A spiritual discipline which is probably universally known within the church walls is that of Bible study. In fact, no other practice beside prayer and worship is probably talked about more in church life than Bible study. But, just because it’s talked about, doesn’t mean it’s done.
This may be, in part, a product of neglect, but it can also be a part of misunderstanding what study truly entails. For many years, my concept of Bible study was to do a 15 minute devotional once a day and call myself caught up. This is really nothing more than Bible reading. While good—and reading does give us something to think about, to meditate upon—Bible reading is not the equivalent of Bible study.
A Bible passage means what it says, and we cannot just read it and let it mean whatever we think up. God’s Word is truth, and it takes study to be certain we have reached the truth of a passage. It takes study to be certain we have come to a true understanding of the passage. Jesus was very clear on what his disciple’s lives would be like in terms of their relation to the Word. In John 8:31-32 He said, “If you abide in My word, then you truly are disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
One of the neatest little verses in Scripture about God’s Word is Psalm 119:130. “The unfolding of Thy words gives light. It gives understanding to the simple.”
You don’t need a seminary degree to study the Word. Later this week, I’ll post some online resources, and lead you through a simple little Bible study using only resources available at BibleGateway.com.
For now, let’s look at another verse, Proverbs 6:22: “When you walk about, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk to you.”
In context, this is a Proverb of Godly wisdom and teaching from a parent to a child. Certainly, these are commandments and teaching consistent with the Scripture, so let’s look at this verse and ask ourselves, “What can the Bible do for me?”
First, the truth of God’s Word will give us direction. The word “guide” has the idea of putting us on the right path. How does the truth of the Scripture do this? It will direct us away from sin and troubles, such as warning us about the things we say (Eph. 4:29), or the things we think (Phil. 4:8), or the way we conduct our relationships (Eph. 5 & 6). The Word will also direct through difficulties, such as in leading us to confession and repentance (1 John 1:9) or hope for tomorrow (2 Cor. 4:17). It will also direct us toward the best things in life, an abundant, Spirit-filled life described throughout the pages of the Word.
Second, the truth of God’s Word will give us confidence and security. How can this be? What is the evidence? Well, how about the fact that God will never leave us alone (Ps. 139:7). The fact that God always knows what’s going on in our lives (Ps. 147:5). The fact that God not only knows our needs but has promised to provide them (Phil. 4:19). The fact that, because we have put our faith in Jesus, we now have access to God (Eph. 3:12; 1 John 5:14). The fact that we can know God is still active in our lives even when things don’t work out the way we thought they should (Rom. 8:28; Phil. 2:13).
Third, the truth of God’s Word gives us instructions on how things truly are. Are you burdened with guilt? You can receive forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Are you wondering if God will let you into heaven? The Bible is clear on who will and will not be allowed into heaven (John 14:6). What happens when we die? Scripture is clear on the fate of believers (2 Cor. 5:6). What is God’s will for your life? For starters read 2 Thess 5:18 and Romans chapter 8.
There’s a quote that rotates through the blog here once in a while: “God’s Word is like an egg, you have to crack it open to get anything out of it.” The Bible gives direction, but only to those who understand the direction it teaches and then are dedicated to follow that course. The Bible gives security and confidence, but only to those who through their study understand that they must obey God’s Word. The Bible give instruction, but only to those who will study it with an open heart t be taught be it.
For everyone else, it makes a nice decorative piece on the endtable.
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