A friend who is a reader of this blog called me on Thursday after reading what I had posted. He felt that I had overlooked a basic question: “Why study the Bible?” His argument was that many conservative Christians have made a sacrament of Bible reading, feeling that they are somehow inferior Christians if they aren’t reading daily… and these Christians often try to pass that guilt on to others.
Though we differed on the direction that his question was leading, I think my friend raised a good point. At times we take Bible study and make it sound like an obligation, a duty to be grudgingly performed. We need to find a way to present it as an opportunity, a chance to continue to grow and understand the Word of God.
Years ago, as part of his work with Herald of Truth, Glenn Owen wrote a book called “The Adventure of Bible Study.” It’s an excellent little book that I have kept in my library for years. I love the whole concept of Bible study as an adventure.
I love growing to see connections between different passages. I thrill at coming to see more and more the unified flow that goes through the entire Bible. I love as the Word becomes part of me and comes to have more and more influence on who I am and what I do.
In our phone conversation, my friend and I discussed other ways in which God reveals Himself to us. I am a strong believer in God speaking to us through different media, be it nature, be it other Christians, etc. But, as I told him, I am convinced that the Bible is the most objective of those voices, the standard by which I can interpret the truth and validity of other sources of “God talk.”
Paul spoke to Timothy of the holy writings that Timothy had known from his youth. Timothy’s mother and grandmother had raised him in a context of Scripture. Paul tells Timothy that those writings, what we know as the Old Testament, were the perfect guide for the Christian, able to make him “wise unto salvation.” He also said that these holy words, breathed on by God, would equip the godly man for everything he needed to do. (2 Timothy 3:14-17)
That’s how I want to know God’s Word. I want to know it so well that it not only helps me teach, but that it speaks to me for my daily life.
Why do you study the Bible?
Tim: It is my belief that this is the way God’s word comes to man. Thru his written word. Not thru our conscience, not thru thoughts, not thru the spirit we have.
God’s scripture does indeed come alive when we allow the words to speak to our mind.
It becomes alive and reaches us when we allow it to happen. So many who read the word do it out of duty. The bible gives us peace and tranquility, at least it does for me.
Only thru his word can we trust what is real. This is the peace that passes all understanding…….
Tim, as I alluded to a few days ago, I have come to see Bible study more as a journey than a destination. When I was younger, I was looking for answers, but now I am more interested in God giving me more questions that I need to pursue. I may or may not find a solid answer, but I am seeking, learning and growing…hopefully walking more so by faith than by my sight or understanding…Blessings, Don
Bible Study: To discipline my mind towards God and to prepare myself to introduce others to the wonders of this miraculous text.
Bible Reading: To participate in a conversational relationship with our father, who also happens to be the Maker of All Things and the Great Strengthener.