The reason we find it so difficult to know exactly how God wants us to live is because we hear so many conflicting messages around us of what is right and wrong, how we should relate to people and how we should not relate to people, how we should do business or not do business, and in general how we should live our short lives here on this planet. We only have one life to live and then we face Judgment and Eternity. Isn’t it amazing that we waste so much time trying to figure out life on our own when we have a Manual readily available to us?

Did you know, for instance, that God says the reputation that comes from serving Him is better than passing your name down through sons and daughters? that those who do not rebel in their singleness will never be alone? that Paul at times desired to be married but knew that remaining single was best for the work to which God had called him? that wasting the opportunities God gives us in singleness may put us in danger of God’s wrath? that more important than marrying and having a family is making disciples of Christ? (See Isaiah 56; Psalm 68:6; I Corinthians 9:5; I Corinthians 7; Matthew 25:14-30; Matthew 28:18-20)

Those are nuggets of truth that escaped me until the last several years. Even now since I’ve read them, studied them, and meditated on them, other messages around me that say just the opposite often seem to speak more loudly and even to make more sense. But if I believe God’s Word to be true above all else, and I do, then I must believe what it says. Furthermore, I must live as though I believe it. It’s obvious that we can’t live the truth unless we believe the truth. And we can’t believe the truth unless we first read and learn the truth. Since the source for God’s truth is the Bible, we as Christians should make reading and studying God’s Word a priority in our everyday lives.

Consider the following reasons from Scripture itself which urge us to read and know God’s Word:

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalm 119:9-11)

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. (Proverbs 30:5)

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. (John 17:17)

And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power. (Luke 4:32)

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine…. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. (I Timothy 2:15; 4:13, 15-16)

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. (I Timothy 6:3-5)

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 perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (II Timothy 3:16-17)

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (II Timothy 4:2-4)

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (I John 1:9-11)

And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (Revelation 2:26-29)

This is only a sampling of the reasons the Bible itself gives for reading and studying it. The Bible is a book of History, Literature, Inspiration, Doctrine, Prophecy, and Instruction -- all bound together into one volume and all inspired by the God who is Sovereign over all and who has our best interests at heart. There is no good reason not to read it, and many significant reasons why we should.

But we must remain aware that we have an Enemy who would love to keep us from knowing God’s truth, and he will do all he can to keep us busy, uninterested, thinking the Bible is hard to understand, and who knows what else to prevent us from knowing God’s liberating, comforting, and life-giving truth. We often think we do not know how to study, so we don’t even read it. Or that because we don’t understand something the first or even the tenth time we read it, that we may as well not read it at all.

However, Jesus told His disciples before He went back to heaven, "The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:26) The Holy Spirit’s job is to teach us by bringing to remembrance God’s Word; our job is to make sure we’ve read it so that He can bring deeper understanding when He wants us to apply it to our lives.

Furthermore, because we are so bombarded by conflicting messages even within Christendom, it’s important that we know God’s Word inside and out, so that we are able to discern whether certain teachings are truly God’s truths (because we know it is in His Word, the Bible) or Satan’s (because it is contrary to what the Bible says).

In order to be Purposeful Singles (or Purposeful Husbands or Wives or any other possible role in life), we need to know the One who gives us purpose. We know Him by reading His Word and being open to His Spirit to bring to mind that which we have read. Remember, our job is to read; God’s job is to teach us in His time what it means.

We appreciate your feedback, which is an inspiration, encouragement, and blessing to us! Please use our Contact Us page to send us your response. Thanks!

Refer this page to a friend