What Is The Difference Between Bible Study And Bible Reading?

By Reverend Michael Farias

Bible reading is the habit of many Christians, and a good habit it is.  However, nowhere in the Bible does the Bible ask you to read it. What the Bible does say about itself is to “study” it.  This is much more beneficial than just reading it.

2 Timothy 2:15 (MEV) - Study to show yourself approved by God, a workman who need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

In addition to instructing us to study the Bible, this verse points out the benefits of Bible study.  They are:

1. To show yourself approved by God. We all seek approval in our lives. Whether we desire approval from our significant other, co-workers, parents, friends, family, church family, or pastor, there is no one’s approval I would rather have than God's.
2. To become a worker who is not ashamed. The focus here is on worker, not shame. Whatever in life we find ourselves doing, we want to do it right.  We want to do a good job because doing a good job brings a sense of satisfaction. As workers in God’s Kingdom, we would be well served to do a good job. The Bible is our toolbox and instruction manual. Only by having a knowledge of how to properly use the tools in the toolbox is the tradesperson on their way to building a product that will not fail.
3. Rightly dividing the word of truth. God's word is truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. But unless we know the truth personally, as a witness to the truth, we must rely on the testimony of others. God’s word is not the truth according to me or according to you.  It is the truth according to Him. If you really want to know the truth and rightly divide it so you can rightly apply it to your life, then you must learn what the truth is.  His truth is marching on.