This is the beginning of a new year. At this time of year, people often make "new-year resolutions" for the coming year. Do you remember the resolutions you made last year? Did you keep them? Let me suggest that, in 2007, you resolve to be a better Bible student. Following are some reasons why this would be a good goal.

Knowledge is key to defeating Satan. "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children." {Hosea 4:6} The one who lacks spiritual wisdom is more vulnerable to the devil's wiles and traps. Christians need to continually add to their minds the truths contained in God's word. Why? "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You!" {Psalm 119:11} The more you plant God's word deep in your heart, the less advantage the devil will have in deceiving you and leading you astray {1 Corinthians 2:11}.

Knowledge helps us make wiser choices. "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age." {Titus 2:11,12} The more spiritual knowledge one has, the better life choices and decisions he makes. Think about things in your physical life. Would you invest your retirement savings before getting all possible information about the soundness of the company or product in which you are investing? I think not! The same thing holds true about obtaining knowledge of God's will. It provides guidance that enables us to make wise choices about eternal retirement.

Knowledge helps us teach others. "And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." {2 Timothy 2:2} One area in which the Lord's church greatly needs improvement is its ability to develop people who are able to teach God's word. The lost are often neglected because we lack Christians who wish to develop into better teachers of the good news. At the local-church level, there is a problem getting teachers for the Bible classes. Men and women need to constantly study to equip themselves to bring the truth to those who are lost in sin.

Knowledge brings peace. "For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day." {2 Timothy 1:12} When we understand the truths contained in God's book, it brings us peace because we know that things are well in our lives. We have the blessed assurance that God is pleased with our lives because we are following His will. Good luck with your 2007 resolution!