Read Bible I - Spiritual Growth for New Believers

Scripture Reading

2 Timothy 3:15-17 (NRSVUE): "and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work."

Psalm 119:9-11 (NRSVUE): "How can young people keep their way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; do not let me stray from your commandments. I treasure your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against you."

Psalm 119:15 (NRSVUE): "I will meditate on your precepts, and fix my eyes on your ways."

Psalm 119:105 (NRSVUE): "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Psalm 119:140 (NRSVUE): "Your promise is well tried, and your servant loves it."

Psalm 119:148 (NRSVUE): "My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise."

I. The Importance of Reading the Bible

The Bible is something that every Christian should read. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. It shows us what God has done for us in the past and how He has led people before us. We must understand that what God has prepared for us is vast and rich, and it is essential for us to read the Bible. We need to know how God has led people step by step, and we must read the Bible to understand that.

God’s speaking to people today is based on what He has already said. It is rare for God to say something to someone that is not already recorded in His Word. Even if a person is spiritually advanced and receives a revelation from God, that revelation will still be something God has already spoken in the Bible. Therefore, God’s current speaking is just a repetition of His previous words. If a person does not know what God has already said, it will be difficult for them to receive God’s revelation because they lack the foundation of God’s Word.

If God wants to speak through us to others, it will also be based on what He has already said. If we do not know God’s Word, He cannot speak through us to others, and we become of no use before God.

Therefore, we need to treasure God’s Word in our hearts richly. Only then can we understand the ways God has led us in the past, hear God’s current word, and allow God to speak through us to others.

The Bible is a powerful and vast book. Even if we dedicate our whole lives to it, we will only touch a small part of it. It is impossible for someone to understand the Bible without making an effort. Therefore, young Christians should diligently spend time in God’s Word so that when they reach middle age and old age, they will have a rich store of Scripture to nourish and supply themselves and others.

Anyone who wants to know God must carefully read His Word. Every believer, from the very beginning, must understand the importance of reading God’s Word.