Studying The Word Of God

For most of us studying is work, whether it's in high school, college, or beyond. We put it off, we dread it, and then when it can be put off no longer we do it as fast as we can in the least painful manner possible. Most of us would readily admit that this isn't the best way for us to study, but we are willing to live with it because many times the material just isn't that important to us.

2 Timothy 2:15 says, "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth." This is different isn't it? Now God is calling on us to study and to do so in such a way as to master the material. Just as our parents instructed us to look both ways before we cross the street, God gives us instruction not for the sake of burdening us, but for our protection.

In Philippians 2:12 Paul says, "So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling." Paul was encouraging the Philippians to take responsibility for their own souls. It is comfortable to look to those who have gone before us and to follow their lead. It is not only comfortable, it is right in the case of our elders (1 Pet. 5:5) and our parents (Eph. 6:1-3). However, as we grow there will come a day when we will be the parents and elders. Will we be ready?

When we set ourselves to the task of making God's Word a part of us we follow a multitude of great Biblical examples. As mentioned before Paul told Timothy to study to show himself "approved." The Bereans were called "noble-minded" (Acts 17:11) because they dedicated themselves to knowing the Will of God. Lastly we know that God's Word was an integral part of Jesus' life from a very early age. In Luke 2:46 we find the Lord, ". . . sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them, and asking them questions." Beyond this, one could note the regularity with which Jesus responded to His detractors with scripture.

The most motivating reason of all for immersing ourselves in God's Word doesn't lie in the past (our Biblical examples) or in the future (becoming elders and parents ourselves), but rather in the present. In "churches" all over America homosexuality is being embraced, women are taking to the pulpits, and unscriptural divorce and remarriage has ceased to be an issue. These practices are clearly unscriptural, but without a good understanding of God's Word on these subjects one can't denounce them. Further, without a good grasp of God's Word one may be tricked into accepting them.

With every generation new heresies must be battled, false doctrines quelled, and the truth taught. In these battles we have only one offensive weapon and that is, ". . .the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Eph. 6:17). To be sure there are going to be some books that we skim at best or dig out of the trunk on the day of the test. Let's just make sure that the Bible isn't one of those books. Because we are living the test, and we never know when the final may come. Let's be ready.