Jesus, in an attempt to teach the unbelieving Jews of His day, declared, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39). Sadly, many of the Jews who encountered Jesus had no idea who He really was. Had they been real students of God’s Word, they would have recognized the Son of God and obeyed Him. It is quite obvious that they were destroyed due to their lack of real Bible knowledge (cf. Isaiah 5:13; Hosea 4:6). A lack of Bible knowledge is dangerous, not just for the Jews of old, but for us as well.
Searching the Scriptures is done for varying reasons. Some search the Scriptures to try to find errors in God’s Word. Others search the Scriptures to merely win an argument at work. Still others search the Scriptures to find an answer to some problem that they are facing. While it is true that searching the Scriptures should be a part of the Christian’s life, what is the proper motive for such? Why search the Scriptures?
Firstly, search the Scriptures for God’s approval. Paul reminded his son in the faith to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 emp. added). The goal of any Bible study is to seek God’s approval. Searching, knowing and applying God’s Word enables one to shun temptation and stop sin from taking hold (Psalm 119:11; Matthew 4:1-11). How could we ever expect to be blessed by the Author until we have honestly searched His Book?
Secondly, search the Scriptures for the assurance it brings. Real conviction and confidence comes from knowing God’s Word. The Psalmist of old knew this assurance, “The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide” (Psalm 37:31). Although we may not always apply it, God’s Word brings about a special kind of wisdom, which is able to help us soar above the enemy (Psalm 119:98). God’s Word brings assurance for us to speak truth even before those in authority (Psalm 119:46). Those who diligently search God’s Word will have a real defense for their faith (1 Peter 3:15).
Thirdly, search the Scriptures to apply them. It is of little value to know the Book, but not to apply it to everyday life. God is not impressed with hearers only (James 1:22; Luke 6:46). Applying the Scriptures to daily life causes one to flourish (Psalm 1:1-3). Sadly, some search the Scriptures like they would the daily newspaper; they skim the headlines, read what they find interesting, and then they discard it to never remember a thing they read. The Scriptures should change our attitudes, our ambitions and our actions! “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:25).
Great care must be taken that we, unlike the Jews of Jesus’ day, search the Scriptures for the right reasons. Like the Greeks of old, we too “would see Jesus” (John 12:21). Searching the Scriptures with an honest and open heart will help us to do just that, “…for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10). We implore you to search the Scriptures for the approval of God, for the assurance it brings and to apply them to your life!
