Studying the Bible

I read the entire Bible before turning thirteen years old. However, I understood very little of it because my motivations consisted of earning a Royal Ranger badge, feeling good about checking it off a list, and avoiding guilt if I did not read it every day. The church also pushed the idea that reading anything in the Bible bears fruit because God's word will not return void (Isaiah 55:11, NKJV), reinforcing my apathy toward understanding the content. Thus, it was not until my adulthood that I understood the value in studying the Bible rather than reading it.

Ezra committed to obediently study the Bible: "For Ezra had firmly resolved to study the Law of the Lord and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel" (Ezra 7:10, NASB). This dedication to honor and preserve God's commands is believed to have led to the forming of synagogues. Among other purposes, the synagogue served as the center of religious and educational life for Jews. Like churches, synagogues consisted of a building, a body of elders, and a head official (likely voted in). Worship and teaching were also routine. Unlike many of our churches, the synagogues were places where theological concerns were addressed. The knowledge of the scholars was considered to be the authority by which the community would adhere to. Neither sacrifices nor altars existed, but the sacred scrolls were required. It was in the synagogues "in all of Galilee" that we read of Jesus teaching the gospel (Matt 4:23, NASB).

Although Jesus teaches more about faith than any other topic, extensive knowledge of the Scriptures are presented as essential to having a reasonable faith in the one true God. Paul instructs believers that both "unity of the faith and the knowledge of the son of man" lead to fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13).

But can one be saved without pursuing knowledge that leads to fullness in Christ? Quite probable; however, that lack of fullness will have consequences for, not only the believer, but possibly for others as well. For instance, King David stands out as a righteous man of God (cf. 1 Samuel 13:14; 1 Kings 11:4, 6), but had he studied and kept the Law, as was required by Deuteronomy 17:18-20, then he may not have sinned against Bathsheba and Uriah. For each king of Israel was required to write their own copy of the Law and observe it daily. David may have been one of Israel's best kings, but his failure to observe all of God's commands led to his own sin and possibly contributed to the sin of his descendants.

Likewise, if believers are slack in their pursuance of biblical learning, they allow a blockade to form against the fullness of Christ in their lives. It is not enough in the spiritual journey of a Christian to "read a chapter a day to keep the devil away." True Christians ceaselessly pursue understanding the nature of the God they claim to adore, just as they might a dearly betrothed.

Paul confirmed the necessity of studying when he wrote, "Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the Saints . . . we . . . have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding" (Colossians 1:4, 9, NASB). In this instance, faith and love were not the limit of Paul's hope for the the Colossians. Rather, since hearing about their faith and love, he prayed continually for their knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. Further confirmation of the need for studying Scriptures can be found by the favorable mention given to the Bereans (Acts 17:11).

Hopefully, we will encourage the believers that we influence to pursue Christ wholeheartedly with minds as well as hearts. Let us not be content that they believe in Jesus regardless of their understanding. Aid in strengthening their understanding so that their faith will become reasonable and their defense more reliable.

11 May 2019