Study

Temple Baptist Church - 11-10-2013

2 Timothy 2:15

 

A. Study – a command. “Endeavor or diligence” One of the most important aspects of practical Christianity is found in this verse. The average believer never studies the bible. They may read the bible through in a systematic manner but never systematically study it. Reading programs are good; reading the bible through each year is good; but with all thy getting, get understanding! We also grow through the preaching and teaching of God’s Word but even this does not take the place of personal endeavor in the area of bible study.

Ecclesiastes 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

One of the five warning sections of Hebrews deals with perpetual “spiritual babes” who “useth” milk instead of desiring meat.

Hebrews 5:11-14 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. (12) For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. (13) For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. (14) But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

B. Study – an important part of our spiritual well-being. “Approved unto God.” Babies must be fed by others but, as our children begin to grow, we eventually allow them to begin to feed themselves. They make a mess and we take pictures of them with food all over their faces. We are proud of them.

1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

C. Study – a labor spiritually rewarded. “A workman that needeth not to be ashamed.”

1 Timothy 4:6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

Psalms 119:104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

Proverbs 4:5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.

Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Proverbs 16:16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

D. I want to begin by giving several good reasons for personal bible study:

1. Bible study gives us a better understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ. This may sound simplistic to many but one of the problems with professing believers is a lack of understand of who Jesus is, what He did for us, and what He expects from us. Most people have a worldly view of the Saviour which is the “another Jesus” of 2 Corinthians 11:4. Rightly dividing the Word of Truth will keep your perspective of the Lord right.

Philippians 3:7-10 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. (8) Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, (9) And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: (10) That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

2. Bible study provides for us a firm, unshakable foundation. Today, almost everything is shaking including the faith of those who have come to Christ by faith. It is a shaking that is not of God. Paul, in 2 Thessalonians 2 said for the believers to be not soon shaken. The bible will keep you from drifting spiritually and doctrinally. Rightly dividing the Word of Truth will keep you from shaking.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, (2) That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. (3) Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (Those who know and study the bible understand the times and look forward to the coming of the Lord with anticipation and excitement.)

3. Bible study amplifies the effectiveness of the soul winner. Too many of God’s people do not know how to witness to the Lost. They have confidence in the Saviour and what He has done for them but are nervous or shy about witnessing boldly to others. Rightly dividing the Word of Truth will keep you from doubting.

Romans 10:14-17 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? (15) And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (16) But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? (17) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

4. Bible study will give the believer a blessed assurance in salvation. So many people have actually been saved and then begin to doubt their salvation. They do not doubt God for virtually every one of them will tell you that God cannot lie and that He will do what He says He will do. Rightly dividing the Word of Truth will keep you from doubting.

1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.