LESSON 12 • Bible Study Habits

If we are convinced that the Bible is the Word of God and that knowing that it is vital to our lives, we must make time for it. This will only happen when two things occur: first, we must recognize the reasons why daily Bible reading often falls by the wayside and, second, we must determine what steps need to be taken to correct this. Think about and discuss the significance of the following:

Reasons We Neglect Bible Study
• Little time to be found in our daily lives
• Bible is often confusing and difficult to understand
• We think we already know most of what it says
• We imagine it lacks relevance to our lives
• It loses out to many other activities we find more interesting

Steps in Becoming Daily Bible Readers
• Make time every day to spend alone with God and his word
• Avail yourself of helps and resources (such as a Study Bible) to help you understand better
• Admit that, regardless of your level of learning, there will always be new challenges in knowing the Bible
• Recognize the many ways the Bible speaks to our situations in relationships, priorities, handling disappointment, how we should live, and why we are here
• Determine that TV, movies, the internet, etc. will not crowd out God’s Word

Charles Spurgeon observed, “A true love for the great Book will bring us great peace from the great God, and be a great protection to us.” The apostle Paul reminds us that “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4).

In 2 Kings 22-23 and 2 Chronicles 34-35, the account of the lost Book of the Law is given. In the process of repairing and refurbishing the temple Hilkiah the high priest found the Book of the Law. Shaphan the secretary read from it in the presence of King Josiah. When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes (2 Kings 22:11).

How is it that a nation could lose the very book by which they were supposed to live? The answer should not be that difficult to find given the alarming numbers of Christians who purport to live by the Bible yet never bother to read it. Mark Twain described a classic as “a book which people praise and don’t read.” For too many people this captures their view of God’s Word.
Even a casual perusal of Scripture leaves no doubt regarding the claims the Bible makes for itself:

Your word, O Lord, is eternal;
it stands firm in the heavens.
Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
you established the earth, and it endures.

Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.
I have taken an oath and confirmed it, 
that I will follow your righteous laws.
Psalm 119:89-90; 105-106


Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Matthew 4:4

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 
2 Timothy 3:14-17

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
2 Peter 1:3-4

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Hebrews 4:12-13


Chuck Monan