“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.”
Acts 17:11-12 (KJV)
My uni classmates and I sometimes debated the best ways to study for exams. However, during one discussion, a girl in the group said, “I don’t study. I just listen to the weekly lectures. Hope some of it sticks.”
Unfortunately, I wasn’t surprised when the girl later told me she failed the course. Yet we Christians can easily repeat that girl’s mistakes. We attend church on Sunday and then hope something ‘sticks’ for the rest of the week. We don’t mind reading the Bible, and we appreciate preachers who study the Bible. But we’re busy single ladies, wives, mothers, grandmothers, and ministry participants, who believe in the biblical model of male church leadership (1 Timothy 2:12). How many women have time to study the Bible? Why do we need to?
Before we answer those questions, here is another: what is Bible study? A definition of Bible study is found in Acts 17:11-12a; “These [the citizens of Berea] were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed.” Bible study is examining the scriptures for yourself in the light of two questions; What does the Bible say? and, How does this affect my life? The Bereans were convinced there was no higher authority than God’s Word, and checking what they heard against the Bible led to faith: “Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.” Like the Bereans, if you receive “the Word with all readiness of mind”, then studying the Bible will change your life.
Studying the Bible will help you know God better. A godly pastor, spiritual family members and a good church are invaluable supports, but not replacements for a strong, personal, relationship with God. We are each encouraged to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18a). Ever wanted to be Mary, who “sat at Jesus' feet, and heard His word” (Luke 10:39b)? Today, we are privileged to be able to open our Bibles and read for ourselves God’s words, revealing His character and heart. “The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times” (Psalm 12:6). There are so many treasures to discover about God when we study the Bible ourselves.
Searching the scriptures helps us discern truth from error. We live in a world that loves darkness (John 3:19) and where even we can be fooled by wolves in sheep’s clothing (Mathew 7:15). But the Word of God is truth (John 17:17), and “is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). When you are confused by the world’s claims about what is truth, go to the Bible and pray the words of Psalm 119:125, “I am Thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know Thy testimonies”.
Studying the Bible will help us know how to live and please God. Ever assembled flat-pack furniture? Carefully following the instruction booklet will save you considerable time and stress. The Bible is our practical guidebook for life: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Unfortunately, too many women today are what one commentator described as ‘spiritually illiterate’. They might grow up in Christian homes and churches, but the moment they step outside of those environments, they yield to temptation. Why? Because they’ve been depending on the faith of their parents, or the church, or somebody’s opinion–they don’t know, or sadly, don’t value, what the Bible says. But “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). Even if our emotions are swayed by a passionate plea, a studier of the Bible will recognise wrong and hold fast to truth.
The Bible encourages us. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). God’s promises are precious encouragements, and studying God’s interactions with women in the Bible is a blessing. Over the centuries, many women with fertility issues have wept in prayer with Hannah in 1 Samuel 1 as she entreated the Lord for a child. Many guilt-racked women have been freed by Jesus’ words to the woman taken in adultery, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (John 8:11b). Many of us have been inspired by the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31. Again and again, the Bible speaks specifically to women reminding us, in the words spoken to Mary, “Blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord” (Luke 1:45).
Studying the Bible empowers us to serve. There are many opportunities for women to minister in homes, churches and other settings. However, God sees our motives and that a grand gesture is meaningless if driven by a desire to impress others (Matthew 6:1). Alternately, a simple gesture done in Christ’s name is rewarded (Mark 9:41). Studying the Bible will help you help others, because it is God “Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God” (2 Corinthians 1:4).
Maybe you agree Bible study can bring blessings. But you’re also thinking: “I don’t have time to study the Bible. I don’t know where to start. I’m not smart enough. I’m too old. I’m too young. Or, I’ll leave it to the men.”
Was salvation just for people with lots of time? Smart people? Men? Salvation is for all people, and Bible study is for all Christians. The Bible specifically records that some of the Bereans who studied the Bible were women (Acts 17:12). The Apostle Peter says to all of us, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2). You can study the Bible by yourself, with another person, at a Bible College or through an organised Bible study group. It might be personal investigation triggered by a niggling question. (What does the Bible say about veganism? Eligibility criteria for a spouse? Whether so and so's advice is right for me?) Or it might be a structured curriculum looking at a book of the Bible, a character or a theme. If you are part of a group, don’t be a baby bird, who turns up, not even knowing what the week’s topic is, and expects the group leader to place food directly into your mouth. Do the homework, or, at the very least, know what the topic is, note a few verses about it and ask the Lord to speak to you on that subject. I’ve tried the baby bird approach and have left hungry. Why? I didn’t seek. The Bible says, “Seek and ye shall find” (Matthew 7:7b). Pray David’s prayer when you come to study the Bible, Lord, “Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law” (Psalm 119:18).
In summary, be like a Berean. You don’t need a library of resources, a Bible College degree or more time than what you have. A good dictionary and concordance are useful tools, and a structured curriculum can be very helpful. But the two essentials are a willing heart and a copy of the scriptures. Go, search the scriptures, and let God’s Word change your life.
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