Studying The Bible
We typically hear complaints from children about doing any number of things such as, “Do I have to mow the lawn?" or "Do I have to do my chores?" or "Do I have to go to bed now?" and so on. This will continue to go on, often transferring into other more serious matters, until the parents put their foot down. The good news is, if the child is promptly and consistently corrected, they usually shape up and with time may even grow out of this (given the proper motivation). That’s the beauty of children, they can be shaped and formed, bent as a young sapling to grow and continue in the right direction, until their training takes root and becomes a part of who they are. And hopefully, as they grow older, they stand firm upon the foundation and good training given to them by their loving parents and they learn to appreciate the wonderful raising that they had. This is as it should be and it is quite a responsibility to undertake as parents; to those who are raising children in the Lord, thank you so much for your diligent efforts to undertake this incredibly important task in the Lord, keep it up (Prov.22:6).
Childish Spiritual Behavior
However, when it comes to the family of God -each of us being His children- and the task of doing our lessons for Bible class, daily study in general, or carrying the word of God to another person; the adults are commonly the ones we have the most trouble with, isn't that true? Think about it for a minute and apply this to yourself. A question may be uttered -though not audibly, but in practice- among adults, much like small children, “Do I really have to study my Bible lesson; do my daily reading/study; carry the gospel to someone else; attend Bible study? Do I really have to?”
Hopefully this is not the case with you, but the fact remains that it is so easy to allow this mentality and practice to take place with us. This fact is precisely why we must be diligent "to present yourself approved unto God" in our study, our practice, our adherence to the word of God (2Tim.2:15). We all understand that failing to be diligent in this regard is to sin against God, and sadly this is sometimes the case with us.
Influence Of Older
The tragedy, yet also the very real reality, is that this tendency is not limited to the young. This tendency exists even among the older Christian, whether by age or maturity, who should know and do better. When we're told that the older must teach the younger, it would follow that one must study God's word in order that they may know how to instruct (Ti.2:1-8).
As a result of one generation failing to teach the next we will have, with time, a “generation who knows not God…” (Jgs.2:10). One reason may be because the child begins to rationalize, “If mom/dad; grandma/grandpa; uncle/aunt; old brother/sister so-and-so;etc don’t care to study God’s word then why should I?” While this is not right, I think we can see that it is at least an honest question and a contributing factor to why a generation knows not God, isn't it?
If we as adults would act like adults, be parents, and be a proper example to the young of what the Christian life is about then perhaps we wouldn’t have such a problem with our members in their later years or with the next generation being firm in their faith. Are the children absolved of any responsibility? No, they are 100% responsible for their own souls. However, the fact that proper Bible study habits start in the home is inescapable, and they should always be able to look up to the older members as an example of how to live godly and know their Bibles. The fact is we all have a responsibility to study, from the youngest child to the oldest adult. God’s word is precious and we must handle it properly (and teach our children how to as well); and not just to get a lesson together once or twice a week. We must, as older and mature Christians, be growing daily in our grasp of the scripture because 1) it's commanded and what God expects, 2) the next generations depend upon us, and 3) we need to do more in our service, not less (Heb.5:9-14; Jms.3:1).
Personal Reflection
If, Study of God's word = good; then, Failure to study God's word = sin
Knowing these passages and believing in the truth of them, why do so many of us neglect to study the word of God on such a regular basis?
I believe for most of us the answer is we just simply don't devote the time to God as we should because our resources are tied up in other things, not necessarily sinful, but just things that take our time away from what's most important. There are so many well-meaning Christians out there -perhaps you and I are one of them- who truly do love the Lord with all they have, yet as happens to many of us other things get in the way of that which they know to do that is right and neglect of God takes place (Rom.7:13-25). This does not in any way rationalize or somehow make the situation right, but it does at least identify that we all have this tendency and we must be watchful and vigilant against it. On the other hand, we also recognize there are many others out there who are abiding in the doctrine of Christ, who are truly being diligent and studying His Word as they should, and who are living righteously. The point is, let’s make sure we can all be identified as one of those latter individuals, that we keep pressing on, and hold to the old paths (Jer.6:16).
Personal/Congregational Application
Studying the word of God is as much a part of being a Christian as the baptism that put us into Christ. Have you or I ever walked into a Bible class with no clue of what is being studied or discussed? Oh sure, we may have the class book and if it has blanks we may have filled them in -perhaps in record time, just minutes before walking in the door- but do we really even have an idea what is going on in class? How about the teacher?
Let's look to our example in Acts 17:11.
The Bereans searched the scriptures daily to be sure that what was said by a man, inspired by the Holy Spirit, was so. They checked out the man who was inspired by God! Certainly, as they are noted as being “more noble” for doing this, we of all people should do the same in our own classes and with whomever stands before us to speak God’s Word. This would require that we study and know our lessons and, most importantly, know our Bibles; not just for the reason of error-checking, but with the intent to let truth ring out clear and in order to change our own lives in accordance with that beautiful truth of God’s Word. How are we doing with searching God's word, daily?
How disrespectful is it for God’s people to neglect studying God’s Word when going into a Bible class, fighting against sin in our personal lives, and when going out to face this world?
Among Christians, to enter a Bible class with the congregation - or a home-study - and hardly have opened the word of God previous to the class, it is downright disrespectful to God. We as members of the Lord’s body should be ashamed if this describes us! Christians have a duty to study God’s word, discuss it, and share it with others. We have a duty to grow as God’s children and to help each other along in that effort. Studying and investigating God’s word together in Bible class is not something we do to fill time; nor should that time be made into play time or comedy hour. Having Bible study with the congregation should be just that, a study of the Bible.
But, brethren, here's the harsh truth:
In some places the whole congregation could be sued for false advertising based upon what they claim to be doing, “Bible study”, and what they are actually engaging in, “prolonged willful ignorance” by virtue of their not studying or caring to stay true to the text. This is a sad state of affairs and it must be remedied if we are found guilty.
It is an obligation we all have to stretch ourselves in service to God and gain a better understanding of what His word says to us. Most congregations of God's people have it so set up that the congregation may meet and have Bible study, what a blessing this is. If that is the case where we attend, we have an obligation to be there and to be prepared to open God’s word and study with our brethren.
If you are one of those who contends that we don't "have" to go to Bible study with our brethren, then I must ask:
Is it a sin to not study God’s Word? Absolutely it is (2Tim.2:15; Jms.4:17; Lk.6:43-49)! Our love for God should motivate us to learn all we can about how we can be more pleasing to Him, what He requires of us as His servants, how to better reflect His Son in our lives, and an endless list of other reasons. The fact that God has loved His creation enough to have given His Word in written form, established for all time, should stir within us an appreciation and an overwhelming desire to return that love unto Him with all that we have by learning what His Word says...and then being obedient to it.
Conclusion
To conclude, let’s consider what God has said about properly handling the wisdom He has imparted:
What does the Lord call those who "regard as negligible, worthless, or distasteful" His wisdom and instruction? Fools.
I do not know of anyone who desires to be identified by God, or by anyone else, as a fool. So let’s break free of the practice of disregarding God’s Word by refusing to study and let's all do better if we're lacking in this area. Let’s love God properly and fear Him as we should; let this love and fear motivate us to study accordingly and increase in wisdom before Him and prepare ourselves to always be able to reason God's word with others. This same Word that offers us the way unto salvation is the same Word that will judge us when our time here is up.
So, do we "have to" study God's word, daily? You better believe it my friends. Let's truly be "people of the Book" and may our attitude and practice be more like David’s with each day God grants us:
Thanks for dropping in.
Childish Spiritual Behavior
However, when it comes to the family of God -each of us being His children- and the task of doing our lessons for Bible class, daily study in general, or carrying the word of God to another person; the adults are commonly the ones we have the most trouble with, isn't that true? Think about it for a minute and apply this to yourself. A question may be uttered -though not audibly, but in practice- among adults, much like small children, “Do I really have to study my Bible lesson; do my daily reading/study; carry the gospel to someone else; attend Bible study? Do I really have to?”
Hopefully this is not the case with you, but the fact remains that it is so easy to allow this mentality and practice to take place with us. This fact is precisely why we must be diligent "to present yourself approved unto God" in our study, our practice, our adherence to the word of God (2Tim.2:15). We all understand that failing to be diligent in this regard is to sin against God, and sadly this is sometimes the case with us.
Influence Of Older
The tragedy, yet also the very real reality, is that this tendency is not limited to the young. This tendency exists even among the older Christian, whether by age or maturity, who should know and do better. When we're told that the older must teach the younger, it would follow that one must study God's word in order that they may know how to instruct (Ti.2:1-8).
As a result of one generation failing to teach the next we will have, with time, a “generation who knows not God…” (Jgs.2:10). One reason may be because the child begins to rationalize, “If mom/dad; grandma/grandpa; uncle/aunt; old brother/sister so-and-so;etc don’t care to study God’s word then why should I?” While this is not right, I think we can see that it is at least an honest question and a contributing factor to why a generation knows not God, isn't it?
If we as adults would act like adults, be parents, and be a proper example to the young of what the Christian life is about then perhaps we wouldn’t have such a problem with our members in their later years or with the next generation being firm in their faith. Are the children absolved of any responsibility? No, they are 100% responsible for their own souls. However, the fact that proper Bible study habits start in the home is inescapable, and they should always be able to look up to the older members as an example of how to live godly and know their Bibles. The fact is we all have a responsibility to study, from the youngest child to the oldest adult. God’s word is precious and we must handle it properly (and teach our children how to as well); and not just to get a lesson together once or twice a week. We must, as older and mature Christians, be growing daily in our grasp of the scripture because 1) it's commanded and what God expects, 2) the next generations depend upon us, and 3) we need to do more in our service, not less (Heb.5:9-14; Jms.3:1).
Personal Reflection
“Be diligent [“study” (KJV)] to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2Tim.2:15 NKJV)How many of us read, even recite, this verse and nod our heads saying, “That’s right! We must study and know what God’s word has to say so we can follow it and teach others! Book, chapter, verse! Study, study, study! We have to be people of the Book!” And then sadly we, as James says, “walk away and immediately forget what manner of men” we are (Jms.1:22-24). James, following the context of boasting in that which we do not know, in chapter 4:17 says:
“...he who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”What, then, is James saying? We boast in what we do not know and then we do not act on what we do know. Seems backwards for us to do, doesn’t it? But we still are guilty of this at times, aren't we?! As those who have gone before us we, too, are fallible people; and just as the problem was necessary to address in the first century church, so it is today with each of us. Let's apply James 4:17 here:
If, Study of God's word = good; then, Failure to study God's word = sin
Knowing these passages and believing in the truth of them, why do so many of us neglect to study the word of God on such a regular basis?
- Is it a lack of sincerity or conviction?
- Do we not fully believe in His inspired word?
- Do we think the Lord will let us slide on this command?
- Have we grown indifferent?
- Or, perhaps, are we just "too busy" for God's commands?
I believe for most of us the answer is we just simply don't devote the time to God as we should because our resources are tied up in other things, not necessarily sinful, but just things that take our time away from what's most important. There are so many well-meaning Christians out there -perhaps you and I are one of them- who truly do love the Lord with all they have, yet as happens to many of us other things get in the way of that which they know to do that is right and neglect of God takes place (Rom.7:13-25). This does not in any way rationalize or somehow make the situation right, but it does at least identify that we all have this tendency and we must be watchful and vigilant against it. On the other hand, we also recognize there are many others out there who are abiding in the doctrine of Christ, who are truly being diligent and studying His Word as they should, and who are living righteously. The point is, let’s make sure we can all be identified as one of those latter individuals, that we keep pressing on, and hold to the old paths (Jer.6:16).
Personal/Congregational Application
Studying the word of God is as much a part of being a Christian as the baptism that put us into Christ. Have you or I ever walked into a Bible class with no clue of what is being studied or discussed? Oh sure, we may have the class book and if it has blanks we may have filled them in -perhaps in record time, just minutes before walking in the door- but do we really even have an idea what is going on in class? How about the teacher?
Let's look to our example in Acts 17:11.
The Bereans searched the scriptures daily to be sure that what was said by a man, inspired by the Holy Spirit, was so. They checked out the man who was inspired by God! Certainly, as they are noted as being “more noble” for doing this, we of all people should do the same in our own classes and with whomever stands before us to speak God’s Word. This would require that we study and know our lessons and, most importantly, know our Bibles; not just for the reason of error-checking, but with the intent to let truth ring out clear and in order to change our own lives in accordance with that beautiful truth of God’s Word. How are we doing with searching God's word, daily?
How disrespectful is it for God’s people to neglect studying God’s Word when going into a Bible class, fighting against sin in our personal lives, and when going out to face this world?
Among Christians, to enter a Bible class with the congregation - or a home-study - and hardly have opened the word of God previous to the class, it is downright disrespectful to God. We as members of the Lord’s body should be ashamed if this describes us! Christians have a duty to study God’s word, discuss it, and share it with others. We have a duty to grow as God’s children and to help each other along in that effort. Studying and investigating God’s word together in Bible class is not something we do to fill time; nor should that time be made into play time or comedy hour. Having Bible study with the congregation should be just that, a study of the Bible.
But, brethren, here's the harsh truth:
In some places the whole congregation could be sued for false advertising based upon what they claim to be doing, “Bible study”, and what they are actually engaging in, “prolonged willful ignorance” by virtue of their not studying or caring to stay true to the text. This is a sad state of affairs and it must be remedied if we are found guilty.
It is an obligation we all have to stretch ourselves in service to God and gain a better understanding of what His word says to us. Most congregations of God's people have it so set up that the congregation may meet and have Bible study, what a blessing this is. If that is the case where we attend, we have an obligation to be there and to be prepared to open God’s word and study with our brethren.
If you are one of those who contends that we don't "have" to go to Bible study with our brethren, then I must ask:
- Why would you not avail yourself of this privilege and opportunity to study the book which we are all accountable to obey, believe, and practice?
- What reason do you offer up as to why you do not take part in a study of God's word with your brethren?
- If Jesus or His apostles were there in person, would that change your perspective about congregational Bible study?
- Why not study with our brethren when we have God's complete revealed word from Jesus, the apostles, & others right in front of us? Is not God among us then, in written form for us all to study and understand better?
Is it a sin to not study God’s Word? Absolutely it is (2Tim.2:15; Jms.4:17; Lk.6:43-49)! Our love for God should motivate us to learn all we can about how we can be more pleasing to Him, what He requires of us as His servants, how to better reflect His Son in our lives, and an endless list of other reasons. The fact that God has loved His creation enough to have given His Word in written form, established for all time, should stir within us an appreciation and an overwhelming desire to return that love unto Him with all that we have by learning what His Word says...and then being obedient to it.
Conclusion
To conclude, let’s consider what God has said about properly handling the wisdom He has imparted:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Prov.1:7)By inference, where is the origin of wisdom and instruction? With God, found in His Word.
What does the Lord call those who "regard as negligible, worthless, or distasteful" His wisdom and instruction? Fools.
I do not know of anyone who desires to be identified by God, or by anyone else, as a fool. So let’s break free of the practice of disregarding God’s Word by refusing to study and let's all do better if we're lacking in this area. Let’s love God properly and fear Him as we should; let this love and fear motivate us to study accordingly and increase in wisdom before Him and prepare ourselves to always be able to reason God's word with others. This same Word that offers us the way unto salvation is the same Word that will judge us when our time here is up.
So, do we "have to" study God's word, daily? You better believe it my friends. Let's truly be "people of the Book" and may our attitude and practice be more like David’s with each day God grants us:
“O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day!” (Psalm 119:97)
Thanks for dropping in.
Comments
Post a Comment