Know Your Bible | Northstar Church

“…Take to heart all the words of warning I have given you today. Pass them on as a command to your children so they will obey every word of these instructions. 47 These instructions are not empty words—they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land you will occupy when you cross the Jordan River.” – Deuteronomy 32:46-47.

The Bible has had untold influence throughout history and influences hundreds of millions of people worldwide today. But how well do we know the Bible? Many people would probably not be happy if our knowledge of the Bible could be quantified. Yes, we want to be knowledgeable about Scripture so that it can guide us as we journey through this life.

The Bible represents God’s instructions to us. The Holy Scriptures were written by forty authors. It is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). The Bible has something to say on almost any topic you can think of and has much to teach us about the issues we face on a daily basis. When we need an encouraging word, or we’re in a negative environment, it’s good to know that we can find the answers in God’s Word. Charles Spurgeon said, “nobody ever outgrows Scripture; the book widens and deepens with our years.”

Reading the Bible teaches us who God is. As created beings, it’s important for us to know more about our Creator. As we come to know God we learn why we should worship Him and how we should serve Him.

There are numerous Bible verses that instruct us to learn Scripture and apply it to our lives. A few examples include: Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Joshua 1:8 tells us to ”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.” Colossians 3:16 adds, “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” Matthew 4:4 says that “People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Hebrews 4:12 describes God’s Word as “alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword.” Deuteronomy 11:18–20 encourages you to put Scripture into your heart and mind, writing it on hands and foreheads, teaching it to your children, talking about it at home and when you’re away, thinking through Scripture when you lie down and get up. “The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” (Psalm 19:7)

When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He quoted Scripture back to the evil one. “It is written . . . it is written . . . it is written.” That’s the winning tactic for us as well. If you want to know God in a deeper way and hear His voice more clearly, then become a student of His Word. Read the Bible every day, and let the Lord speak to your heart. You will say along with the psalmist: “Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long.” (Psalm 119:97)

Discussion Questions:

How well do you believe you have been oriented to the Bible? What can you do to fill in the gaps?
Bible study is not the same thing as Bible reading. How are they different?