Most of us struggle to read the Bible consistently, even though we have good intentions. Part of the reason this happens is we don’t fully know why it is important to read it. We just know we should.
But the Bible moves beyond the guilt-inducing statement “I should read the Bible more” and instead tells us why we need Scripture.
“For whatever was written in former days, was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4
Four clear and compelling reasons to read the Bible are found in this one short verse:
1. Instruction
We all need to learn. A teachable and humble heart will submit to the wisdom and authority of Scripture throughout a lifetime. We will never become too enlightened or advanced to stop needing the instruction of God for us through Scripture (Ps. 32:8; Prov. 4:13). How do you need to grow in receiving instruction from God’s word?
2. Endurance
We need to endure. The Christian life is one of endurance and perseverance. As we read Scripture, we hear authors who were in the midst of hardship exhort us to continue to endure because our faithful God is endeared to us (Luke 21:19; 1 Cor. 10:13). When do you find it difficult to endure?
3. Encouragement
We all need to be encouraged daily. Scripture makes this clear. Encouragement fills us with the courage and boldness needed to live life faithfully. Without encouragement we become fearful, discouraged and hard-hearted, making it next to impossible to live in assurance (Heb. 3:13; 1 Thess. 5:11, 14). What brings you encouragement?
4. Hope
We hope in a lot of things, for good or bad. Biblical hope is expecting that God is good on his word and will deliver what he promises. Scripture tells us that Jesus alone is the author and reason for our hope (Heb. 12:2). We need hope to continue to seek instruction, endure on a daily basis, and both receive and offer encouragement (Lam. 3:21–23; Rom. 5:3–5; 1 Peter 1:13). What do you place your hope in?
When the Bible was written, God knew we would need instruction, endurance, encouragement, and hope. The authors of Scripture knew God’s message would be for an audience far beyond their limited scope and time in history. The world has changed since the Bible was written, but our ongoing need for it to speak into our lives hasn’t.
