Multiply III:1 - Why Study the Bible?

Before we ask the "HOW," we must ask the "WHY."  Have you ever given thought to exactly WHY we should study the Bible?  The answer seems obvious upon first reflection, for we believe it to be the inspired Word of God.  Yet, all too often, we tend to neglect this precious book, occasionally coming back to it as the situation warrants, but perhaps not as often as we should.

Even if we DO attend to it regularly, the question remains: "Why?"  What is our motivation for reading it?  Is it, as Francis Chan writes in this week's chapter, out of guilt?  Religious obligation?  Tradition?  Are we utilizing it primarily for teaching material, and failing to drink deeply from its rich wells for our own personal growth?

As we enter into this three-week series on studying the Bible, let us first ask ourselves "Why study the Bible?"  The answer may be yet more important than we think!

I'm looking forward to your thoughts!

Love in Christ,
Pastor Joe

Part III - How to Study the Bible: Why Study the Bible?

1. Take a few minutes to examine your motivations and write down a few thoughts below.
2. Take a minute to think about your past experience with studying the Bible. Which of the wrong motivations listed above (guilt, status, teaching material) are you guilty of? Can you think of any others?
3. Take a minute to think through why God gave us the Bible. How should these things affect the way you think about studying the Bible?
4. How do you tend to respond to the Bible’s teaching? Would you say that you approach it humbly with a desire to change? How do you need to adjust your approach to studying the Bible?
5. Rather than thinking about all of the arrogant people you know, take a minute to consider whether or not your efforts in studying the Bible have simply puffed you up. How has studying the Bible changed you? Are you more arrogant, argumentative, or judgmental? Write down a few thoughts below:
6. Take a minute to meditate on 1 Peter 2:1–2. What would your life look like if you desired the Word as Peter described?
7. Close this session by praying. Ask God to purify your heart with regard to Scripture. Ask Him to produce in you a longing for the pure milk of the Word.

Disclaimer: These questions have been drawn from Francis Chan’s book “Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples,” and are posted here for further reflection and study in conjunction with the full text of the book found at MultiplyMovement.com.