Nothing can replace the study of God’s Word

Q: I’ve been going to a Bible study but find it interesting that instead of teaching from the Bible, the leader teaches from a popular author’s bestseller and says the Bible can be a helpful partner. Is this a real Bible study?

B.C.

A: A survey reported that the majority of the seminaries in the United States had no classes on prayer or how to study the Bible. That really shouldn’t surprise us when we consider how many local churches offer classes on gardening and the art of conversation, instead of the study of God’s Word.

Human effort accomplishes nothing, and nothing can replace the study of God’s Word. It is not a book of human ideas. It is given to us by God to teach us how to live. Bible study and prayer are inseparably linked. Prayer is the companion of Bible study.

But we must remember that prayer by itself is like a diet without protein; it is important to our spiritual growth — but of even greater importance is God’s Word. Effective prayer is born out of the prompting of God’s Spirit as we read His Word. It feeds the soul. Our faith grows when it is planted in the fertile soil of His truth. We cannot turn to any greater source for wisdom and instruction than the Bible.

Oh, that we would hunger to be filled with God’s Word! For there is no greater armor, no greater strength, no greater assurance that He is with us, and in us, when we go forth in battle equipped and nourished by His instruction and determined to stand firm on His promises.

Nothing dissolves loneliness like a session with God’s Word, and as we pray while studying, we discover the fellowship with Almighty God.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105, NKJV).