Reflections: Why Should We Study the Bible?

I had some debate over the title for this post. It also could have been "Why Layman Should Study Theology" or perhaps "Why We Shouldn't Leave it to the Experts" or even "Theology: Why YOU Should Care!". All of those are accurate but, in the spirit of this website, I decided to keep it simple and clear. 

So, why should we, as layman/ non-experts/ average person (pick your favorite term) go beyond just reading the text in the Bible? Why should we go further: into the history of the canon, or exploring the meaning of all those footnotes, or trying to answer Bible questions in a new, modern way that still retains what the Bible means? 

I've been reflecting over this topic for the last week or so. The reason I've been reflecting is because it was flat-out stated in one source: "this topic [history of canon] is best left to the experts." Huh? Shouldn't I, as a Christian, passionate about the faith, also be "allowed" to study the very formation of the books we deem Scripture, the inspired Word of God? The answer is 'yes.' I've found a few good reasons and listed them below. But I would also like to hear why YOU continue to study the Bible...and yes, beyond it. 

• It deepens and enriches our faith in God. Sometimes, it is when doubting and seeking that I find the greatest truths. 
• If we have accurate information and a good grasp of history, we can better bring the faith to others. Potential Christians will automatically dismiss someone who can't explain their own faith. If you don't know why you should believe, how can you convince others to believe? 
• Because God gave it to us. 
• And this one, I'm going to borrow from the authors. Because what the Jews of the first century era were doing, we still, as humans do. We ask "Who are we? Why is meaning so elusive? Is there really a God? Is God still alive, interested in us, and involved in events on earth?" (Evan & Tov, p.104).