David Diga Hernandez - 8 Benefits of Reading the Bible

It’s truly time to know the Word of God like never before. I’ve heard of believers who were imprisoned for their faith, yet they were still able to devote themselves to the Word of God on a daily basis because they memorized large portions of Scripture. It’s time to not only read the Word but to memorize the Word, quote the Word, devote your life to the Word, and live the Word. Go deeper in the Word than ever before; as your spiritual roots go deeper into the Word, there will be strength in your spiritual life. I think about the sad reality that many believers don’t actually devote themselves to the Word of God daily. Think about this: we say that the Bible is the Word of God—we say that the Bible is God’s communication with us—yet we neglect it, take it for granted, and miss the opportunity to connect with God in greater ways because many of us do not remain consistent in our devotion to the Word of God. Shouldn’t believers know the Word of God better than anyone else? Shouldn’t Christians know the Word of God from Genesis to Revelation? Shouldn’t believers be so devoted to the Word of God that they can teach it? I’ve had conversations with Muslims who know the Quran better than some Christians know the Bible. I’ve had conversations with atheists who know the Word of God better than some Christians. The reality is that it’s time to go deeper than ever before; it’s time to read the Word, study the Word, meditate upon the Word, live and obey the Word, receive from the Word, and declare that Word to others. As you become devoted to the Word consistently, day by day, things will begin to manifest in your life. The power of the Word will begin to transform you. Here are eight benefits that will begin to manifest when you become consistent in the Word:

Number one: you’ll walk free from sin. Psalm 119:11 says, «I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you.» When you know the Word of God, you understand what pleases and displeases Him. Often, we do things that displease God without even realizing it because we don’t know His Word. But when you know His Word and begin to study Scripture, you start to see things that correct your nature and confront your character. You begin to focus on the truths of Scripture, which transform who you are and break the power of sin from your life. Second Timothy 3:16–17 says, «All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work.»

Think of the reality of the first temptation when Eve was tempted in the Garden of Eden. The enemy confronted her with Genesis 3:4: «You won’t die,» the serpent replied to the woman. In other words, the serpent contradicted the Word of God. When the enemy wants you to fall into temptation, the first thing he will target in your life is the Word. The Word of God is your first line of defense. It is that light that begins to shine within you, helping you see all those areas of your life that need correction. In fact, as the Word of God takes root in your heart, the sin that once tempted you will begin to disgust you. Not only will you overcome that temptation, but you will also receive new desires in your spirit that will lead you to desire the things of God.

If you were to go to the doctor and explain that you weren’t feeling well, the first thing he or she would do is run through a checklist of basics: Are you sleeping? Are you eating? Are you exercising? Are you taking care of yourself? If you replied that you weren’t really eating or sleeping often, or if you weren’t exercising or taking care of yourself, the doctor would send you away before diagnosing anything, telling you to take care of the basics first. You see, we often want a quick fix. We want to ask the pastor to pray for us or to lay hands on us. But if you’re not devoting yourself to the Word, you’re not even covering the basics. So why seek a prophetic word, counsel, or deliverance if you aren’t living by God’s holy standard? You want deliverance, clarity, and freedom? It’s time to start knowing and living by the Word.

Number two: you’ll prosper in all you do. Joshua 1:8 says, «Study this Book of Instruction continually; meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.» Now, to be clear, I don’t teach what is commonly termed the prosperity gospel. The prosperity gospel is the belief that says, «I serve God for what I can get from Him.» The true gospel tells us that God gave His life for us, and therefore, we must give our lives to Him. Biblical prosperity is simply when God meets your needs and there’s enough.