The 'end goal' of personal Bible study is not simply to faithfully read it every day, nor is it to memorize meaningful verses. It is not even to prayerfully pore over and comprehend the truths found therein.
It is to apply those truths to your life ... But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (James 1:22)
It is impossible to plumb the depths of God's Word without understanding the need for 'application' ... All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Once you know what a passage means, you are responsible for putting it into practice. BUT ... before moving on to that crucial step, pause for a time of reflection and ask yourself, "Am I ready and willing for God’s Word to cut deeply into my life, to lay bare the hidden places of my heart, to do its work of convicting, convincing, and converting my mind to His?"
For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
Understand this, pilgrim ... every time you read the Word of God, you either draw closer to heaven or further away. You either become more pliable in His hands or more hardened. You are never at a 'standstill' spiritually.
Knowledge without change is worse than no knowledge at all ... So for one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, for him it is sin. (James 4:17)
Heitzig - A good perspective to adopt when reading the Bible is that of an obedient servant waiting for instruction from his master.
If there is a warning to be followed, heed it.
If there is a cleansing to take place, yield to it.
When you apply the Word to your life, you demonstrate your love for God and how much you trust Him in all things.
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