“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” Psalm 143:10

Why do we study God’s Word?

First, we study to know Jesus. Read John 5:38-40. What should the study of God’s Word always point us to? It is important to remember that we are to study the Scriptures to seek and know Jesus as our source of eternal life. The power of understanding what the Scriptures say is not for knowledge only but because they testify of Jesus. The Pharisees knew ABOUT Jesus, but they missed the very point of why God gave them prophetic Scripture. They were blinded by self-righteous knowledge. Remember, excellent Bible study should always humble us and remind us of the limitless perfections of God’s nature and attributes. We should NEVER be impressed with how much we know intellectually about the Bible. We study that we may intimately abide in our relationship with Jesus.

Second, we study to prepare ourselves for disciple-making, ministry, and service. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. What are four activities the Bible is “profitable”  and what does His Word prepare us for? Profitable means that there is a great gain on an investment. It teaches – helps us understand and brings clarity to life. It reproves – shows us how we have sinned. It corrects – points us to the truth when we are in error. It trains – shows us how to obey. God’s Word is fully sufficient to prepare us for everything the Bible commands us to do. The Holy Spirit uses the Word of God to transform us into Christ-likeness. It is fully sufficient for life and truth transference.

​Third, we study to transform ourselves. Read Psalm 19:7-11 & Hebrews 4:12. What does the Word of God do in us as we study and understand it? The Word of God restores us (19:7), makes us wise (19:7), gives joy to our heart (19:8), enlightens our eyes (19:8), warns us of judgment (19:11), and promises reward (19:11). The Psalmist also notes in verses 10-11 that God’s Word is worth more than money and food! The writer to the Hebrews reminds us that God’s Word discerns our heart’s intentions and motives as well.

​Fourth, we study to understand God’s character and attributes. Read Psalm 119 with the person you are discipling. This may take some extra time. Identify (1) attributes of God, (2) various ways we respond to God’s Word, and (3) various ways God uses His Word in our lives.

What does it mean to “study” God’s Word? Read Ezra 7:10.

What did Ezra set his heart on? Ezra set his heart to (1) study God’s law, (2) practice God’s law, and (3) teach God’s law.

Study. Practice. Teach. What a great pattern for making disciples! The Hebrew word for study means to “seek with care”. (Share with your disciple the context: God’s people are returning from exile in Babylon to their native land. Nehemiah rebuilds the wall. Zerubbabel rebuilds the temple. Ezra rebuilds the people with the Word of God.) • Read Acts 17:11.

How did the Berean people approach the message they were hearing from the Apostle Paul? They received God’s Word eagerly. They desired to know the truth. They examined God’s Word daily to make sure what was being preached was true. The Greek word used here means to investigate in a forensic sense, like a judge searching for pieces of evidence of the truth in a case. (This type of investigation is significant in helping the person you are discipling avoid false teaching.

Bible study helps them discern truth from error. Sound doctrine is one of the apostle Paul’s main themes in his letters to Timothy and Titus.) Read 2 Timothy 2:15.