Our pursuit of knowledge, as assigned by Peter, certainly includes knowledge of the Bible. This requires learning and understanding the inspired Scriptures. If we are to love God with our mind, we will love the study of his word (Matt. 22:37-38). How wonderful that God chose to reveal himself and his will (1 Cor. 2:11-13). The Bible is God-breathed, given to us by men who were prompted by the Spirit to write words of inspiration (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:20-21). God has carefully preserved his word for all time.
Learning God’s will through the Bible includes some very elementary steps, such as knowing the difference between the Old and New Testaments and learning the books of the Bible. But we must move on from the ABC’s. We must do our best, or make a studied effort to know and to do what God expects of us (2 Tim. 2:15). If we are to understand the Bible, we need to read it in a translation that uses modern-day language.
Our study must be approached with reverence, and with eagerness and an open mind (Acts 17:11). Christians emphasize study of the New Testament, God’s will for the Gospel age. We should learn the background of the Bible books and know the importance of context in our studies. Wonderful study tools are available to us; our church library is full of helpful works. Most importantly, we must prepare ourselves to humbly accept God’s word (James 1:19-21). It will challenge us and change us if we permit it to do so. We must learn it and live it (James 1:22-25, 4:17). Knowledge alone leads to pride; submission leads to salvation. Instead of saying, “I think God wants so and so,” we can live in confidence when our lives are based on fact and not opinion. Stay tuned…
To be a child of God is the greatest privilege we have, but we also have responsibility. May God bless us all as we work with his Spirit to develop the character the Father expects of his children. TC
