2 Timothy 3:14-17 (KJV) Says, "But continue thou in the things thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."
The above passage of scripture makes clear the importance of reading and studying God's Word on a regular basis in order to be thoroughly furnished which means to be equipped with something necessary. It tells us that we are to begin learning holy scriptures as a child. It further advises us that all scripture was inspired by God, and that it is used to instruct us, for reprimand, correction, and that it instructs us on how we are to live our lives as born again believers in Jesus Christ.
It is of vital importance that we read and study the Word of God for ourselves for a number of reasons. As Christians the Bible is our instruction book for life, and if we desire to live our lives in a manner that is pleasing to God we need to read his instructions on how to do so. Reading and studying God's Word also arms us with scripture to be used to ward off Satan when he comes against us with various forms of evil, and when he places temptations before us. It is also vital that we read and study the Word of God for ourselves because it is an important avenue for building a strong personal relationship with him. Another factor that makes reading and studying God's Word for ourselves so important is that if we are not familiar with the truth of God's Word, and we base our belief's and opinion's solely on what the preacher says then we are risking being misled by a false teacher. The Bible warns us of their existence, and of the danger of being led astray by them. If you have a preacher who fails to give you the passages of scripture that they are basing their sermon on in order for you to follow along as they preach, then that is something I would question. Without seeing for yourself the passages of scripture that are being preached on you are allowing yourself to be convinced that whatever the preacher says is the truth of the Word of God, and that is a dangerous road to travel. If you attend a Church were the preacher never opens a Bible or seems threatened by any questions you may ask, then that too is something I would be concerned about because the Word of God is the authority in Church, not man.
In closing, it is important to note that it is a privilege to own a copy of the Bible, and to be able to read it whenever you choose to. It is a privilege which is denied to many, yet we have Christians who own a copy of the Bible, and never bother to pick it up much less open it, and read a verse of scripture. Some never even bother carrying it with them to Church, and honestly that is a shame.
Remember it is vital that you read and study God's Word for yourself in order to grow in Christ, and build a strong personal relationship with him. All Christians need a strong personal relationship with God, and no preacher can build that for you; no matter how many sermons you sit through. I encourage everyone to find a good Church and attend worship services on a regular basis. Make certain, however, that the sermons the preacher delivers align with the truth of God's Word. Don't go to Church, sit on a pew, and blindly soak in whatever the preacher tells you and take it as the truth of God's Word without verifying that it is. If we are not familiar with God's Word and we simply sit and listen to whatever is being said by the preacher and believing every word of it without verifying that it is the truth of God's Word, then we are sitting on a pew during worship services and taking the risk of falling prey to false doctrine which God's Word clearly warns us about.
I urge you to pray, read and study God's Word on a regular basis, and know without a doubt what it says. This is the only way you can grow and mature in Christ, and build a strong personal relationship with him. I encourage you to begin each day with God, in prayer and in his Word. I assure you the results of doing so will be nothing short of amazing.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you!
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