There are some things one needs to carefully consider as one engages in a study of the Bible. This book which we are studying is not an ordinary book. It may affect us in one of two ways: (1) properly studied and applied, it will affect us for good in time and eternity, and (2) improper study of it will cause one to lose his or her soul.
The Bible is every man’s book. It is not intended for some special group. However, not only is the Bible every man’s book, it is written for the average person. Scholars may study it, but it is not written necessarily with scholars in mind. No one ever outgrows the Scriptures. The more one studies them, the wider and deeper they become. The Bible is a book that enables one to look into eternity. The best evidence of the inspiration of the Bible is to be found between its covers. No one will ever be a useful Christian unless one is a student of the Bible. Matthew Henry said, “The scriptures were written, not to make us astronomers but to make us saints.” It is no wonder that Paul urged Timothy to study the Scriptures, “rightly dividing” or handling aright the word of truth that he might be an approved workman before God.
The Bible is the greatest book in the world. It is the most accessible, and in it, one finds truth that can be found in no other book.
The Bible is the only book that can give a satisfactory explanation of God, the world, man, sin, salvation, service, life here and life hereafter.
The Bible acknowledges man’s faults; it is patient with man’s weaknesses. It is severe with man’s sins, and it is honest with his virtues and his hopes.
To own the Bible is to be rich. To study, to know and to trust the Bible is to find life. To study the Bible is to be wise, and to obey it is to be strong.
To know the Bible and to handle it aright is the greatest accomplishment within the reach of any person. One may know English, astronomy, literature, music, sociology and philosophy. Yet, if one does not know the Bible, he has failed in the only subject that brings all things into their proper relationship and that enables one to know life at its best.
The one who seeks to know the Bible will endeavor to study its content book by book, meet its characters as they unfold through the pages, study its types, its doctrine, its topics, paragraphs, sentences and words. This is a lifetime work.
The Bible is the one book that can save many a heartache. The following was found on the flyleaf of a Bible placed by the Gideons in a motel room: “May God bless the one who placed this book here. I am a young lady, 21-years-old, fatherless and motherless. Tonight this book saved me from taking a wrong step. May the next reader find in it the comfort that I did.”
There is no greater accomplishment in life than to be able to rightly divide the Word of truth. It is worth all the sacrifice that is necessary to give to such a study. One can never be great in the true sense of that word who does not know the Word, love it, live it, delight in it and teach it without perversion and without misrepresentation.
The one who studies this book and knows how to handle it is in a position to render the greatest service to the world. No wonder Paul told Timothy to study, to be a workman and to seek to be approved of God. There is no higher ambition on earth.
The Bible is a mirror that enables us to see ourselves. It is food which supplies the strength that we need, a lamp to guide our way, a hammer to break and to build, a sword to fight and to defend, the seed to plant and grow and the goal to own and to become our reward. There are no experiences in life for which the Bible does not furnish a passage.
May these thoughts lend encouragement to all of us to become diligent students of the Word, that we may know the way of life and find the life that is life indeed!
The above article was written by brother Franklin Camp, a renowned Gospel preacher, who is said to have studied the Bible for six hours a day for almost 50 years. He passed away in 1991. My challenge to you is that each of you read through the Bible this year. If this man could study the Bible for six hours every day, we can all read a few chapters daily. You will be a better person for having done so. May God bless your year of reading and studying His Word!
