Why We Study Scripture

Posted On January 08, 2025

Written by Dr. John Tweeddale, vice president of academics and professor of theology

As a college committed to theological education, one of the greatest threats RBC faces is the danger of allowing sacred things to become common.

Think about it. We examine God’s Word, ponder God’s Word, and debate God’s Word. The Bible animates everything we do as a college. It’s in our name.

But the danger is that studying Scripture can become so commonplace that we take it for granted and rationalize away our need for daily intake of God’s Word.

When the appeal of studying God’s Word begins to wane, let me encourage you to read Psalm 19:7–11. Notice how the psalmist describes Scripture.

On the one hand, David meditates on the reliability of Scripture: the law of the Lord is perfect; the testimony of the Lord is sure; the precepts of the Lord are right; the commandment of the Lord is pure; the fear of the Lord is clean; the rules of the Lord are true.

What’s the point? The psalmist reminds us that God’s Word is objectively true. His Word is perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, and true. As theological students, we tend to focus on the objective components of studying Scripture. I suspect that’s because we often focus on what we must know to craft arguments, ace exams, and meet deadlines.

On the other hand, notice how David also considers the activity of Scripture: It revives the soul, makes wise the simple, rejoices the heart, enlightens the eyes, and endures forever.

What’s the point? God’s Word is living and active. It cuts, pierces, convicts, heals, excites, nourishes, and empowers. It changes us. As theological students, we tend to overlook the subjective value of studying Scripture. I suspect that’s because we often focus more on what we must know than who we must become.

For these reasons, the psalmist states that God’s Word should be desired more than gold, even much fine gold. The Bible isn’t simply to be admired like an ancient artifact in a museum. It’s to be cherished. We are told that Scripture is sweeter than honey. While we can study honey at a molecular level, we will never know its sweetness until we’ve tasted it. Remember, the goal of studying Scripture is not ultimately knowing more about Scripture. It’s about knowing God.