Trust and knowledge: Why learn the Bible

For many Christians, the Bible is not just a book, but the cornerstone of their faith, source of wisdom, and guide for living a meaningful life.

However, some may find it challenging to delve into the depths of scripture. They believe that an unwavering trust in God is all that’s needed to maintain their faith.

While trust in God is undoubtedly crucial, it is essential to recognize that trust and knowledge are not opposing forces. Rather, they are two sides of the same coin.

In this article, we will explore the intricate relationship between trust and knowledge when it comes to the Bible. This will also shed light on why learning the Bible is not only a valuable endeavor but also an integral part of your faith journey.

Trust and knowledge

Trust and knowledge are like the two sturdy legs upon which your faith in God stands.

Just as a chair with one leg shorter than the other would wobble, your faith, too, can feel unsteady if you lean too heavily on one and neglect the other. Here is why:

Trust is the foundation. This is the unwavering belief that God is there, watching over you, guiding your path, and keeping you safe.

It is the confidence that God’s plan, even in moments of uncertainty, is for your ultimate good.

Trust gives you the courage to face life’s challenges, knowing that you are not alone.

Knowledge, on the other hand, is the light that illuminates your path. This is the understanding of God’s teachings and the wisdom found in the Bible’s pages.

Moreover, knowledge deepens your connection with God by revealing His character, His promises, and His purpose for your life.

When you know God’s word, you can navigate life’s twists and turns with clarity and purpose.

Think of trust as the anchor that keeps you steady in the storm, and knowledge as the map that shows you the way.

When you trust God, you surrender control and find peace in His care. When you seek knowledge, you equip yourself with the tools to understand His plan and live in alignment with His will.

Without trust, knowledge can become a mere intellectual exercise. It is devoid of the spiritual depth it should hold.

Without knowledge, trust may falter in the face of doubt and unanswered questions.

A man looking at books. (Photo by matthew Feeney from Unsplash)

Reasons to learn the Bible

As mentioned, knowledge gained from studying scripture equips you with the insights and understanding needed to navigate life’s challenges, deepening your connection with God and fortifying your trust in His divine plan.

However, how exactly?

Allows you to distinguish false teachings

Doctrine falls into two categories: true and false. To discern a doctrine’s truth, ask these biblical questions:

Is it from God or man? Does it agree with or contradict the Bible? Is it consistent with or contradictory to Scripture?

Is it reliable or shaky? Does it promote spiritual health or harm? Does it strengthen or weaken your faith?

True doctrine, in its content, originates from God, is based on the Bible’s authority, aligns with the entire Scripture, and is sound in quality.

It brings spiritual health and profit, and you are responsible for holding onto it as part of your faith journey.

False doctrine, on the other hand, is the exact opposite. However, many still confuse them, as those preaching it can sound convincing.

With this being said, false teachings often creep into spiritual communities, seeking to undermine your faith.

Learning the Bible becomes your shield, allowing you to distinguish these falsehoods from the truth.

Doing right instead of wrong

Understanding what is right and wrong is fundamental to living a moral and just life.

Doing the right thing entails actions that align with justice, law, and morality. Meanwhile, doing the wrong thing involves actions that stray from these principles.

However, it is often a challenge for people to distinguish between what is genuinely right and what might seem almost right. This is where learning the Bible becomes crucial.

As you deliberately immerse yourself in God’s Word, it takes root in your life.

The more you engage with the teachings and wisdom found in the Bible, the clearer your understanding of what is right and just becomes.

“Wrong way.” Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash

Reinforces your belief in salvation

As a Christian, you understand the profound truth that your salvation comes through faith in Christ.

However, there may be moments when doubts creep in. This is especially true if you’ve made mistakes or sinned against Him. These doubts can lead to uncertainty about the lasting nature of your salvation.

Here is the reassuring part: learning the Bible can be a steadfast anchor for your belief in salvation.

When you delve into the scriptures, you encounter the unchanging promises of God.

The Bible reminds you that salvation is not a fleeting gift but an eternal one. It reaffirms that your relationship with Christ is based on His grace, not your flawless performance.

Keeps you from speaking your truth instead of God’s

It is important to recognize that sometimes, we might unintentionally share false teachings because we rely on our interpretations of biblical texts. This can happen when certain teachings sound appealing or seem to fit our desires and circumstances.

However, what sounds and feels right to us does not always align with the truth of scripture.

Studying the Bible helps us discern between teachings that are in harmony with scripture and those that are not.

It equips us with the knowledge and wisdom to distinguish between genuine biblical principles and interpretations that might lead us astray.

Ultimately, learning the Bible empowers us to share and uphold teachings that are firmly grounded in God’s Word. This ensures that we avoid unknowingly spreading false or misleading beliefs.

Helps you live a Christian life

Learning the Bible is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about applying its teachings to your everyday life as a Christian.

The Word of God can only have its intended impact when you put its lessons into practice. Failing to do so makes you what the Bible is opposing— someone who hears the Word but does not act upon it (James 1:22).

Instead, you should consistently study the Bible with a clear purpose. Seek to understand its perfect law that brings freedom.

By not forgetting what you’ve learned but actively living it out, you will experience the blessings that come from living a Christian life (James 1:25).

A woman looking at a sign that says, “Jesus saves.” Photo by Edwin Andrade on Unsplash

Trust alone is not enough

Imagine you stand before a closed door, and on the other side lies something of great value.

You trust that whatever is behind that door is beneficial. But without knowledge of what’s inside, you hesitate to enter.

You see, trust alone is not always enough; there must be knowledge to guide your actions.

Similarly, trust alone is not sufficient to fully experience God’s power in your daily walk with Him.

Trust does play a vital role, as it is through it that you receive salvation.

However, God desires to reveal more to you beyond salvation.

It needs to be coupled with knowledge to unlock God’s divine nature in your life.

Just as you would not enter a room without knowing what’s inside, you should not rely solely on trust in God without seeking knowledge and growing in goodness, self-control, perseverance, godliness, and love.

Knowledge, in particular, allows you to understand God’s ways, His teachings, and His will.

It provides the foundation upon which your faith can flourish and be manifested in your actions.