God wants His people to be a Bible reading people. To the Thessalonians, the inspired writer wrote, “I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren” (1 Thes. 5:27). In 1 Timothy 4:13, He commanded, “Give attendance to reading.” To the Colossians, He admonished, “Read the epistle” (Col. 4:16). Yes, God wants His people to be a Bible reading people.
God makes clear that there are great cursings and woes that come to those who neglect the reading and the studying of the Bible. The lack of knowledge of the Word of God: (1) robs one of the true “good life” on earth (Eph. 4:17-18); (2) leads one to forbidden lusts and desires [thus, sin] (1 Pet. 1:14); (3) causes one to be blind to God’s laws, and leads to the establishing of his own laws (Rom. 10:2-3); (4) causes one to err (Mat. 22:29); (5) causes one to twist the Scriptures (2 Pet. 3:16); and (6) will cause one to be eternally lost (Hos. 4:6). It is so sad, but so simple–all of these tragedies can be avoided by a reading, studying and heeding of the Bible. Truly, what a great motivation to read the Bible!
Likewise, God makes clear that there are great blessings that await those who read His Word. As one learns the Bible, he: (1) is able to be made free (John 8:32); (2) learns what is right and wrong in God’s sight (Heb. 5:14); (3) grows in peace (2 Pet. 1:2); 4) makes his calling and election sure (2 Pet 1:5-11); and 5) obtains help in overcoming temptation (1 Cor. 15:34; 1 John 3:9; Mat. 4:1-11). Surely, this is a motivation that compels God’s people to read the Bible.
Furthermore, one will read the Bible if he loves Jesus. Jesus said, “If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments” (John 14:14). Yet, in order to keep the commandments, one must know the commandments. Thus, one will read the Bible if he loves Jesus.
Spiritually, our longing for the Word of God is to match a baby’s desire for milk (1 Pet. 2:2). Truly an illustration of which all parents are aware.
Yes, God wants us to be a Bible reading people and we must not allow anything to hinder us. We must not permit business, possessions nor social matters to keep this blessing from us (Luke 14:18-20). May our loving God help us to better ourselves as we read our Bible.
Gary Henson