Why We Read Scripture
Benefits of Reading Scripture
If we tried to expound upon the many benefits of reading God’s Word, I have a suspicion the list would be almost as endless as the qualities of God Himself. But for the sake of brevity, there are four reasons that are particularly helpful and convincing when trying to refuel vision on why to read Scripture.
Intimacy
We commune with our Lord as we learn more about Him. In our hectic lives, even when we have the right motivations, it can sometimes be easy to let serving God replace knowing God. The longer we spend out of deep, relational time with God, the more we begin to lose track of why we were doing all these good things in the first place! This Christian lifestyle only makes sense when it is rooted in knowing God, and loving Him! We know that God already deeply loves us. This means reading Scripture doesn’t cause God to love us more, it causes us to love God more. The more we are reminded of and steeped in knowledge of His many free gifts, and deep affection, the more we abound in joy that we get to be intimate with such a great King, and Father!
Changed desires
First of all, a grateful heart is a healthy heart — reading Scripture reminds us of what we have to be thankful for already, and helps combat our cultural inclination for always desiring more, more, more. But I would also challenge you to consider this: our desires are formed by what we do. Another way of saying that is: “we hunger for what we feed ourselves”. Have you noticed that when you watch a lot of T.V., you start to want more? And not just that, but you may begin to desire the sort of life that T.V. show presents! I know I do. Sometimes, I find myself desiring something, and I’m jolted by how out of character it is for me. Then, I trace back through what I’ve “fed” myself the last few weeks, and normally, I can find a source. But when I feed myself on Scripture, my desires also shift! I start to desire God’s affirmation, rather than the world’s; riches in heaven, rather than on earth; to forgive my offender, rather than to rage at them. If you want to look more like Jesus, feed yourself on Scripture and consider what else you are consuming. But if you want to look more like the world, better hide that Bible! It will change you.
Stability
By abiding in the Word, we begin to live by truth and not emotions. Charles Spurgeon says it this way: “A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.” That’s a tongue in cheek way to say that being seeped in the truth helps to keep us from being buffeted by the world with its many opinions and competing value systems. Do you know that feeling? The feeling of confusion and chaos that builds as you try to figure out where to devote your time, what really matters, who is wise, and who is trustworthy? When we spend more time in the truth, those other voices and opinions grow smaller and God’s voice grows larger in our heart. We start to judge things based on eternal and unchanging values—not the shifting whims of culture. And all of a sudden, the world isn’t so scary and uncertain anymore. We are doing life with a powerful and kind God right beside us. Kingdom values are unshakeable, which means we can be unshakeable too.
Fruitfulness
We often say, what God does in you He wants to do through you. It reminds us that God’s grace and mercy for us personally is not the end goal of our faith. Rather, He wants to overflow through our lives into those around us, that they too might know and love Him. Our fruitfulness is vital to God’s plan of salvation for the world. Thankfully, scripture helps us with this (along with His Spirit)! Increased time in God’s Word multiplies what we can speak into other people's lives.
Consider this: You know someone who is struggling to make friends . Even if you’ve only been a Christian a day, you can affirm that God loves them. But, if you spend time in God’s Word, you can speak with even more clarity! Maybe you’ll remember reading “God places the lonely into families” (Psalm 68:6). Specificity helps people better connect to God. Spending time in God’s Word also increases our understanding of His truth and love, which increases our boldness and courage to speak to those around us. The more you know about something, the more confidently you can share it!
Reflection questions
What would it look like to attempt a faithful Christian walk without intimacy, stability, fruitfulness, or increasingly sanctified desires?
Which of these four benefits do you want more of in your life? Why?