So often we petition God in our prayers and wait to “hear from him”, forgetting that sometimes all we need to do is open up the Bible and there he is talking to us. Diving deep into God’s word adds so much value to our lives, here are ten reasons why we should read the Bible: 

1. Perspective: 2020 was one for the books and has more than likely left us looking for perspective. Well, God’s word is the best place to start. 

Romans 8:28 ESV, And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

2. Challenging stagnant faith: Are you stagnant in your faith? Maybe God is challenging you to press in and go deeper. 

Psalm 1:2 ESV, But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.

3. The Bible is a complete work: It is a collection of stories that tell one story—the redemption of humanity through faith in Jesus Christ. To see the whole picture, we must read the whole Bible.

John 3:16 ESV, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

‍4. Discernment: Identifying inaccurate teaching is a challenge that many of us will have to face at one point or another. But don’t panic, we can discern false narratives from the truth by spending more time in the word for ourselves. 

1 John 4:1 ESV, Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 

5. The word of God reads us: Sharper than any double-edged sword, the word of God is alive and relevant today. We all face personal struggles and feel imperfect from time to time. So let's open up the word that reads us. 

Hebrews 4:12 ESV, For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 

6. Sharing the Gospel: It’s not always about making sure we get to Heaven, rather it’s about how many others we can take with us. As Christians, it’s our duty to spread God’s word and share his love with others, and we’ve got to know the Gospel to share it. 

Mark 16:15 ESV, And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” 

7. Seeking truth: We’ve all heard this before – “The Bible is full of contradictions!” Well, there is only one way to find out and that’s seeking the truth in God’s word today. 

John 8:32 ESV, And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

John 4:24 ESV, God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. 

8. Combat complacency: After walking with Jesus for a while, it can be easy to fall into a pattern of self-righteousness and complacency. Let us allow Jesus to re-introduce himself to us.

Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV, For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

9. Get wisdom: Whether we’re struggling with a difficult decision or trying to find healing, seeking Biblical wisdom is a great place to b gain practical knowledge and guidance to do life.

James 1:5 ESV, If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

10. God’s will: At the end of the day, we should read the Bible and study scripture because God instructs us to live and be sustained by his word. When we come into an understanding of who God is and how much he cares for every aspect of our lives, we read his word as an act of obedience. 

Matthew 4:4 ESV, But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

God has made it possible for all of us to get to know him up close and personal. Through the Bible, we can deepen our relationship with him, with others, and discover his promises over our lives. So let’s get ready to dive in and challenge ourselves and our loved ones to read the Bible cover to cover over the next year. 

Check out this recent post to help get started.

How To Read The Bible With Purpose