Studying the Scriptures

Season 2 Episode 36 - If we are honest with ourselves, we must admit that there is a tendency in our times of Bible study to merely accumulating Bible knowledge, rather than continuing on to the real purpose:  to actually apply these biblical principles to our lives.  In this episode, I share some insights on how to avoid this pitfall.

"Reflect on This" is a once-weekly, short devotional podcast. In these devotionals, I share the things I am learning about the ways and nature of God, through applying my study of the Scriptures to life, in practical and fulfilling ways.
 
If you like the podcast, please tell your friends and family about it, and subscribe/follow it, because it helps others to find the podcast more easily.
 
Resources that inspired some episodes:

“Dream Small:  The Secret Power of the Ordinary Christian Life” by Seth Lewis

"The Language of Rivers and Stars" by Seth Lewis
 
 Seth Lewis blog:  https://sethlewis.ie/

"Restoration Year" (devotional book) by John Eldredge

35 Bible Verses About Listening To Others (Explained) - Bible Repository 

"Restoration Year: Devotions to Transform Your Relationships, Spirit, and Faith" by John Eldredge

"Boundaries" by Henry Cloud and John Townsend

"The Pleasure of His Company" by Dutch Sheets

"Fresh Air" by Chris Hodges

“The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts” by Gary Chapman

"The Lies We Believe: Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life" by Dr. Chris Thurman

Featured ministries and resources:
 
“Agape Puppets” (ministry)
This is an amazing world-wide ministry that uses puppet shows to reach children (and their parents) for Christ, in cultures that are generally not very open to the Gospel.  To learn more, go to: https://theagapepuppets.org/ 

"Manufacture Good" (ministry)
 Manufacture Good is a Christian ministry that offers paid apprenticeships to men who need a second chance.  These apprentices learn biblical principles, character, and valuable woodworking and metalworking skills which lead to employment opportunities.  You can shop their catalog of fine home and office products, order a standard or custom piece of furniture, make a donation, and learn more about this amazing ministry, at: https://manufacturegood.org/.

"The World and Everything in It" (podcast)
This is a weekday 35-minute podcast that presents headline news, in-depth news articles, media reviews, and opinion pieces from a Christian world view.  Their stated mission is "biblically objective journalism that informs, educates, and inspires."
 
“Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage” (podcast) 
This is a once a week 30-minute podcast hosted by Greg and Erin Smalley, who head up the marriage team at Focus on the Family.  Each episode addresses a different aspect of marriage, using biblical principles, featured guests, practical advice, and a mixture of humor and candidness.  
 
"e-Sword" (Bible study software)
This study tool includes many free (and low-cost) resources, including Bibles, dictionaries, commentaries, and devotionals.
On your computer, go to e-sword.net
On your mobile device, go to your app store and search for “e-sword.” 

Music credits:
Beauty by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/
Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all 

Transcript

As followers of Jesus, we know that we should read and study the Bible.  After all, it is our instructions for how to live, written by our Creator:

·         Hebrews 4:12: "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

o   Application:  This verse illustrates the power of God's Word to penetrate our hearts and minds, helping us discern truth and righteousness.

·         Psalm 119:105: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

o   Application:  This verse emphasizes how the Bible provides guidance and direction in our lives, illuminating our way.

·         Romans 15:4: "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."

o   Application:  This verse reminds us that the Bible serves as a source of hope and encouragement.

·         Psalm 119:11: "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."

o   Application:  Memorizing and internalizing Scripture helps us resist temptation and live according to God's will.

Yet, if we are honest with ourselves, we must admit that there is a tendency to stop at merely accumulating Bible knowledge, rather than moving to the real purpose:  to personally encounter Jesus, which leads to practical application of biblical principles to our lives.  

In Episode 11 of this season of the podcast, I shared a danger of accumulating biblical knowledge apart from virtue:  pride.  That episode can be summarized by this interpretation of 1 Corinthians 1:8:  “Knowledge puffs up [me], while love builds up [others].”  

In Episode 12, I shared another danger of accumulating biblical knowledge apart from virtue: allowing our spiritual knowledge to develop human rules and traditions which show an outward acknowledgement of God and His Word (an external form of righteousness), but which lack a heart-felt faith in God and His Word that actually changes how we think, act, and live.  We can become as Jesus warned: honoring Him with our lips, but our hearts are far from Him.  I also shared an embarrassing personal story of how I (sadly) did just that.  If you have not already done so, I encourage you to listen to Episodes 11 and 12 of this season.

I recently came across an excellent, thought-provoking article about studying the Scriptures by Bill Johnson that gives some insights on how to avoid these potential pitfalls.  Here are a few excerpts:

“To be sharp and effective in the way God designed it, His Word must lead us into encountering Jesus…  Truth is not really understood apart from engaging with the Person of Jesus Christ…  Much of church culture values concepts, thoughts, and principles to the point where no experience is required to match up with [the biblical thought, concepts, and principles that are] taught and depicted in the Word...  While these are worthy things, they do not renew the mind.  If I get understanding from the Word that does not lead me to a divine encounter, then all I have been equipped to be is more religious…  That’s why Paul waved a huge warning flag when telling us [in 1 Corinthians 1:8] that “knowledge puffs up.”  He didn’t say “carnal knowledge,” “deceptive knowledge,” or “religious knowledge.”  He said “knowledge” and he said this in the context of the revelation of Scripture.

“The believer who governs his Christian life through the unrenewed mind is the carnal Christian that the apostle Paul warned about (see Romans 8).  Study of Scripture that is carried out by the carnal mind can only lead us into religion – [which is] form without power.  It is what makes way for Ishmaels instead of Isaacs – children of the flesh rather than of the promise.

“For this reason, there really should be a warning label on your Bible:  “Careful:  Whatever you read in this book MUST take you to [Jesus], or you will become arrogant and blind.”  Any truth that does not do this becomes an obstacle to [us] receiving the grace needed to see the Word realized in our lives.”

Did you catch that?  Our study of the Scriptures must not be merely a knowledge-accumulating exercise.  It must lead us to spending time with Jesus, who is the revelation to us of the Father.  After all, Jesus said, “Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9).  And our time with Jesus must lead us to practical application of kingdom principles to our lives:

Romans 2:13 NIV  For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.

James 1:22 NIV  Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.  

So, will you join me in this prayer?  

O God, I am purposing that my time of studying the Bible will not be merely time spent accumulating knowledge, but will be time that leads me into Your very presence.  In those moments, will You help me to learn Your kingdom principles, and then apply them to my life?

Today, I encourage you to “Reflect on This.”