The Purpose of Bible Study

Ask Yourself :

• What is the Purpose of attending this Study?
• Do I even have a Purpose in mind?
• Am I just doing it because I am bored?
• Is God part of the purpose behind this study for me?

(1 John 5:4) “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world…”

I. Everything God does has a Purpose.

A. Every word spoken by God is eternal. Thus, what we read and hear has an eternal impact upon us.

(Isaiah 40:8) “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever.”

B. Every part of Creation has a plan and purpose behind it. Nothing or no one is insignificant or useless. Every insect, animal, or plant is part of something greater than itself.

“If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe then man would only have four years of life left. No more bees, no more pollination, no more plants, no more animals, no more man.“ – Albert Einstein

 (Colossians 1:16) “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:”

(Proverbs 16:4) “The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.”

(Ephesians 2:10) “For we are…, created in Christ Jesus unto good works…”

II. Our Purpose for Bible Study is to:   

(1) Understand

(2) Apply God’s Word Through the Holy Spirit

(3) Transform us into Christ-likeness.

We are Required to Search the Scriptures; Not with doubt or a narrow mind, but rather to confirm what has been taught. No matter what the scenario, learn to ‘chew on the meat and spit out the bones.’

(Acts 17:11-12) “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. (12) Therefore many of them believed; also of honorable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.”

A. First Purpose is Understanding  God´s Word

i. No one is denied to understand God´s Word.

(Psalms 119:130) “The disclosure of your words illuminates, providing understanding to the simple.”

You don’t need any qualifications to know or understand God. He will speak to you at your level and then increase your knowledge and understanding.

ii. If you seek God´s understanding, you will find it.

(Proverbs 28:5) “Evil men don’t understand justice, but whoever seeks the LORD understands it all.”

(Head ≠ Heart)

One has to surrender, seek and follow God in order to receive His understanding and the heart behind what He has said.  Only God can show us all sides of the true meaning and purpose behind what He says (our view is limited.) 

(1Corinthians 2:12) “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.”

iii. God´s Word = Jesus (John 1:1)

• Ask yourself: What is my relationship to the Word?
• Do I love the Word and have communion with it daily?
• Do I believe it has all the answers?
• Do I believe it is powerful to change any situation?

One cannot claim to love, understand and follow Jesus and deny the time with the Word.

iv. Our Understanding will lead us to testify about Christ

(John 5:38-40) “And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.”

• Study the Scriptures to seek and know Jesus as our source of eternal life.
• The power of understanding what the Scriptures say is not for knowledge about Jesus only. The Pharisees knew ABOUT Jesus, but they denied Him. They were blinded by self-righteous knowledge.
• Bible study should always humble us. We should NEVER be impressed
with how much we know intellectually about the Bible.
• We study that we may intimately abide in our relationship with Jesus.

B. Second purpose is the Application of God´s Word in our lives to prepare us for disciple-making and ministry.

(2 Timothy 3:16-17) ”All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

i. Profitable means that there is a great gain on an investment.

ii. Doctrine: It teaches – helps us understand and brings clarity to life.

• Answers to the important questions for this life and the next one.
• (Eg: Forgiveness of sins; Day of Final Judgment; Baptisms; Return of Christ; Gifts of the Holy Spirit; Church Structure; Marriage and Divorce…)

iii. Reprooves: – shows us how we have sinned.

• Scriptures are the ultimate authority on what is considered a sin, not our cultural traditions or constantly changing society.
• (Eg: being late for meetings, being a family without proper marital status, drinking, eating meat offered to idols, fornication, homosexuality…)

iv. Corrects: – Points us to the truth when we are in error.

• Do this in fear and respect, being careful not to offend, especially in public or a challenging manner to an authority figure.
• Sometimes prayer is the best way to correct a wrong situation.
• We are quick to correct others without asking God first, even if their mistake is evident to you.

(2Timothy 2:15) “Study … rightly dividing the word of truth.” 

v. Instruction in Righteousness: It trains – shows us how to obey.

• God’s Word is fully sufficient to prepare us for everything the Bible commands us to do. The Word is to be put into action.
• The Holy Spirit uses the Word of God to transform us into Christ- Likeness. It is fully sufficient for life and truth transference.

C. Third purpose is to Transform us.

(Psalm 19:7-11) “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. (8) The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. • (9) The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. … (11) Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.” 

i. The Word of God restores us back to Him.

• Work of reconciliation (Jesus) – Colossians 1:20

ii. Makes us wise (Powerful).

• God´s foolishness brings shame to Man´s wisdom – Christ is the Wisdom and Power of God – (1 Corinthians 1:18 – 2:16)

iii. Gives joy to our hearts.

• Jesus Gives us His Joy which makes ours complete – (John 15:11, 17:13)

iv. Enlightens our eyes.

• Jesus is a lamp onto our feet … (Psalm 119:105)

v. Warns us of judgment.

• Most of the parables of Jesus have to do with how we will be judged, hell, and those that will fail to be in heaven.

vi. Promises Rewards.

• Christ continually promises rewards both in heaven and here on earth through some of the following actions:  Generous giving, Hospitality, Bearing Insults for Christ, Loving our enemies, Obedience to Authority in work and church, Faithfulness to Him in trials (not giving up our faith), and Endurance through affliction in the ministry of the saints, Prayer, and Fasting, Holding on to the Truth.

III. What does it mean to truly

“Study” the Word?

(Ezra 7:10)“For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.”

A. Learn and Depend on God’s Law.
B. Apply God’s Law through the power of the Holy Spirit.
C. Teach God’s Law through example and for edification.

In Conclusion

Everything God does has a purpose.

• First Purpose is Understanding God´s Word
• Second purpose of Bible Study is to Apply God´s Word
• Third purpose of Bible Study is to Transform us