Is it just me, or does it seem like the more accessibility there is to the Bible, the less His people actually know it? We have it in our books and on devices, but the most important place that it should be is in our hearts. Let’s explore the scripture and uncover why knowing God’s word is extremely important.
1. Knowing God’s Word Helps Us Overcome
One of the benefits of knowing God’s word is that it helps us overcome the wicked one. 1 John 2:14 informs us that those in whom the word of God abides are strong and overcome the wicked one.
I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. 1 John 2:14 KJV
That fact makes me think about Ephesians 6 where the whole armor of God is referenced. The Bible says, “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (verse 11)
The Bible, also known as the Sword of the Spirit, is part of the armor of God that we are to put on. It helps us stand against the wiles of the devil. It helps us overcome.
In fact, knowing God’s word helps us overcome temptation. Think about Jesus in the garden. When Satan tried to tempt Him, He responded with the word of God and He was able to overcome.
“Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say,
‘You must worship the Lord your God
and serve only him.’[e]”
Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.
Matthew 4:10-11 NLT
2. We are Obedient to God When We Know His Word
When we have a true understanding of the Word of God, we know what pleases Him. Throughout the Bible, God is clear on the things that He likes and dislikes. When we have clarity on what touches His heart we will be more intentional about being obedient to Him.
When learn His word, we come to know that faith pleases God and that our praise and thanksgiving are like a sweet aroma unto Him. Therefore, we can live lives of obedience by walking by faith and having an attitude of gratitude.
Psalms 119 says, Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
and a light for my path. (verse 105)
When we know God’s word, it guides us and gives us clarity which helps us to be obedient and submit to the will of God in our lives.
Knowing the word of God is an act of obedience because we are instructed to study the word. There are various scriptures throughout the Bible that specifically instruct us to study the word, meditate on it, and store it in our hearts. When we take heed to these commands, we are considered obedient.
3. Our Mind is Renewed and Our Lives Are Changed
Knowing God’s word is extremely important because it renews our minds. We are transformed and receive a completely new mindset as a result of the power of God’s word.
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 NLT
When we no longer think and act like the world and begin to think and act as a child of God, our lives are changed. Many people look for transformations and change in their lives, but many don’t realize that this change comes from knowledge of the Word of God. It is truly powerful and life-changing.
4. Love Compels Us to Know God’s Word
One great reason to know God’s word is simply because you love Him! Your love for the Lord should compel you to be hungry for His word. Think of the Bible as a love letter that God has written just for you. After all, He does love you more than you can ever fully comprehend. Within His word, He professes His love to you. He makes promises to you and offers a covenant to you. He promises to help you and never leave you, and so much more! This alone should increase our desire to know His word because He is speaking directly to us.
Jesus Himself said, “If you love me, obey[a] my commandments.” John 14:15 NLT
In order to obey His commandments we have to know what they are.
5. We’re Able to Witness to and Encourage Others Effectively
When we have the word of God deep in our hearts, we are able to effectively witness to unbelievers and encourage our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. When the Word is in us, it’s bound to come out.
A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart. Luke 6:45 NLT
Knowing God’s word is extremely important because God can use us to speak to and edify the right person at the right time.
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT
The Word of God is a universal encouragement to all believers, so it helps to have it stored in your heart, ready and available to share at any given moment.
6. Wisdom and Understanding Come from Knowing God’s Word
When we know the Word of God, we get wisdom and understanding. When faced with a problem or dilemma, the Bible has the solution. There are various scriptures that say that wisdom and understanding come from scripture.
Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. Colossians 3:16 NLT
The Bible speaks very highly of Wisdom and understanding. They should be sought after and desired. How do we obtain them? We get them from God in His word!
For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6 NLT
7. Knowing God’s Word Develops Our Faith
Knowledge of God’s word is extremely important in the life of a believer because it helps us grow and develop our faith. We develop our faith by hearing God’s word.
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 KJV
The more we hear the word, the more our faith has the opportunity to grow. The more our faith grows and we walk by it, the more we please God. This demonstrates the importance of the Bible in a believer’s life.
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6 NLT
We need the word of God in our lives. It’s our spiritual nourishment. To go without the word of God is the equivalent of going days without food. It is absolutely necessary for the health of every believer. May we be encouraged to value God’s word more than we have been, to study it, and hide it deep within our hearts.
This post may contain affiliate links.