Reading the Bible – Its Effect
“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 (complete), thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
If the word of God is living, how can we expect to grow in Christ if we do not read it? How can we become more Christ-like, if we do not learn more of who He is?
These verses are worthy of our consideration to encourage us to read the Bible:
The Lord Jesus said, “… Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)
“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.” (John 6:63)
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” (Joshua 1:8)
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” (1 Peter 2:2)
“For as many things as have been written before have been written for our instruction, that through endurance and through encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2)
How are we to “renew our mind” apart from reading the Word of God? We are told that we have “the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:16). I would suggest that His mind is contained in the Word of God. We need to read the Bible to learn more of Him and His thoughts, so our minds may be renewed, and that we may discern what is that good, and acceptable and perfect will of God.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16)
“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the word of our God abideth for ever.” (Isaiah 40:8)