Why you need to study the Bible (and more)

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The knowledge of Jesus (who is the Word in the flesh, see John chapter 1) and the knowledge of the written Word, they cannot be separated. To know the Bible is to know Jesus, and vice versa. It is like knowing the author when reading one of his books.
Further more, Academics (knowledge) must lead to Application (wisdom) which must lead to Compliance (obedience). When you hear the Word you must Obey.

It is elementary and of most importance, that we move from carnality into spirituality. This can only happen when you receive the Holy Spirit. That’s called to be Born Again. When the new Spirit starts to live inside us, our new being, it will not completely destroy the old creature (our old man, bond to sin). They coexist and struggle for control (Romans 7:22-25). “Head knowledge” does not change us. “Heart knowledge” is the objective of the teaching gift. We need a change of heart; from a stony heart into one of flesh. One that is open to God, one that loves God above everything. A heart that truly loves people. Which loves to exercise righteousness (do what is right and pleasing to God). Christianity is really a heart (love) issue. A Christian faith and community should be constituted by personal relationship with God through Christ, a relationship known in the heart rather than through the mind. Ezekiel 18:31; 36:26,27

Bible studies draws the students (disciples) into the Word. It allows us to see how we, and our families and our churches measure up. “Mind the gap!” was the mantra of the prophets, who constantly warned God’s people when they went astray. Reading the Scriptures (Bible) should inspire and encourage others to have the same peace and joy we have, as adopted children of God, through the atonement of Jesus Christ, our King and Lord.

Reading the word and meditate on the Bible verses, should encourages us to press toward the mark when we stumble. It helps us to keep the faith and to have patience while under trouble times. The Bible convicts us when we are wrong – and it mirrors us, we can through the stories see the problematic state (fallen nature) we are in. But it also shows us the way out, and gives us joy when we claim and see the promises of God being fulfilled, for those who listen, obey and fear Him.

We must keep growing and maturing in the Lord, through the Holy Spirit. We are called to live a holy life (called sanctification) and always do the right thing. Do what is pleasing to God who sees and knows everything. Because we should become more like Him, Jesus our Teacher, in a practical way and in a spiritual way. Practical meaning we are disciples (instead of only Sunday going Christians) who should teach and instruct new believers to be followers of the Way (to eternal life), so they also can be disciples and teachers. We are commanded to go out and share the gospel and make disciples (it is called the Great Commission. Matthew 28:20, Hebrew 5:12

In order to become more like Jesus (and our Father), in a spiritual way (compared to the practical way as disciples & teachers) Jesus must put His Holy Spirit in us. It’s not until then our character can become more Christ-like. And then we receive heavenly power to overcome our fleshly desires (since we live in an earthly body, due to the fall of Adam). God’s Spirit is humbleness, meekness, goodness, love, patience, peace, in other words all that is good, and not evil. We ought to show the same fruit (character) as Jesus. Galatians 5:17-25

Reading the Bible once or sometimes isn’t enough. We are instructed to study daily (without ceasing) and to continuosly meditate on the Word. When we “eat” the Word (the Bread), that is the spiritual food for our Spirit (like natural bread is food for our bodies), then the Holy Spirit will help us understand the Scriptures and teach and guide us. We need The Living Word to abide within us.

[John 1:1, 12-14 NLT] 1 In the beginning the Word (Jesus) already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. … 12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 They are reborn (born again from above) –not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. 14 So the Word (Jesus) became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory (character), the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

[Rom 7:22-25 NLT] 22 I love God’s law with all my heart. 23 But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. 24 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? 25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.

[Ezekiel 18:31 NLT] 31 Put all your rebellion behind you, and find yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O people of Israel? (Ezekiel was a prophet who warned God’s people many times)

[Eze 36:26-27 NLT] 26 And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations. (God promised this would happen long before He put Jesus on earth)

[Mat 28:18-20 NLT] 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

[Heb 5:12-14 NLT] 12 You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. 13 For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. 14 Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.

[Gal 5:17, 19-25 NLT] 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. … 19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.