10 Benefits to Reading the Bible

I once preached a sermon that listed 27 benefits of reading the Bible!

So why should we read the Bible? What do we gain from it? In order to gain anything from reading the Bible, we must be consistent and comprehensive in our approach. While you can probably think of some benefits, here are ten that stand out!

To help you live a pure life

God’s word is a guide to holiness and purity. Moral purity is an essential part to a holy life. It is also a mark of Christian integrity.

To keep us from sin

God’s Word is a powerful weapon against temptation. The more time we spend in the Word, the better equipped we are to recognize, avoid and resist temptation.

I have hidden your word in my heart

that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:11 (NIV)

To receive wise counsel

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to always have wise counsel available to us? There are lots of tricky situations out there! Reading the Bible is path to that wise counsel.

Your statutes are my delight;

         they are my counselors.

Psalm 119:24 (NIV)

To understand God

The Bible is the most complete revelation of God in existence! When we understand God, we can truly live life to the full!

  Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,

         that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.

Psalm 119:27 (NIV)

Reading the Bible gives personal strength

Who doesn’t want to be strong, right? Spiritual strength is in great need in today’s church. We are faced with a culture accelerating towards moral disaster. Long cherished values are disappearing before our eyes!

My soul is weary with sorrow;

         strengthen me according to your word.

Psalm 119:28 (NIV)

To experience God’s love

When we spend time in the Word, we inevitably begin to experience God’s love! This overwhelming love has the power to change our lives forever and we need it all the time!

May your unfailing love come to me, LORD,

         your salvation, according to your promise.

Psalm 119:41 (NIV)

Truly experience freedom

Freedom is a wonderful gift. To enjoy true freedom is rare. When we are in right standing with God we are free. Enveloped in his love and grace, we move about never reaching the boundary of the possible!

I will walk about in freedom,

         for I have sought out your precepts.

Psalm 119:45 (NIV)

Reading the Bible empowers meditation

Meditation is soothing to the soul. It can calm our fears and relieve our stress. There are lots of meditation methods available but the best one is found between the covers of your Bible.

I reach out for your commands, which I love,

         that I may meditate on your decrees.

Psalm 119:48 (NIV)

To experience God’s grace

God’s grace is a gift beyond description. It helps us in every aspect of our lives. There is never a time when we do not benefit from his grace and God’s word opens the door to it.

I have sought your face with all my heart;

         be gracious to me according to your promise.

Psalm 119:58 (NIV)

To obtain knowledge and good judgment

Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to make good decisions all the time? Or at least most of the time? The more we know God’s Word, the closer we are to that level of decision making.

Teach me knowledge and good judgment,

         for I trust your commands.

Psalm 119:66 (NIV)

To embrace hope

Hope is another essential to good living. We need hope for the future. Without it, we live in despair. We believe that things will turn out all right. We have many hopes and dreams as we go through life. Reading the Bible enables you to truly embrace hope.

My soul faints with longing for your salvation,

         but I have put my hope in your word.

Psalm 119:81 (NIV)

Reading the Bible implants wisdom

Wisdom improves every aspect of our lives. God’s wisdom is perfect and transformational. We find his wisdom in reading and studying his Word.

Your commands are always with me

         and make me wiser than my enemies.

Psalm 119:98 (NIV)

God’s Word provides light

How dreadful (and painful) it is to stumble around in the dark! Let the light shine. Light brings life and joy. It changes our outlook and empowers our optimism.

Your word is a lamp for my feet,

         a light on my path.

Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

Wrap Up

Have you counted up the benefits I listed? Sorry, I had trouble limiting it to ten. You will notice that the Psalmist used many synonyms for the Bible: word, commands, precepts, promises, statutes. If you read all of Psalm 119, you will find a few more. These benefits of reading the Bible are just some of those you will find in God’s Word. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 is another treasure trove of benefits.

Your Turn

Take your time, dig deep, meditate quietly and enjoy your time in God’s Word. Let it be a joy and loving response to God’s mercy, grace and love. The more time you spend in your Bible, the more time you will want to spend there!