Some people dig into Scripture voraciously. They are finding the definitions of words and looking at the Greek text and the Hebrew text that the original authors wrote. They are chasing down every footnote. They are learning to recognize patterns and they are gaining a sense of how specific biblical authors wrote.
Other people don’t get into the deep Bible study. They just are always reading the Word searching for encouragement for themselves and encouragement that they can remember to share with others who are in need of a good word. They memorize the messages of scripture and oftentimes don’t even recall where it says that in the Bible, they just know it’s in there.
Other people trust their pastor, Sunday School teacher, Bible study or small group leader to read the Bible to them. They get however many verses their leaders read to them and they assume that those verses are the important ones, and they live their life with that knowledge of what God has spoken.
Paul wrote about scripture in 2nd Timothy 3:16-17. He said, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
That is probably the best verse that speaks directly to the value and purpose of scripture. We learn from reading about Jesus, even as a boy, he was curious and knowledgeable about the scriptures, so much so that the elders that he spoke with were greatly impressed by Him. Jesus’ speaking also makes it clear that He knew the scriptures and was able to quote them as well as speak about them and dig into their deeper meanings.
There is no better way to grow in your knowledge of God than to read his Holy Word!
I want to give a word of assurance to those of you who feel incapable of digging into the Bible. Some of you just don’t have interest in word history and learning old languages to find some secrets. That’s okay.
As layered and deep as the Bible can be, the Gospel message is very simple; Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose to live again. If you grow to understand, believe, and accept that single statement you have the key to unlock an eternity in paradise with God!
Deep Bible study is good. It unlocks nuances in Scripture that give us a depth of understanding of God as well as a depth of blessing at times as we embrace the hidden meanings and emphases that the Bible holds.
The prophet Jeremiah wrote in his book (Jeremiah 15:16) “When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, LORD God Almighty.”
When Jesus was tempted by the devil he quoted Deuteronomy 8:3 which says, “Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”
God’s Word is an endless fount of riches and blessing for Christians. Don’t let it be a frightening, daunting, mountain of information and mysteries that hinder your faith. Trust the simple truth of the Gospel, and then as you spiritually mature learn to feast at the table of the Lord!
Jeremy Alger is the pastor of the New Cumberland Church of the Nazarene. For more information please visit www.newcumberlandnazarene.com