Title: The Necessity of Bible Study

Text: 2 Timothy 2:15-16

1. Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we have believed and know that thou art the Holy One of God," (John 6:68-69).

2. They knew that knowing Jesus-- and knowing His words-- was of the greatest importance. We have the written accounts of Jesus and His teachings, so "that by believing you may have life in His name" (John 20:30-31).

3. If we desire to obtain eternal life, we are going to have to believe in Jesus, and to believe in Jesus we are going to have to know His word!

4. Let us spend some time and see why it is so necessary to study the Bible so as to know God and His will.

Bible study is commanded

1. 2 Timothy 2:15, "be diligent to present yourself as one approved...a workman needing not to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth,"

2. 1 Peter 3:15, exhorting to be "always ready to make an answer for the hope that is in you," and forget that these are really commands.

3. God has commanded us to be diligent to handle the Word of God properly.

4. God has commanded us to have the ability to make a defense of the Word of God. Could we if called upon?

Bible study provides spiritual nourishment and strength

1. What if you only ate 3 meals a week? - Weak, ill, die.

2. But many are content to study one sermon a week. Why?

3. Acts 2:42-47 - DAILY

Bible study equips us so that we may teach others

1. Hebrews 5:12-6:2 they still needed spiritual milk when they should have already become teachers.

2. This is no less true today. Do you fear talking to people in your life about spiritual things? Is your fear due to feeling like you may not know enough to answer people's questions properly?

3. Fear is overcome with STUDY and knowledge.

Bible study provides us the weapon to fight Satan

1. Ephesians 6:10-18, We are in a war against Satan

2. The only weapon we wield in this conflict is the sword of the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17; comp. Hebrews 4:12).

3. We must learn to use this weapon with skill.

Bible study all you have at the day of Judgment

1. Acts 17:30-31 – Repent – you will be judged

2. You can't call the preacher.

3. You are going to have to stand on your own and give a defense. What will you say? What will you do? Consider this and get studying in God's Word!

The thoughts in this sermon came from Ethan R. Longhenry.