Colossians 1:9,10:
For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.
To bring these verses into reality, there are basic principles that when learned and applied can aid every born-again believer in walking worthy of the Lord, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. Over the next few months, we will consider five of these principles: reading and studying the Word; witnessing; praying; fellowshipping with like-minded believers; and giving and receiving. Each of these will help us to be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. We will see how we can profit individually and as a household by making these basic principles part of our lives, and we will also see why each is beneficial.
We’ll begin with “Why Read and Study God’s Word?” The simple answer to this question is because God tells us to and because it will abundantly benefit our lives.
James 1:21:
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
The word “save” in this verse means “to make whole.” God desires for every believer to be made completely whole in every way, and reading and studying His Word brings wholeness.
Psalms 119:105:
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Psalms 119:130:
The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
Psalms 33:11:
The counsel of the Lord [God’s Word] standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.
God’s Word gives light, and it expresses the thoughts of His heart—His will. Many people want to know what God’s will is. The revealed Word of God is the will of God. We can know His will and bring the light of His Word into our lives by making time every day to read His Word.
God also encourages us to study His Word, which helps us to make it our own and get convinced of it.
II Timothy 2:15:
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
The following are just a few of the benefits of reading and studying God’s Word. It helps us to:
- put on the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5)
- understand the knowledge of the Mystery (Ephesians 3:4)
- be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2)
- be ready with answers of truth to those in need (I Peter 3:15)
Reading and studying God’s Word blesses us first and foremost as we learn about the power and ability that is available to born-again believers. Then in our relationships with others, we learn how to walk in love toward one another according to that Word; and we are ready to edify with the Word we have put in our minds. Every minute we spend reading and studying the Word of God can encourage and strengthen us to live powerfully and abundantly for Him and to walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing.
Now we have begun to see why we read and study God’s Word.
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