What is the big deal about reading the Bible?

How many people do you think read the Bible very often, often, not often, or hardly at all? If you are among those who read "not often" or "hardly at all", why is that true? Are you able to you know the heart of God without listening to Him? Read what the Bible says about the Word of God.

"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:11 NKJV

Discuss what the words in that verse mean and then discuss why it would seem unwise to not read the Bible enthusiastically and often. There are many verses that speak to why you should know God's word.

"How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You." Psalms 119:9-11

"I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word." Psalms 119:15-16 NKJV

The 119th Psalm is full of this kind of admonition and encouragement. Discuss each of the verses you just read. Then, ask yourselves, how important is God's word in your daily life? The Apostle Paul had a student named Timothy. This is what he told the young man:

"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV

Listen to the words of the Psalmist: "Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. The entrance of Your words gives light; I rise before the dawning of the morning, And cry for help; I hope in Your word. My eyes are awake through the night watches, that I may meditate on Your word." Psalms 119:105, 130, 147-148 NKJVWhy read early in the morning... you can make it available!

Again, how important is the Word of God to you? Do you sense that a Bible, on a shelf, unstudied, may as well not exist? Discuss ideas about getting more time with the Scriptures. And realize, this: "Behold, the days are coming," says the Lord GOD, "That I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD." Amos 8:11 NKJV. Discuss what that verse means.

Core Christian value: God's word is Holy, it is the truth and I need to absorb as much as I can while I can. The entrance of Your word gives light. It will not always be available.