Learning to Study the Bible Is Like Learning to Cook
“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” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV).
Do you know Hamburger Helper? Yeah, that little box of instant dinner—add water, heat, stir, and voilà: You’ve got something resembling a meal. It’s food, sure, but it’s not a meal that you can eat forever, and the prep work involved is a far cry from cooking.
Cooking, at a mastered level, is about learning to source fresh ingredients, chopping fragrant herbs to wake up a simple, healthy dish, mastering the art of a slow simmer or perfect sear, and expertly understanding each type of meat, vegetable, and everything in between.
Learning to cook takes time, practice, and maybe a few burned pans along the way. But when you get it right? You get to enjoy meals that not only taste delicious and complexly flavorful but also provide all the nutrients and nourishment your body needs!
Nothing Can Replace God’s Word
In the Christian world, we’re offered a lot of Hamburger Helper meals: scrolling for an aesthetic meme to inspire you on Instagram, catching clips of sermons on TikTok, or reading the latest “topical” inspirational books.
Those are fine. Nothing wrong with them! But like Hamburger Helper, they’re not cooking, and they’re not going to serve you in the ways you need, outside of satisfying basic hunger.
The Bible Gives Us Full Nourishment
Studying the Bible—whole books of the Bible, chapter by chapter, verse by verse—is how you truly feed your spirit. It might sound like eating plain vegetables at first (not exactly thrilling). But trust me, once you start digging into the text and peeling back the layers, the Bible doesn’t just sit there; it comes alive. Jesus comes alive.
It’s like going from Hamburger Helper to a Michelin-star feast!
Learning to Study Scripture Is Like Learning to Cook
Learning how to study the Bible is like learning how to cook. You have to roll up your sleeves, put on your apron, get your hands dirty, and discover all the flavors of truth. It’s hard work, and it takes practice and consistency. And probably several failures along the way. But I promise, it’s worth it!
The Reward from Bible Study
As you grow in your study and knowledge, you’ll begin to understand the verses and nuances better than you ever have before. The stories become richer, the messages hit deeper, and each word brings us closer to the Lord.
“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” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV).
That we may be complete, equipped for every good work. Not lacking, not searching for anything. Complete, and ready for whatever life throws at us. The enemy and false teachers out there rely on us not having first-hand knowledge of the Bible. So, pick up your weapons and all your cooking utensils! Put on your apron and get to work. Soak in the knowledge that will benefit you tenfold.
Dive in deep, learn thoroughly, and let the Word of God dwell in you richly!
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Cathe Laurie is the founder and director of the Virtue women’s ministry. She is also a featured speaker on The Virtue Podcast, at Harvest events, and the author of As I See It. You can find her weekly articles here on harvest.org.
