Discovering and desiring our God-given privileges in Christ is part of a Christian’s practice of biblical self-leadership.
However, the busyness of the world has made it difficult to craft a place for bible study in our schedules. Eventually, we seek reasons to start or continue a bible study journey and an answer to the question;
What are the benefits of personal bible study?
Studying the word of God offers numerous profound and impressive benefits that can positively impact your life. To mention a few benefits, Bible study provides a deeper understanding of biblical meanings, builds a solid belief system rooted in God’s word, and fosters the growth of a fully mature Christian.
Before we look at more benefits of studying the word of God, let’s consider the importance of bible study.
Why Bible Study is Important.
Studying your Bible, unlike reading, adopts an investigative approach to learning about the Bible’s books, chapters, and verses.
It often employs a systematic and academic approach to gain a comprehensive understanding of bible contents(messages, teaches, and principles) based on literal, cultural, and historical contexts. As a result, Bible study has its own relevance and offers unique benefits apart from bible reading or meditation.
To what end?
For one, in preparation to share your faith and articulate the reason behind your hope when questioned about it. (1 Peter 3:15).
1 Peter 3:15 – “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
Secondly, for the unity of faith and doctrinal integrity. More than ever the body of Christ has to come together in unison as the Great Rebellion approaches—a time rife of false prophets and spiritual apostasy by believers. Many disputes about dogma and doctrine could be resolved by the objective study of the Bible.
2 Timothy 4:3 – “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”
Galatians 1:8 – “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!”
Ephesians 4:5 – “One Lord, one faith, one baptism;”
Benefits of Bible study backed by scriptures.
Because the Bible is both a sacred and literary text, studying it offers knowledge, enjoyment, and a wide range of spiritual and non-spiritual benefits that can enrich one’s life personally.
Let’s take a look at some benefits of studying your bible.
#1: Competence in matters of the spirit.
One key domain in personal well-being is spirituality. Thus, a person who neglects spiritual growth is unlikely to attain complete happiness and a sense of fulfillment in life.
Both your divine mission and God-given assignment ride on the back of spirituality. Your level of spirituality cannot be subpar if you’re going to succeed in the purposes of God.
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Tim 2:15
Thankfully, we have his word serving as a study guide and instruction manual to train us to be and do all that God has destined.
#2. Deeper understanding of Biblical Meanings.
Psalms 119:130 – “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”
Let’s look at a practical example in Psalms 25:8-9 as we illustrate how to study the bible sentence structure. According to the KJV, and NKJV translation, Psalms 25:8-9 reads as;
Verse 8: Good and upright is the Lord; Therefore He teaches sinners in the way.
Verse 9: The humble He guides in justice, And the humble He teaches His way.
The same English word is used in both verses but when we look under the hood at their original rendition, we find they represent different root Hebrew words.
The Hebrew word for teaches in verse 8 is יוֹרֶ֖ה (yō·w·reh) which means throw, to point out, to teach. Seen also in Exodus 15:4(Pharoah’s chariots and army and his army He has cast into the sea). While that in verse 9 is וִֽילַמֵּ֖ד (wî·lam·mêḏ) means to exercise in, learn. A root form is also seen in Deuteronomy 4:1, 5:31.
Considering the parties being addressed in our example, teach in verse 8 implies a “I will teach you a lesson” kind of discipline while that in verse 8 implies progressive training to become skillful at something. Both, of course, are good and a form of teaching with unique applications.
#3. Solid Belief System
This benefit draws on the view of doctrinal integrity as an importance of bible study.
Christian Tenets and personal convictions derived from effective bible study are built on the solid foundation of God’s word. It is sure to outlast those that are derived from hearsay and personal experiences of the ever-changing world.
Acts 17:11-12 – “Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men.”
Furthermore, those who diligently search and examine the Scriptures are considered, by St Luke and common consent, to be of nobility.
#4. A fully Mature Christian.
context: Ephesians 4:11-16
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.-Ephesians 4:14-15.
Who is a child in the Church? The younger generation or new converts?
Apostle Paul posits that a child is tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine lacking no sense of discernment.
Show me a person committed to regular bible reading and studying, I will show a person sharpening his discernment ability. You are better able to tell apart sound doctrine from unsound(and everything in between) when you study the bible more.
It would cost much less pain studying the bible than experiencing the repercussion of deceptive teaching.
#5. Awareness of Prophetic Seasons.
Daniel 9:2 – “In the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the Lord given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years.”
Luke 21:22 – “For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written.”
Of course, the written word of God is of course replete with the plans and agenda of God for the world. It is not a mystery if you can study the bible or have a good bible teacher.
As we study the bible(ie look intently and deeper into the written word of God), connections begin to form leading us to a revelation that people oftentimes miss. This knowledge and awareness enable us to align meticulously our decisions, plans, and actions with prophecy.
With the help of the Holy Spirit during bible study, we won’t make the same mistake the Jewish people during Jesus’s time on earth made —not recognizing that Jesus was the messiah from the Scriptures. (Act 4:11, Mark 12:10, John 7:42)
Let our story be like wise men who knew definitely and assuredly where Jesus was to be born.”
#6. Revelation of Jesus
Many people search and study the Bible for different reasons eg business, agriculture, and life secrets. While they may find it, it doesn’t mean that was the purpose for which the book was given. When we study the bible attentively with an open heart, we discover that its central theme is about God and His chosen Messiah, Jesus.
John 5:39 – “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me,”
Luke 24:27 – “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”
The revelation is Jesus is beneficial to you as a Christian because when you see Jesus, you discover your new and true life. In Him, is the hope, provision, and consumption of salvation.’
#7. Increased Chance of Godly Living.
Time spent studying and observing the character of God as revealed in Scriptures, the more likely we are to imitate Him.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2 Timothy 3:16
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.– Joshua 1:8
This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives. Titus 1:1
Conclusion on the benefits of studying the word of God.
As we’ve seen, the personal benefits of studying the Word of God are undeniable and not to be ignored. By delving into the Scriptures, individuals can confidently share their faith, navigate challenges with discernment, and avoid the consequences of deceptive teachings.
Study God’s word regularly and unlock the personal benefits of Bible study, enriching your life spiritually. Start your journey into biblical self-leadership and spiritual growth today.
Learn how to study the Bible with an investigative approach and embrace the importance of Bible study in building a solid belief system.
