Why Study the Bible? Part 3

Two reasons have been stated why we need to study the Bible: spiritual growth and spiritual maturity. The third reason why studying the Bible is so vital to your walk with the Lord is spiritual usefulness. In a world that is inundated with words, people have fallen into a mental stupor. The mass media is filled with slick-looking, smooth-talking couriers with their sales pitches. It is difficult to know what truth is in a day when words are hollow and carry no meaning. Can we really believe that anything is true? It is no wonder that the world is turned off when the Christian speaks. How are you any different than every other mouthpiece?
When you spend time in God’s Word, there will be a transformation in your life. Though words are important, practicality and application will generate more substance to your life. Instead of talking about your faith, you begin to live it out. People will begin to take notice of the Christian who does more than talk about his/her faith but actually lives it out through hands and feet. St. Francis of Assisi noted, "Preach the gospel always, if necessary use words."
As Paul was nearing the end of his life, he left two letters in the hands of Timothy. Paul wanted to leave his young protégé some concluding instructions to help him carry on the mission of Jesus Christ. He writes, “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” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Paul states that when Bible study is taking place it will accomplish four things in your life: 1) teaching, 2) rebuking, 3) correcting, and 4) training. Have you ever wished that you could be more successful for Jesus Christ? Paul says that it can happen when you are serious about studying the Word of God.