The Bryce Crawford Podcast
Episode 177: The Importance Of Reading The Bible
Host: Bryce Crawford
Release Date: January 26, 2026
Episode Overview
In this thoughtful installment of The Bryce Crawford Podcast, Bryce explores the central role of reading the Bible in the Christian life. Speaking candidly from his own experiences and drawing on both Scripture and practical insights, Bryce underscores the transformative power, enduring necessity, and practical application of engaging with God's Word daily. The episode is heartfelt and encouraging, focusing on Scripture as both a spiritual nourishment and weapon, offering listeners motivation and guidance on how to deepen their relationship with God through Bible reading.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Why Reading the Bible Matters
- Bryce sets the tone by reflecting on his drive to the studio [00:42], asking God to guide the topic for this episode, which led him to focus on the Word of God.
- Scripture versus Self-Reliance:
- Bryce shares how, before becoming a Christian (and even sometimes now), the temptation is to rely on “what's best for Bryce.” He calls this “operating in the flesh” and warns about the consequences of self-shepherding.
"You're your own shepherd, and obviously the fruit of being your own shepherd is blowing your whole life up." [02:16]
- Bryce shares how, before becoming a Christian (and even sometimes now), the temptation is to rely on “what's best for Bryce.” He calls this “operating in the flesh” and warns about the consequences of self-shepherding.
2. Biblical Foundation: Power of the Word
- Key Verse – Hebrews 4:12:
“The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword which separates the soul from the spirit.” [02:40]
- Bryce explains:
- The soul = what seems right to us;
- The spirit = what seems right to God.
- The Bible’s role: obviously changing not just how we think but transforming actions, helping us break sinful habits not in our own strength but through God's Word.
3. Jesus’ Example: Combating Temptation
- Matthew 4:1-4:
- Jesus is tempted in the wilderness and responds, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” [04:24]
- Insight:
- Jesus combats the lies of Satan using Scripture, modeling for believers that engaging with the Word is the key way to confront temptation.
"The only way Jesus was able to combat [the devil twisting scripture] was with a correct understanding of the Scriptures." [06:30]
- Warning: Satan uses old tricks, often twisting Scripture “just a little bit,” so believers must truly know what the Bible says.
4. Scripture as Timeless, Unchanging Truth
- Enduring Nature of the Bible:
- Described as “alive, breathing weapon. Timeless literature that has affected generations before us, currently benefiting our generation, and will continue to impact generations after us.” [07:17]
- Society changes—Scripture does not; rather, “we need to change our lives because of what is in the Scriptures.”
5. Living by the Word: Daily Spiritual Nourishment
- Analogy:
- Just as you’d starve by eating once a week, you can’t spiritually survive on weekly Bible reading (e.g., only on Sundays).
“No wonder that struggle isn't breaking in your life. ... Because you're not submitting yourself to the Scriptures.” [08:42]
- Just as you’d starve by eating once a week, you can’t spiritually survive on weekly Bible reading (e.g., only on Sundays).
- Submission & Evidence of the Spirit:
- True evidence of the Holy Spirit is being conformed to God’s Word, accepting correction as a loving act from God (like a father’s discipline).
6. The Bible as Source of Wisdom and Guidance
- Cites 2 Timothy 3:16 (scripture is “God-breathed, profitable for teaching and reproof”).
- “That answer or response you're eager to hear from the Lord is actually in your Bible, on your nightstand, collecting dust right now. And you're blaming God for not giving you an answer when in reality you won’t pick this thing up.” [10:03]
7. Personal Testimony: Marriage and Spiritual Leadership
- Vulnerably shares recent experience as a new husband:
- After the honeymoon, without a home, Bryce tried to rely on his own strength to solve problems, found himself crumbling under pressure, until sensing God prompting him:
“Bryce, you need to lean on the scriptures. Life is in this thing. You're starving right now.” [11:39]
- After the honeymoon, without a home, Bryce tried to rely on his own strength to solve problems, found himself crumbling under pressure, until sensing God prompting him:
- Practical insight:
- The Bible is nourishment for the soul, a source of wisdom for leading and making decisions, and “a weapon against the lies of the enemy” (Ephesians 6).
8. The Sword Analogy: Spiritual Battle
- Tells the story of Eleazar, King David’s mighty man (2 Samuel 23), whose sword stuck to his hand after slaying a thousand Philistines.
“Whatever you’re going through in life... know how many demons have been slayed through the word of God… There is so much blood on the sword, so much victory has been won because of the word of God.” [13:14]
- Encourages listeners to “cling to this word” for victory in trials, temptations, and daily living.
9. Practical Advice for Reading the Bible
- Most Important Advice:
- “There is no far greater teacher of the word of God than the Holy Spirit himself.” [13:59]
- Before reading, pray and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and understanding—before turning to commentaries, pastors, or other resources.
“Holy Spirit, speak to me through the Scriptures before you do anything, before you read a single word on that page.” [14:20]
10. Closing Prayer
- Bryce concludes by praying for a “fresh hunger for the word of God” and for clarity and understanding from the Holy Spirit.
“God, would you give us a hunger to read your word, a hunger to cling to it, a hunger to use it as a weapon, our guide, a lamp...” [14:38]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On self-effort vs. scripture:
“You're your own shepherd, and obviously the fruit of being your own shepherd is blowing your whole life up.” [02:16]
- On the necessity of daily engagement:
“If you only ate one time a week, you would starve. In the same way, if you only read the Scriptures one time a week and that happens to be on Sunday, you're going to starve.” [08:27]
- On the Bible as God’s answer:
“That answer or response you're eager to hear from the Lord is actually in your Bible, on your nightstand, collecting dust right now.” [10:03]
- On spiritual battle:
“There is so much blood on the sword, so much victory has been won because of the word of God.” [13:14]
- On seeking the Spirit in study:
“There is no far greater teacher of the word of God than the Holy Spirit himself.” [13:59]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:42 – Introduction: Why talk about Bible-reading?
- 02:16 – The dangers of self-shepherding and the need for God’s guidance
- 02:40 – Hebrews 4:12: The living, active power of Scripture
- 04:24 – Jesus in the wilderness: Combating Satan with Scripture
- 07:17 – Scripture’s timeless significance
- 08:27 – Spiritual nourishment: Daily Bible intake analogy
- 10:03 – God’s answers are found in Scripture
- 11:39 – Personal testimony: Marriage, stress, and returning to God’s Word
- 13:14 – The sword analogy: Eleazar and spiritual battle
- 13:59 – The importance of the Holy Spirit as our teacher
- 14:38 – Closing prayer for fresh hunger and understanding
Final Thoughts
Bryce leaves listeners with a strong encouragement: Scripture is not merely a historical document but a daily source of life, guidance, wisdom, and victory. Engage with it not out of religious duty but because it is God’s voice, actively shaping hearts and minds. Seek the Holy Spirit’s help for deeper understanding and let the Bible be your sword in life’s spiritual battles.