Your Brother and Servant in the Lord

Dane A. Miller