Entering The Door Of God's Truth
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesThe entrance to the door of God’s truth begins with a simple determination to “know” (cf. John 8:32). The time spent in searching the Scriptures (Acts 17:11), will refresh our spirit, enlarge our understanding, and enhance our spiritual development.
The righteous man delights in God’s law (Psalm 1:1-2). To him, Bible study is pleasurable rather than boring — milk and honey — not bitter medicine. The Bible provides us with the principles of life and happiness, and the spiritual vitamins necessary for a healthy, well-balanced Christian life.
To receive the greatest spiritual benefit from the Bible, allow me to make the following suggestions regarding the study of it:
1) Study the Bible sequentially for information — God’s word is unique because it has a beginning (Genesis 1:1) and an ending (Revelation 22:20-21). It deals with a sequence of events which are essential to an overall panorama of the course of Bible history. By neglecting the Old Testament, we do not receive a balanced knowledge of the whole Bible. Trying to comprehend the realities of the New Testament without having a background of the Old Testament, is like trying to see through glasses that are fogged up.
As Christians, we should strive to know the basic purpose of each book and its place in the sacred canon. It is extremely difficult to study and understand any of the Bible without some knowledge of the whole Bible.
2) Study the Bible doctrinally for stabilization — The liberal folks among us contend that doctrine is not important, but the faithful Christian understands that stability in the midst of a confused religious world necessitates a good doctrinal foundation. It is imperative that the Christian be able to state, hold and defend the truth committed to him (cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:4; Titus 1:1-3; 1 Timothy 6:20).
Every child of God should diligently study the doctrine and deity of Christ, the nature and mission of the Holy Spirit, the nature of man, the “sin” problem, the new birth, and the church — its nature, work, worship and organization. Such knowledge will anchor the Christian to the “rock of ages” while the “winds of doctrine” blow (Isaiah 26:4 YLT; Ephesians 4:14).
3) Study the Bible by dispensations for proper application — This procedure enables the Bible student to know “where” he is in the Bible, giving the “how” to apply God’s teaching to his life. For example, the principle of faith which calls for submission and obedience, is the same whether the subject is Abraham, Moses, or Paul.
However, the practice by which such faith is expressed, differs with dispensation or age. While God’s characteristics remain the same (Hebrews 13:8), His method of operation changes with the change of covenants (Hebrews 7:1-12; Hebrews 8:1-8).
A knowledge of the dispensations is necessary to distinguish between the law of Moses and the gospel; bondage and liberty; the Sabbath and the Lord’s Day. Much religious error and confusion exists because of the failure to “distinguish the things that differ” (Romans 2:18 KJV – marginal reading).
4) Study the Bible meditatively for inspiration — The art of meditation has almost been extinguished by our fast-moving mobile society. Most Bible study by preachers is designed to enable him to impart God’s truth to others. However, we need to spend some quiet moments along with the Bible for our own meditation and profit (Psalm 1:1-2; Psalm 119:1-7).
There is a tendency to allow Bible study to become so impersonal that we are left spiritually barren. Preaching and teaching is much more effective when it comes from a heart that has reflected and meditated to the point where his own spiritual needs are satisfied.
As an illustration, let’s look at the common cow. She feeds on the rich pasture to satisfy her own appetite. When she has eaten all she wants, she lies down contentedly, brings back what she has been feeding on, and chews the cud. As a result, the giving of rich milk comes from her satisfying her own need.
Similarly, as the Christian studies his Bible to refresh his own soul and to gratify his own spiritual appetite, he then meditates upon what he has read, enabling him to give to others the rich and “sincere milk of the word” that they may grow spiritually (1 Peter 2:2).
Conclusion:
It has been observed that there are two kinds of Bible students: Those who go “through the Book,“ and those who allow the Book to “go through them.” Brethren and friends, let us make and take the time for thorough Bible study (cf. 2 Timothy 2:15 ASV; Acts 17:11), never allowing worldly influences to keep us from the “unsearchable riches of Christ” (Ephesians 3:8).
As we enter the door of God’s truth — the Bible, let us “Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy.”
Related Articles:
- Entering God’s Classroom
- Understanding The Bible – Is It Possible?
- God’s Word — Always Fresh, Exiting, And Worth Repeating
- Placing Our Confidence In God’s Perfect, Proven Word
- Receiving God’s Word