Why should people study and know the Bible for themselves rather than solely relying on others for its interpretation?

Strong reasons why people should study and know the Bible for themselves rather than solely relying on others for its interpretation:

1. Personal Responsibility for Knowing God’s Word

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – “These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
- This passage shows that God expects His people to internalize and discuss His Word, not just hear it from leaders.
Joshua 1:8 – “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.”
- We are commanded to meditate on Scripture ourselves, not just listen to others.

2. The Danger of False Teachers

Acts 17:11 – “Now these Jews [the Bereans] were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”
- The Bereans were commended for testing what Paul taught against Scripture. If even Paul’s teaching was tested, how much more should we test modern preachers?
2 Peter 2:1 – “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies.”
- If we depend only on others and do not study for ourselves, we are vulnerable to deception.

3. Scripture is the Standard of Truth

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
- Scripture is God-breathed and is what makes us complete. A second-hand understanding isn’t enough.
Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
- God’s Word guides us personally, which means we must know it for ourselves.

4. The Holy Spirit Teaches Believers Directly

John 14:26 – “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”
- The Holy Spirit is given to all believers to help them understand Scripture—not just church leaders or scholars.
1 John 2:27 – “But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.”
- While teaching is valuable, the anointing of the Holy Spirit allows each believer to understand God’s Word.

5. Jesus’ Example: Direct Engagement with Scripture

Matthew 4:4 – “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
- Jesus shows that Scripture is essential for life, meaning every believer should engage with it.
Luke 24:27 – “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.”
- Jesus Himself explained Scripture, but He also expected His disciples to understand it and recognize Him in it.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach

Study for yourself – God commands His people to meditate on His Word and test everything against Scripture.
Be cautious of deception – False teachers exist, and without firsthand knowledge of Scripture, we can be misled.
Rely on the Holy Spirit – While teachers and scholars are helpful, the Holy Spirit enables all believers to understand God’s
truth.
Learn from others, but confirm with Scripture – Even great teachers should be tested by the Word of God.

Final Thought

While God has gifted the Church with pastors, teachers, and scholars, He has also given His Word to all believers. If we neglect personal study, we risk being misled. But if we diligently study with the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can grow in truth and discernment.