“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15, NASB). This familiar verse is a call to action for every believer. We live in a world that is increasingly distant from God’s truth, yet the need for careful, diligent study of His Word has never been greater. Why should we be diligent students of the Bible? Here are a few reasons:
To Know God
Without the Bible, we cannot truly know God. He has revealed everything He wants us to understand about Him through Scripture. “The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands” (Psalm 19:1, NASB). But while nature points to God, only the Bible fully reveals His character, His love, and His will. Many people may be educated and polished, yet they lack a true knowledge of God because they haven’t sought Him through His Word. As Paul noted in Athens, “Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects… Therefore what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you” (Acts 17:22-23, NASB).
To Know Jesus
The only way to truly know Jesus is through the Bible. “Search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me” (John 5:39, NASB). In our world, there are countless portrayals of Jesus, many of which misrepresent Him. Only by studying the Scriptures can we know the real Jesus—His life, His teachings, His sacrifice, and His resurrection.
To Understand the Plan of Salvation
How can we know God’s plan for salvation without His Word? God gave us the Bible so that we could find salvation in Jesus Christ. Paul wrote, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17, NASB). We cannot afford to rely on mere human opinion or tradition when it comes to our eternal destiny. The Bible alone holds the path to salvation, and through study, we can know we are following the truth.
To Produce Good Fruit
The teachings of the Bible lead to lives that are fruitful and pleasing to God. “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NASB). All the good things in life—the blessings of civilization, order, and morality—are rooted in God’s Word. If we follow His teachings, we will bear good fruit and bring blessings to others.
Because God’s Word is Eternal
The Bible is not just another book. Its truths are timeless, enduring beyond all the wisdom and trends of this world. “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8, NASB). While human knowledge may pass away, God’s Word remains. When all else has turned to dust, the Scriptures will still declare God’s truth.
It is Our Source of Spiritual Light
In a world filled with confusion and darkness, the Bible shines as our guiding light. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105, NASB). By allowing Scripture to illuminate our path, we can avoid the pitfalls of sin and live lives that are pleasing to God. “The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:130, NASB).
The Basis of Our Faith
Our faith is not blind—it is grounded in the truths of Scripture. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1, NASB). Our faith grows as we immerse ourselves in the Word, which strengthens our convictions and builds our trust in God’s promises.
It Provides the Foundation of Our Hope
The Bible offers hope that endures, even in difficult times. “For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it” (Romans 8:24-25, NASB). This hope is our anchor, steadfast and secure, no matter what storms we face.
We Will Be Judged by It
One day, we will all stand before God and give an account of our lives. “He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day” (John 12:48, NASB). The Bible will be our standard, and we are wise to study it diligently so that we are prepared for that day.
The Bible is not just a book to be read—it is a book to be lived. Let’s be diligent students of God’s Word, seeking to know Him, understand His will, and live lives that glorify Him. “Therefore, we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip” (Hebrews 2:1, NASB).
The Simple Gospel 