Attitude Of Bible Study
We All Need It.
ATTITUDE OF BIBLE STUDY
We need to develop a more noble character by taking time to examine the Scriptures to see if what we are hearing and being taught is true.
Does this statement sound like it comes from someone who is full of doubt and lacks faith? Or does this statement seem to have a sense of disputing with a teacher or preacher? Or maybe even the statement seems to show a lack of respect for the one who is doing the teaching? The answer to each of these questions should be—NO.
Searching and examining the Scriptures should not be meant to show doubt or a lack of faith on the part of the Bible student. Looking at what the Bible says about a certain topic does not need to show any lack of respect for the teacher nor does checking to see what the Bible says in other places or situations about the same or related topic mean the Bible student had a personal dispute with the teacher. It also would not mean the searcher does not love the teacher.
Do we need a Bible verse for a reference or proof of this statement? How about the following verse?
"Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." (Acts 17:11)
We are flooded with some 1900 years of contorted views of Christianity and its diversity of thoughts, ideas, and teaching. Not everything that has been taught in the area of Christianity is what Jesus and the inspired Bible writers really meant it to mean when they wrote it.
I believe even well-intentioned people (as well as evil men) helped change the meaning of God's Word. God's word is always true but what we say it means is not always true. One little change has brought on one, then another, then another. What we see in the Christian world today is not what Jesus really wanted us to see. We need to keep studying so that we don't let another "little change" creep into the Christianity of our lives. We need to "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." (II Tim. 2:15)
Started in1990 (Edited 12/12/91, 1/21/95)
Larry E. Whittington
Find other pieces at: larryewhittington.substack.com/
I address this issue in my own blog in a couple months. We need only look at the examples of Jim Jones or David Koresh to see what happened to people who failed to study the scriptures to see that these leaders were using fragments of the Bible to lead them to a horrible death. More subtly, many past and current leaders are taking their followers to the pit of hell ... and those who follow have failed to look and evaluate the statements and philosophies against the truth of the Bible. We all get to answer for ourselves at the throne of God one day, therefore it is critical that we all study for our final exam ... and live in obedience to the truths found in His word. Good word today, Larry!
Good thoughts. A good teacher will encourage his or her students to not take their word for it, but to examine the scriptures carefully themselves.