The Importance of Daily Bible Study: Romans 15:4-6
“4) For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5) Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, 6) so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:4-6
From Paul’s vantage point, he was referring back at the Old Testament. He himself was a Bible scholar. He was constantly studying the scrolls of Scripture.
There is huge value in studying your Old Testament. Everything recorded there was written for our instruction, perseverance and encouragement. The bottom line is that a solid foundation in the Old Testament gives perspective and hope.
This text reminds me of 1 Corinthians 10:1-13. In those verses Paul elaborates on some key Old Testament stories and shares how important they are for our instruction. Common sense, wisdom, instruction and and an understanding of God and His ways are all packed into the Old Testament.
God has not changed. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. If you want to serve Him you have to get to know Him through His Self Revelation in the Bible. Much of that Revelation is found in the Old Testament.
My daily Bible reading includes both the Old and New Testaments. Set aside the other books, videos and commentaries until you have first given ample time to daily Bible reading. This practice is intended to bring unity and common praise and worship to Gods people.
My experience over many years of ministry is that conflicts, erroneous belief systems and relational tensions in the family and church can be traced to biblical illiteracy. 2 Timothy 2:10-17 establishes the vital role of the Scriptures in building godly men and women. You will never become the fruitful, godly, mature and Spirit filled man or woman God wants you to be without feeding daily on His Word.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global