Studying the Bible
I had a buddy ask me recently about how I study the Bible. As I shared with him, it made me reflect and think of how the way and the why I study has changed tremendously!
I was raised in church, but it wasn’t till I was about 17 years old that I truly made the decision that I was going to follow Christ. Not for my parents, or anyone else but I truly made the decision that I wanted to live my life for God and He revealed to me that He wanted to have a relationship with me.
This began my journey into God’s Word. I wanted to know God so bad I devoured the Bible. I mean I read through the whole thing a few times, I listened to tapes, and I read books out the wazoo. I could quote scripture better than many twice my age. I could tell you where to find almost anything in the Bible. I am not exaggerating.
You might think that is incredible. Looking back it was. I had incredible knowledge beyond my years, but that knowledge didn’t bring the spiritual transformation and maturity I so greatly lacked. The knowledge led to spiritual pride. I thought I knew it all. I thought I knew what I needed. What I really needed was a good, swift kick in my toosh! It took many years of humbling situations to bring me to the point that I am at now. I thought I needed to be fed. What I really needed was someone to say “I can see that God has His hand on you. Let me help show you the path. It won’t be easy. You might not like everything I have to say, but I will do everything I can to help.” and be willing to listen (Something I wouldn’t have been willing to do years ago)
My study used to be what I could learn from the Bible. It has become more of a “what is God saying to me through these scriptures?” My Bible learning has become more of a part of my relationship with Him, rather than another opportunity to gain more knowledge. It has taken time and experiences to get the Word that I had in my brain to get to my heart. I actually took a break from the Bible to work on my relationship with God. (I don’t recommend this for everyone) I knew what the Bible said about Him but I didn’t know Him like I really wanted to. Each new day I understand more and less about Him.
As I have gotten older, I realize the things that I thought were important are not so important anymore. I used to argue doctrine and scripture. I don’t have the time or energy to fight with folks about it. It’s a waste of the precious time we have to minister to the gospel to those who will hear it. If you don’t like what I say or want to argue don’t bother. People are going to hell while Christians waste time fighting about the stupidest crap I have ever heard. You want to argue about the rapture? I could care less. I am here, right now, with a comission to reach those whom He has called me to reach with the gospel. You can take your petty arguments and put em where the sun don’t shine!
Let’s all start our Bible study with “Love the Lord with all your heart, mind, and strength” and “Love your neighbor as yourself” . When we have that down, maybe we are ready to learn the “deeper” things of God. I don’t know about you but I am still working on those those two.
Kevin
