The Rewards of Bible Study

OPENING THOUGHT

William Tyndale (born 1494) devoted his life to translating the Bible into English so it could be read by the people. In his day, the Bible was available only in Latin, which could not be understood by most believers. The Catholic Church believed that allowing ordinary people to read the Bible independently would lead to widespread misunderstanding and false teachings, so they banned all translations in the common languages. As a result, biblical illiteracy ran high.

Church officials did their best to stop Tyndale’s work. They burned English Bibles whenever they discovered them. In May of 1535, Tyndale was finally captured and thrown into prison. Approximately one year later, he was burned at the stake.

Why did Tyndale risk so much to make the Bible accessible to all? Because in reading it there is great reward!

EXPLORING GOD’S WORD

Psalm 1:1-3

• What does this “blessed man” do day and night?

• To what does the psalmist compare this man? What is the meaning of his analogy?

• What happens “in all he does”?

• Does this mean those who study the Bible never have problems?

Psalm 19:7-11

• List the characteristics of the word of God given in this passage.

• List the great rewards of living according to God’s word given in this passage.

Proverbs 29:18

• What happens to people when there is no “vision” (that is, prophetic vision)?

• How is the person described who keeps the law?

John 8:31-32

• What is the mark of discipleship given by Jesus in these verses?

• What will the truth do for you?

 Romans 10:14-17

• Why is Paul so concerned about belief? (see Mark 16:16; Eph. 2:8-9).

• How does one get faith?

• What is faith? Why is the Bible so important to it?

Ephesians 5:25-27

• How does Jesus cleanse the church?

• What does “sanctify” mean?

• Why must we be presented before God without blemish?