Bible Class: What's In It For Me?
If I could identify one habit that frequently separates stable, mature Christians from those who incessantly struggle, it would be the habit of daily Bible study. This should come as no surprise, for God reveals that:
*"Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Rom 10:17)
*The word is able to "build us up" (Acts 20:32) and "make (us) wise for salvation" (2 Tim 3:15).
*The word enables us to grow spiritually. (I Pet 2:2)
*The word "is able to save (our) souls." (James 1:21)
Hard as we try, even the most dedicated Christian occasionally struggles with finding sufficient time to read the Bible. This makes attendance in Bible class even more vital. Below are five reasons that every able-bodied Christian should be present in Bible class:
1) WE CAN NEVER GET TOO MUCH OF GOD’S WORD. Jesus once said, "You are mistaken, because you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God.” (Matt 22:29) Satan constantly attempts to fill our minds with erroneous and corrupt thoughts. Our best defense is to spend as much times as possible in God's word. Without frequent study, Satan will have an easy time duping us.
2) KNOWLEDGE OF GOD'S WORD IS OUR BEST DEFENSE AGAINST TEMPTATION. "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you!" (Psalm 119:11) Unless the word of God dwells inside us (via regular study), we will be helpless during times of intense temptation. The more we KNOW, the easier it will be to say NO.
3) BIBLE STUDY IS OUR BEST DEFENSE AGAINST ATHEISM. Each year, thousands of Christians tragically lose their faith in God and Christ. Most of them begin their spiritual decline by studying God's word less and less. Increased faith, however, results from regular study of the Bible.
4) ATTENDING BIBLE CLASS SETS A WONDERFUL EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS. It is important that other Christians (particularly new or struggling ones) know that regular Bible study is essential to our spiritual wellbeing. When they see us attending Bible class, it encourages them to do likewise.
5) ATTENDING BIBLE CLASS IS A WISE USE OF ONE’S TIME. Christians who routinely skip Bible class have been asked what they (typically) do during class time. Most answers include: “Eat breakfast”, “Read the paper”, “Sleep” or “Watch TV”. Less than 5% respond, “Read my Bible”. The apostle Paul wrote “…making the most of the time, because the days are evil.” (Eph. 5:16)
If you currently attend Bible class, KEEP IT UP… and invite others to attend with you.
If you don’t attend, why not give it a try? Bring your Bible, listen attentively, take notes, and watch your faith grow!
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” (Psalm 1:1-3)
Jesus, Always Jesus!
Dennis
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