Why Do You Study the Bible

Why Do You Study the Bible

Ezra 7: 10 For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.

Ezra is described as a priest and a scribe who went from Babylon to Jerusalem with a letter from Artaxerxes allowing him and those with him to rebuild, restore and resettle the city. This was the second time Israel had been allowed to go back to Jerusalem, the first time it was headed up by Zerubbabel as he carried a letter from Cyrus.

But, I am more interested in the verse above and what it says about Ezra. It states he had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord and do it, and to teach it. If you study just to gain a lot of knowledge just to show yourself smarter and more proficient in the Word of God, that is more of a pride thing. Don’t misunderstand me, to gain knowledge is a good thing if used in a proper way. But if it is a thing of pride it becomes a bad thing.

Notice Ezra had prepared his heart. How did he do that? I would suggest that came from prayer and seeking God. If you want to do anything good there has to be preparation. If you are painting a room it has to be prepared, primed and trimmed ect. If you are putting down flooring the surface you are going to put the covering down on has to be prepared. The same principal applies if you are going to do something for the Lord, you must prepare. Would you try to witness to someone without a basic knowledge of scripture? If you do you will most likely come back totally defeated and discouraged. Anything you do you need to prepare for it.

Ezra prepared his heart. Why? To seek the law of the Lord. Today we would say to seek the truth of the scriptures and their precepts.

Psalms 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

2Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

He wanted to know the law so that he might keep it and to teach others to know it and keep it as well. This is why we should desire to be students of the Word, not to hoard up knowledge but, to walk in the will of God and to teach others to keep His Word.

2Timothy 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

Prepare your heart, learn of the Lord, then do what He says and teach others to do the same.

Have a great day.