Have you ever thought about why you read God’s Word? Is it expected of all Christians? If so, for what reason(s)?
Below is a list that I have compiled of just a few of the reasons why I feel it is important for us to read God’s Word. All of the scriptures are taken from the NIV translation.
1. To equip us to serve Him.
II Timothy 3:16-17 tells us that “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
When we know what God’s Word says, we will be better equipped to handle all kinds of situations and circumstances that come along in our lives.
2. To grow in maturity.
I Peter 2:2-3: “Like newborn babies crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”
When we first became a Christian, we were like newborn babies and could not understand fully; but as we matured and grew in life’s experiences, we craved more of the “meat of the Word” on a daily basis.
3. To give a reason for what you believe.
I Peter 3:15-16: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have, keeping a clear conscience so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”
We should be prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks us for a reason why we are a Christian.
4.To learn how to become more like Him.
Genesis 1:27: “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
God created us in His likeness so that we could be a reflection of His love.
5. To learn how to live and treat others.
Mark 12:30-31: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all of your soul and with all of your mind and with all of your strength. The second law is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.”
If we live according to these two commandments, we will love and treat others the way God instructed us to.
6. To seek knowledge.
Psalm 19:7: “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.”
Our knowledge will be increased and our souls will be revived and refreshed as well.
7. To learn more about His salvation plan.
Hebrews 4:12: “For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. For nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
God knows everything about us–He only can look at the heart and convicts the soul.
8. To seek His guidance (plan) for your life.
Jeremiah 29:11-13: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to protect you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart.”
God wants only good things for us and has a plan for all of us.
9. To increase our faith.
Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
We have no doubt that God can do what He says even before He does it.
Hebrews 11:6: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that he exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”
Faith also requires action on our part.
What are some of the reasons that you read God’s Word? When do you read God’s Word (i.e. morning, afternoon, evening)? And, why do you personally read His Word?
Blessings on you,
Yvonne