Why is not reading the Bible dangerous?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible is God's Word to us. It is His communication to people through language about who He is, what He has done, who we are, and how we should live. It tells us the larger story of the world—God, creation, fall, redemption, and restoration—and how we fit into that. It tells us how to have a relationship with God, provides grounding in truth, gives us wisdom for life, and speaks of our future hope if we are in Christ. Second Timothy 3:16–17 says, "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." Clearly it is vital! Not reading the Bible means depriving ourselves of God's revelation of Himself, neglecting growth, leaving ourselves more open to deception, and not fully enjoying the benefits of salvation in Jesus Christ. When we read God’s Word, we grow in our understanding of Him and His character. We grow in our love for Him and mature in our faith.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• During King Josiah's reign, the high priest Hilkiah found the Book of the Law in the temple and brought it to Josiah. When Josiah heard its contents, he tore his clothes in repentance upon realizing how far the people had strayed from God's commands. This discovery prompted Josiah to institute widespread reforms to restore true worship and eliminate idolatry throughout the kingdom of Judah (2 Kings 22—23; 2 Chronicles 34—35).
• If we desire to live free from sin and instead cling to righteousness, it is essential that we read and study the Bible. Psalm 119:9–11 says:
• "How can a young man keep his way pure?
• By guarding it according to your word.
• With my whole heart I seek you;
• let me not wander from your commandments!
• I have stored up your word in my heart,
• that I might not sin against you."
• Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible and is an ode to delighting in God's Word. Verse 105 says: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." The Bible brings wisdom and shows us the way to walk. When we know God's Word, it helps us to recognize God's voice in our own prayer lives. His voice in prayer will never contradict His Word, the Bible.
• Jeremiah 17:9–10 warns that without divine guidance from God's Word, the human heart is deceitful and understanding of moral choices and motives is compromised. Seeking wisdom and guidance from the Bible aligns individuals with God's will, as God evaluates hearts and actions according to His standards.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• God's ways lead to life (John 10:10), while sin leads only to death (Romans 6:23). Not reading the Bible means not availing ourselves of the knowledge of the way of life. The Word of God helps to sanctify us as we walk out our faith (John 17:17).
• Not reading the Bible makes us more likely to be deceived by the lies of Satan, the lies of this world, and the deceitfulness of our own hearts (John 8:44; James 1:14–15, 22–25).
• The Bible tells us about spiritual realities taking place (Ephesians 3:9–13; 6:12). The Bible helps us understand our earthly lives in the context of all of God's creation and in all of history. It gives us perspective that strengthens us to live out His purposes for our lives in our times and places.
• Ephesians 6:17 describes God's Word as the "sword of the Spirit." We cannot neglect this vital piece of armor as we go about our daily lives.
• The Bible is our standard for truth. Second Timothy 2:15 talks about the importance of rightly understanding and employing the truth of God's Word: "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."
• Hebrews 4:12 declares that God's Word has a way of exposing our hearts. It helps to clear the cloud of sin and misunderstanding so that we can see clearly.
• The Bible chronicles the history of God's people. We see how God has worked throughout time in real ways in the lives of real people. We are encouraged by His faithfulness to them and challenged to remain steadfast (Hebrews 11—12). We learn from example (1 Corinthians 10:11). We also see our place in the larger narrative of history (1 Peter 1:10–12; 2 Peter 3:8–13).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Engaging with the Bible is crucial because it is God's direct communication to humanity about His nature, our identity in Him, and how we should live (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Neglecting to read it deprives us of truth, leaving us vulnerable to deception and missing out on the blessings God intends for us. By knowing Scripture, we equip ourselves to discern God's will, grow in spiritual maturity, and share the gospel effectively (2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Peter 3:15). Regularly immersing ourselves in God's Word not only guards against spiritual deception but also deepens our relationship with God, aligning our hearts to desire His will and find joy in His guidance (Psalm 119:9–11; Jeremiah 17:9–10).

UNDERSTAND

• The discovery of the Book of the Law in the Old Testament revealed the importance of God's Word as well as the dangers of not knowing, reading, and applying His Word.
• Psalm 119 emphasizes the essential role of God's Word in guiding, protecting, and nourishing the soul.
• The New Testament emphasizes that the Bible sanctifies believers and guards them against deception.

REFLECT

• How does neglecting regular Bible reading affect your spiritual life and discernment of God's will? Alternately, how does regularly reading the Bible affect your spiritual life?
• Reflect on a time when a specific portion of the Bible brought clarity or guidance during a challenging situation. How did this experience shape your view of God's Word?
• In what practical ways can you prioritize daily engagement with Scripture to deepen your relationship with God and guard against spiritual deception?

ENGAGE

• The Holy Spirit helps us understand God's Word (John 16:13–14; 1 Corinthians 2:14). The Bible is not something we read and apply solely through our own intellect, or even solely in private. It is not a self-help book or a do-it-yourself guide to salvation and life. Rather, it is the living Word of God. The Bible is a primary tool that God uses in the life of a believer as He transforms them to be more like Christ (Philippians 1:6; 2:12–13; Romans 8:28–30).
• How does viewing the Bible as the "sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17) inform our understanding of spiritual warfare and the Christian life? How can we practically equip ourselves with God's Word daily?
• How does Psalm 119 illustrate the transformative power of God's Word in the life of believers? Share personal examples where specific verses have impacted your faith journey.