Word of God remains one of the greatest gifts that God has bestowed on mankind. It is not only a history book or a book of moral teachings but the living truth which gives us direction, correction, and reinforcement in our spiritual lives. The question, How many times must we study the Word of God, is a very profound question. The answer, to me and based on what I have learnt with regards to the Members Church of God International (MCGI), is quite simple, which is to study the Word of God at all times. It does not have an exact amount of times since acquiring knowledge about the Word of God is a life-long process.
Even the Bible itself urges one to study and meditate all the time. Joshua 1:8 says, God said, this book of the law shall not go out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate in it day and night. This does not imply that we have to read the Bible every now and then or every Sunday. We are instructed to work in it both day and night since it is the guide to our daily living. We have to eat food on a daily basis to be physically alive and we also have to eat the Word of God on a daily basis to be spiritually alive.
There are times that people believe that when they have read the bible at least twice they know everything contained therein. But that is not true. The Word of God is very deep. Whenever we read it, we get to learn new things and knowledge. Hebrews 4: 12 states, The word of God is quick, and powerful and sharper than a two-edged sword. This verse reveals that the Word of God is alive- it talks to our hearts in various forms in accordance to the circumstances we are going through in life.
In my personal experience, there were occasions when I read a verse I believed that I knew well before, but the next time I read it, on a different season of my life, it had a different meaning to me. Such is the power of the Word of God. It educates, consoles and reproves us at each point of our life. It is the reason we have to continue studying it as frequently as possible not every week, but every day, provided that it is possible.
Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon are ever reminded in MCGI of the necessity of studying. People say that we cannot afford to be sluggish in learning the Word of God. In 2 Timothy 2: 15 he writes, Study to shew thyself approved unto God, workman which need not to be ashamed, divide the word of truth right. This implies that it is the duty of every believer to study the Scriptures. We need to be committed to do it to know the will of God and live on it.
The other reason why we need to study the Word of God frequently is that it will enable us to resist sin and temptation. According to Psalm 119:11, it is stated in the Bible that, Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. As we continually read and memorize the Word of God, it gets inside us. It assists us in the right choice of decisions and enables us to be solid in the wrong influence of the world. Without constant practice, our faith will be feeble and we will readily get into sin.
Peace is also introduced to the heart through studying the Word of God. The bible provides us with a sense of peace and purpose in a world of concerns and bewilderment. The bible, Psalm 119:105, mentions that thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. This verse reminds me that the Word of God is likened to a light that guides us in the right direction and prevents us to make our mistakes. Without studying it frequently, we might be walking in darkness and make decisions that would plunge us into being out of the will of God.
Another point to keep in mind is that one should not think that only reading is involved in studying the Bible. We have to meditate, comprehend, and put into practice what we have learned. James 1:22, says, But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceived of yourself. It does not matter how many times we may read the Bible but it will not help us until we live by it. The true application of knowledge is achieved when we apply what we are taught.
To sum up, we may never read the Word of God sufficiently. The more we read the more we develop faith, wisdom and righteousness. We cannot read or hear the Word enough; and it ought to be a daily practice, just as it is to eat or breathe. Since we are living, we must still be learners of the Scriptures as they bring life, hope, and strength to our souls. Like Jesus has told in Matthew 4:4, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth out of the mouth of God.
Thus, the proper answer to the question is the following: we must learn the Word of God as often as possible, every day, every minute, and throughout the remainder of our lives.