The Call to Be Students of the Word
Bob Yandian
In these times, more than ever, the importance of being deeply rooted in Scripture cannot be overstated. The Word of God is not only the foundation of our faith but also the compass that guides us through every season of life.
As believers, many of us may feel content knowing that we have accepted Christ into our lives, but our Christian journey is far more than just the moment of salvation. Yes, we are born again when we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, but our purpose doesn’t stop there. We are called to become disciples, to grow in our knowledge of the Word, and to allow the Holy Spirit to transform us daily into the image of Christ. This transformation equips us to impact the world around us, and that begins with a deep commitment to learning and living out the Word of God.
Some of you may wonder, why do we emphasize being "students of the Word?” This question is one I have heard many times. It’s not just a catchy phrase or title—it is central to our calling as Christians. Our faith is not static; it is a dynamic, living relationship with God that requires us to be diligent in studying His Word. As believers, we are not just called to be saved, but to be discipled. And discipleship means learning, growing, and applying God’s truth in our everyday lives.
I have had the privilege of teaching the Bible for many years, both as a pastor and a traveling teacher, and one of my greatest joys is watching students of the Word discover new depths of understanding in Scripture. There is nothing quite like seeing someone’s eyes light up when they say, "I never knew that" or "I’ve never seen it that way before." These moments are what make teaching so fulfilling because they represent spiritual growth—growth that equips believers to live victoriously and share their faith effectively.
When I pastored, I made it clear from the beginning: "We are not just a traditional church; we are a Bible school." My aim was not just to preach a weekly sermon but to teach the congregation in such a way that they would walk out each Sunday knowing more than they did when they arrived. I wanted them to grow, to be empowered by the Word, and to live it out. And the results were incredible. People came from all over, hungry to learn more about God and His Word.
Why is this so important? Because the local church is not just about getting people saved, though that is critical. In fact, most of the people who attend church regularly are already saved. The real purpose of the local church is to make disciples—to train up believers in the Word of God so they can effectively live out their faith and win others to Christ. The Great Commission is not just to preach the gospel, but to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). Being a disciple means becoming a lifelong student of the Word.
The Study of God
This brings us to a central question: What does it mean to study God? Theology, at its core, is the study of God, and while that may sound intimidating, it is actually something every believer can engage in. The word theology comes from two Greek words: theos, meaning God, and ology, meaning the study of. So, theology is simply the study of God. However, how do finite, imperfect beings study an infinite, perfect God?
Romans 11:33 says, "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!" Even the Apostle Paul, who knew more about God than most of us could ever imagine, admitted that there are aspects of God’s wisdom and knowledge that are beyond human understanding. Yet, we are still called to study, to seek, and to grow in our knowledge of Him.
We study God through His Word and through His Son, Jesus Christ. The Bible is our primary source of revelation about God’s nature, His character, and His will for humanity. When we study Scripture, we are not just learning information; we are encountering the living God. Jesus Christ, the second member of the Godhead, came to Earth to reveal the Father to us. Colossians 1:15 tells us, "He [Jesus] is the image of the invisible God." If we want to know what God is like, we need to look to Jesus. Through His life, teachings, and sacrifice, we gain a clearer understanding of who God is and what He desires for us.
God’s attributes are infinite, but as we study them, we get glimpses of His glory. We learn about His love, His holiness, His wisdom, His power, His justice, His mercy, and so much more. We begin to see how these attributes are not just abstract concepts but are deeply personal and relevant to our daily lives. For example, knowing that God is sovereign brings peace in the midst of chaos because we trust that He is in control. Understanding His holiness compels us to pursue purity and righteousness in our own lives.
However, theology is not just about knowing facts about God; it is about knowing God Himself. It is about building a relationship with Him that transforms our hearts and minds. As we grow in our understanding of God’s Word, we are also transformed by it. Romans 12:2 instructs us, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This renewal comes through consistent study of and meditation on the Scriptures.
Practical Steps to Being a Student of the Word
What does it look like to be a student of the Word in practical terms? First and foremost, it means committing to regular Bible study. Whether you study alone, with a small group, or in a church setting, make the Word of God a priority in your life. It’s not just about reading for the sake of reading; it’s about seeking to understand what God is saying and applying it to your life. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you read, to open your eyes to new truths, and to help you apply what you learn.
Next, being a student of the Word means being teachable. The Bible is a living document, and no matter how many times you’ve read it, there is always more to learn. Approach Scripture with humility, recognizing that God may want to show you something new, even in familiar passages. Be open to correction and instruction from others as well—whether it’s from your pastor, Bible teacher, or fellow believer. We are all growing together as the body of Christ.
Finally, being a student of the Word means sharing what you’ve learned with others. The more we grow in our knowledge of God’s Word, the more equipped we are to fulfill the Great Commission. Evangelism and discipleship are not just for pastors or missionaries—they are the responsibility of every believer. As we mature in our faith, we are called to pass on what we’ve learned to others. In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul instructs Timothy, "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others." This is the essence of discipleship—multiplying the knowledge of God’s Word by teaching others who will, in turn, teach more people.
God’s plan for discipleship is not just about gaining knowledge for ourselves, but about making an impact on the world around us. When we are filled with the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, we become powerful witnesses for Christ. Acts 1:8 says, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." That power comes from the Word of God dwelling richly in us and the Holy Spirit enabling us to live it out.
The local church is a critical place for this kind of growth to happen. While many people may come to church primarily to hear a sermon or participate in worship, the deeper purpose of the church is to make disciples. Jesus gave us this mandate in Matthew 28:19-20, when He said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." Notice that Jesus didn’t just say "make converts." He said, "make disciples." A disciple is a learner, a student, someone who is committed to growing in their knowledge and application of God’s Word.
Spiritual Maturity: Growing in the Knowledge of God
As we study the Word of God, we grow in spiritual maturity. Spiritual maturity is not measured by how long we have been a Christian but by how much we have allowed the Word of God to shape our lives. Hebrews 5:12-14 tells us that mature believers are those who have "trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." This training comes from consistent study and application of the Scriptures.
One of the greatest joys in the Christian life is seeing others grow in their faith as a result of what we’ve learned and shared. As disciples of Christ, we are called to reproduce ourselves by leading others to Jesus and helping them grow in their faith. Converts go to heaven, but disciples take others with them. This is the beauty of discipleship—it’s not just about our own growth, but about helping others experience the same transformation we have experienced.
In closing, I want to encourage you to embrace your role as a Student of the Word. God has given us His Word as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). Let’s commit ourselves to studying it, living it, and sharing it with others. The more we know God’s Word, the more we will know Him, and the more we know Him, the more we will become like Him.
Thank you for your faithfulness in studying His Word, for your commitment to growing as disciples, and for your partnership in spreading the gospel. Together, we are raising up a new generation of believers who will impact the world for Christ.
May the Lord bless you richly as you continue to seek Him and study His Word.
