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.”