The theme verse for our January series is 2 Tim. 2:15: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” In the KJV it reads as, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God…” The word “Be diligent” or “Study” is also translated elsewhere as endeavor and labor. It takes work and diligence to properly understand God’s Word. We can easily be edified by Scripture simply by reading or singing a verse, but in-depth study produces a deeper understanding and releases greater authority in our lives.
Bible study is not only for preparing a teaching or sermon. The Bible honors the people in Berea because they studied the Scripture. Acts 17:11-12: “And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul's message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. As a result, many Jews believed, as did many of the prominent Greek women and men.” The result was not only convincing them of the truth, but also many Jews and Gentiles coming to faith. Bible study led to revival!
The Old Testament required the same diligence. Deut. 11:18-19: "So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.” Reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating on Scripture is a vital part of a believer's life.
If you hear a sermon or podcast or read something that catches your attention, look to the Bible and learn how that issue is addressed. Identify a keyword, like “freedom.” A quick search of the word will lead you to many promises, like John 8:36: “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” and 2 Corinthians 3:17: “Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” But there are also warnings, like Gal. 5:13: “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” and 1 Peter 2:16: “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.”
Digging deeper will always lead you to greater understanding of God’s Word and the ability to live out the nature of God in our lives. I hope that this month of sermons on the importance of studying Scripture empowers and motivates you to dig into the riches of the Bible and that we all develop a habit to study for life.