The Benefits of Reading, Studying and Applying God’s Word

Scripture

Psalm 119

Psalm 119 is one of the greatest chapters in the Bible focusing on God’s Word. Today let’s consider some specifics on the benefits of studying Scripture and applying it to your life and circumstances.I. Experiencing the Benefits of Reading, Studying, and Applying the Bible The Psalmist lists some of the amazing benefits of opening the pages of God’s Word, seeking God through it, and applying it to your life. There are 11 specific benefits that are given when you personalize God’s Word.

1. Happiness

Psalm 119:2² How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, who seek Him with all their heart.God promises that doing what the Bible says brings happiness.

2. Thankfulness

Psalm 119:7⁷ I shall give thanks to You with uprightness of heart,When I learn Your righteous judgments.God’s Word brings a sense of gratefulness.

3. Clean Conscience

Psalm 119:9⁹ How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word.Applying what the Bible says brings a clean conscience.

4. Counseling

Psalm 119:24²⁴ Your testimonies also are my delight; They are my counselors.The Bible gives guidance on every issue. The Bible not only diagnoses the problem, it also offers the solution.

5. Strength

Psalm 119:28²⁸ My soul weeps because of grief;Strengthen me according to Your word.The Bible infuses you with strength for the next step

6. Reverence

Psalm 119:38; 161³⁸ Establish Your word to Your servant, as that which produces reverence for You.¹⁶¹ Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of Your words.Reading and studying God’s Word brings a reverence for, a fear of Almighty God.

7. Salvation

Psalm 119:41⁴¹ May Your lovingkindnesses also come to me, O Lord,Your salvation according to Your wordOnly the Bible can tell you how to get to heaven, how to have your sin forgiven, and how to have a real relationship with God.

8. Freedom

Psalm 119:45⁴⁵ And I will walk at liberty, for I seek Your precepts.Doing God’s Word brings freedom to your mind, emotions, and spirit.

9. Hope

Psalm 119:49⁴⁹ Remember the word to Your servant, in which You have made me hope.When you read, study, and apply God’s Word, it gives you the sense that something better is coming.

10. Comfort

Psalm 119:52⁵² I have remembered Your ordinances from of old, O Lord,And comfort myself.“Comfort” means a sense of safety and well being.

11. Wisdom

Psalm 119:98⁹⁸ Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever mine.“Wisdom” means practical knowledge, how to apply God’s will to specific situations.II. Making an Application from Bible Reading and Bible StudyWe will use an acrostic for APPLICATION to know how to take a Scripture and put it to use in your life, schedule, job, at school, in relationships, and in decisions.ASK God to show you how to practically apply this Scripture to your life.PROMISES should be identified.Is there a promise for you to claim? What are the conditions? Look for the “If” or conditional statements.PLACE the Scripture side-by-side with other Scriptures.Compare Scripture with Scripture. Get a good study Bible, and notice the references in the margin of your Bible.LOOK at the context.Carefully note the Scriptures before and after.IDENTIFY from the Scripture areas you need to address personally.Is this Scripture telling me to do something I haven’t done?CONFESS any sins.Does this Scripture point out any sin that I need to confess?ASK some questions.What did the passage mean when it was written? What was the background and the circumstances of the one writing it? What is this Scripture saying about some attitude you need to change or some decision you need to make?TURN it into a prayer and praise.Put the Scripture in the form of a prayer and/or a praise to God.INCLUDE journaling.Write down your thoughts about what you read.OBEDIENCEAct on the light God has given you and more light for the next step. Obey what God tells you to do immediately.NOTICE the impressions or thoughts God places in your mind when you read the Scripture.Has He placed a name on your mind? Has God reminded you of something you need to do or a promise you need to keep? Is God leading you to approach someone?

Wingman, make a commitment this year to read God’s Word every single day!