Eight Benefits of Sincere Bible Study
A benefit is something helpful to you. I’ve chosen eight of the many benefits we receive from Bible study and use the letters of BENEFITS to help us remember them:
Bread for the Soul
Enjoyment
Nearness of God
Encouragement
Foundation
Inspiration
Truth
Security
B – The Bible is the food that keeps our spiritual lives going. As we read it daily we receive health and strength for our bodies physically and spiritually. Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of God’s mouth” (Matthew 4:4).
E – We obtain real enjoyment from reading the Bible. We also feel joy in reading the good news of God’s love for us, and even His instructions bring us joy because we know they are for our good (Psalms 119:111).
N – We feel the nearness of God when we read His word. He is there and speaks to us personally. This is one of the greatest benefits we can ever imagine.
E – God’s word is full of encouragement for us. He shows examples of His loving care and promises to continue to take care of us.
F – A foundation is something built on Jesus. He said that his word is a safe foundation for what we believe and how we live. Those who don’t believe and study the Bible are like a house without a foundation.
I – Through His word, God inspires faith in His salvation, hope for the future, and love for others. Inspiration is an influence that leads us to good ideas and actions.
T – The truth we find in the Bible answers our questions, giving us the meaning and purpose of life. It frees us from ignorance and error (John 8:32).
S – Security not only means safety but also means provision for the future. We find real security in God’s word as it guides us to safety in Christ and in the coming Kingdom. It is our ‘sword and shield’ – our only weapon against sin, if we study it eagerly and regularly.
Bro Lawrence K’Owiti (Katito, Kenya)
