In our society there is much emphasis placed on study in various fields.  It is becoming more and more difficult to obtain a good job without a high school diploma and/or a college education.  However, when we view the area of religion and especially the church of our Lord, it seems that the same attitude is not maintained toward the study of God's Word.  This is especially the case when considering the young people within the church.  it appears that some (if not most) parents are concerned more with the secular education of their children than they are with their children's spiritual nourishment.
    It is important that we as young people (I write "we" because I am only 18 years old) study the Word of God.  Notice what the inspired author Hosea wrote about a nation that did not know Gods' Word:  "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:  because thou has rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me:  seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children."  (Hosea 4:6).  It frightens me to see the shape that our country is in because they have forgotten God.  It must start with you, young people.  Study your Bible everyday so that once again our nation will remember God.
    It is also important that we study God's Word because of the admonition given by the apostle Paul:  "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."  (II Timothy 2:15).  When we face our maker on that final day, silver and gold will no longer matter.  The only concern we will have is if our God approves of us.  Do we want God to think of us as being "more noble?"  That is exactly the way the Holy Spirit described the Bereans because they "searched the Scriptures daily" (Acts 17:11).  Do you want God to approve of you?  Do you want Him to call you "more noble?"  Do you want that crown of life in the end (Revelation 2:10)?  If you want these things to be so, STUDY!
    Another reason or purpose for us to study God's divine Word is recorded by Peter:  "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts:  and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."  (I Peter 3:15).  We live in a time when many men and women, within the church of our Lord and through denominational efforts, are teaching doctrines contrary to the Word.  It is time that we take a stand and defend the pure Gospel of Jesus.  Do not allow a smooth talking liberal or denominationalist to teach you error.  Study so that the Word will be rightly defended.
    Study is truly important to the growth and development of a Christian.  We need to do as the Psalmist did:  "Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee."  (Psalm 119:11).