| All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness: so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.|
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Bible Study Tip: Do Not Be Afraid of the Word of God!
We live in a day when there is no shortage of information. We can order books online, and it arrives in our mailbox within a matter of days. Our computers and phones sit right beside us, ready to download books onto our Kindles. Within seconds we can begin reading.
There are more blogs than we can count that give advice and “How To” on everything. You and I can google to receive any information we desire. These devices are not harmful in themselves, but they are sometimes used because some of us are afraid of the word of God.
What a great advantage we have over other generations! Or is it an advantage? Yes, in many ways, it is. But like most things that “make our lives easier, “there is always a cost to pay.
We can buy into the lie; everyone else has a secret line to understanding the Scriptures.
If we are believers we are equipped with what we need to
- Read
- Study
- and understand the Bible
This is the subject I would like to discuss in our first article in this series: Tips to Help You Study the Bible.
Be Afraid of Other Books!
This post does not encourage you to stop reading books on the Scriptures or pulling up a commentary on your computer to get a little help. It is, however, a post to encourage you “NOT TO BE AFRAID OF THE WORD OF GOD!”
I do not want you to be afraid of the Word of God. Quite the opposite. I want you to be fearful of other books if you are not “FIRST” immersing yourself in the Word of God.
It is a very dangerous practice to always take someone else’s word for the meaning and understanding of Scripture. How do you know if what they are telling you is correct unless you know it yourself?
God’s Word Protects us From Error
We have it backward. Somehow we think that going to someone else or reading what they believe about a particular verse or passage will protect us from error. It is good to discuss and talk about the scriptures with others. Sometimes we can be in error and lack understanding. Wise counsel is good. But books nor others should be our crutch. The truth is God’s Word is what protects you and me from error! It is all we have that is complete without error!
Our Bibles Should Be the Most Read Book We own!
It should be the first book we grab for finding wisdom, understanding, and guidance. The Word of God, our Bible, is just that, The Word of God. Breathed out and inspired by Him.
God tells us through the Apostle Paul that His words are useful, profitable, to teach you and me (2 Timothy 3:16-17), what we need to know for life and godliness. 2 Peter 1:3.
“Holy Scripture is the highest authority for every believer, the standard of faith and the foundation for reform.” John Wycliffe
You and I can gain some understanding from the writings of other men and women. But the Holy Scripture is and will forever be our Highest authority!
Do not be afraid nor intimidated to pick it up and consume it! God’s Holy Word should be a joy to read and study. Look at the words of the prophet Jeremiah:
” Your words were found and I ate them, and your Words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16
Called By His Name
We forget “Who” really called us. Why is that? One reason we are human, not giving and out here, but we are still in the flesh and we get carried away by the wiles of the devil more than we realize.
I love this verse in 2 Peter 1:12. Peter says, “Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you.”
Peter is always ready to remind the church of the truths of the gospel. He urges each member to be diligent in making certain God’s calling and choosing. ( 2 Peter 1:10)
If you are a child of God, He chose you and called you! He who began the good work in you will carry it on to completion. ( Philippians 1:6) He who promised is faithful. ( 1 Corinthians 1:9)
What a joy and delight, to know and understand, He is faithful! We can and should trust God above all else.
Empowered to Know and Understand
We forget, the One Who called, also empowers the believer to know and understand who He is and the Truths of His Word. Jesus speaking to the disciples in (John 14:16-17) says, “I will ask the Father and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know him, but you know Him because He abides in you and will be in you.”
We have the Helper, the Spirit of Truth abiding in us! The Father sent the Helper, the Holy Spirit, to teach us all things. ( John 14:26) He puts His law into us and writes it on our hearts. (Jeremiah 31:33)
His children have an anointing from the Holy Spirit which abides in us and no longer do we need anyone to teach us, His anointing teaches you and I. (1 John 2:20) (1 John 2:27)
Lies the Enemy Whispers
Peter’s always ready to remind the church about the gospel truth. Why? Because he knows that we have an enemy, the devil, who prowls around looking for those whom he may devour. (1 Peter 1:8) There are so many things that vie for our attention. Some good. Some not so good.
You and I need to be feeding on, longing for, the pure milk of the word. (1 Peter 2:2) There is no room for fear nor any excuse for not reading and studying His word for ourselves.
We’re blinded by the same crafty lie used to put doubt into the mind of Eve. This doubt pulled her away from God who created and promised to protect and provide for her. The same words that the serpent spoke to Eve, “Indeed, has God said,” (Genesis 3:1) are the same words he uses to entice you and me today.
Study to Show Yourself Approved
Be diligent to present yourself approved unto God. (2 Timothy 2:16) This verse applies to each individual member of the body of Christ. When you and I stand before our Holy God we will not be able to point fingers or stand on the foundation of someone else’s faith. Now that should make us afraid not to read and study the word of God.
Do the hard work of study. Yes, I said hard work because it is. However, It is not cumbersome work. Remember Jesus said His yoke is easy and His burden is light. (Matthew 11:28) The more you and I are in the Word of God it will become to us a joy and a delight. (Jeremiah 15:16)
And remember, God empowers the believer with what he or she needs to know, understand, and apply the truths of His word.
A Word of Encouragement
I, too, have been afraid of the word of God. I went to other resources and Bible teachers, desperately wanting to know God and the Truths of His Word. And because I did not FIRST immerse myself in God’s Word, I went off the path of understanding. Not a good place to be! If you find yourself in this place today, be of good cheer. Today is the day! Put your trust and hope in the One Who faithfully guides, directs, and teaches you! Run to Him on your knees and immerse yourself in His Word!
It is definitely a temptation to turn to others first about everything. Sometimes we feel alone and forget we are NEVER alone because He is always present.
Hi,Dayna!!! It is a temptation to turn to others first! Thankful God has given us wise women and men to help in our time of need! Even more thankful He is always there!!!