We typically hear complaints from children about doing any sort of work such as, “do I have to mow the lawn?” or “do I have to say hi to that person?” and so on. This will continue to go on, often transferring into other more serious matters, until the parents put their foot down. The good news is, if the child is promptly and consistently corrected, they usually shape up. That’s the beauty of children, they can be shaped and formed, bent as a young sapling to grow and continue in the right direction, until their training takes root and becomes a part of who they are. And hopefully, as they grow older, they stand firm upon the foundation and good training given to them by their loving parents. This is as it should be and it is quite a responsibility to undertake as parents (Prov.22:6).
However, when it comes to the family of God and doing our lessons for Bible class, or just daily study in general, the adults are commonly the ones we have the most trouble with. A question may be uttered among adults, much like small children, “Do I really have to study my Bible lesson?” Hopefully this is not the case where you attend, but it seems to be quite the rule rather than the exception in a fair number of congregations of the Lord’s people. We all understand this is not as it should be, but sadly it is the case. The tragedy is not only does it affect the older Christian, who should know and do better, but it trickles down to the young. Then, with time, we have a “generation who knows not God…” (Jgs.2:10) because the child begins to rationalize, “If mom and dad don’t care to study God’s Word then why should I?” If the adults would act like adults, be parents, and be a proper example to the young of what the Christian life is about then perhaps we wouldn’t have such a problem with our members in their later years. Are the children absolved of any responsibility? No, but the fact that proper Bible study habits start in the home is inescapable. The fact is we all have a responsibility to study, from the youngest child to the oldest adult. God’s word is precious and we must handle it properly (and teach our children how to as well); and not just to get a lesson together once or twice a week.
“Be diligent [“study” (KJV)] to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2Tim.2:15 NKJV)
We read this verse and we nod our heads saying, “That’s right! We must study and know what God’s word has to say so we can follow it and teach others! Study, study, study! We have to be people of the Book!” And then sadly we, as James says, “walk away and immediately forget what manner of men” we are (Jms.1:22-24). James says later in chapter 4:17, following the context of boasting in that which we do not know, says “he who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” What is James saying? We boast in what we do not know and then we do not act on what we do know. Seems backwards doesn’t it? Especially for those who wear the name of Christian. But we are fallible people and just as the problem was necessary to address in the first century church, so it is today as well.
Knowing these passages and believing in the truth of them, why then do so many of our brethren, and yes, even ourselves, neglect to study the word of God on such a regular basis? Is it a lack of sincerity or conviction? Do we not fully believe in His inspired word? Do we think the Lord will let us slide on this command? Have we grown indifferent? There are so many well-meaning Christians, whom I believe truly do love the Lord with all they have, yet as happens to many of us, other things get in the way of that which we know to do that is right (Rom.7:13-25). This does not in any way rationalize or somehow make the situation right, but it does at least identify that we all have this tendency and we must be watchful and vigilant against it. We also understand that there are many who are abiding in the doctrine of Christ, who are truly being diligent and studying His Word as they should, and who are living righteously; let’s make sure we can all be identified as one of those individuals and, if we happen to be one of those, that we keep pressing on and holding to the old paths (Jer.6:16).
Studying the Word is as much a part of being a Christian as the baptism that put us into Christ. How often have we walked into a Bible class with no clue of what is being studied or discussed? Oh sure, we have the book and if it has blanks we may have filled them in, perhaps just minutes before walking in, but do we really even have an idea what is going on in class? Does the teacher?
Think through this [extreme] hypothetical scenario: You’re teaching a class, secular or religious, where not one person has read their assignment nor are they familiar with the topic being discussed. However, almost miraculously, these same individuals who have made no preparation whatsoever, nor have even cracked the book/chapter for the class, have multiple “points” to make, as if they have studied the matter in depth. Some of those points may even be valid and perceptive, yet not as a result of studying the current topic but rather based on prior knowledge from past studies. The rambling that might ensue encourages others, who also have not studied, to lend their wisdom, doubts, and concerns to the mix. Now the class has traveled so far down the rabbit hole that the topic that was intended to be discussed now has been all but forgotten.
How do you think you as a teacher would respond to this? Frustrated…discouraged…concerned? Why would those be your emotions in response to what has happened? Because you are there, as a teacher, to help assist them in their understanding of the topic which you assume everyone present has had the privilege of delving deeper into as you have. You’re excited about what you are to discuss and are ready for the text to be brought to the forefront for investigation. After all, your duty as a teacher of any subject is to guide, explain, untangle the web, and make clear what is in front of the students. However, when the students are unprepared the teacher could tell them most anything and they would never know the difference and would almost certainly accept whatever is said. What a tragedy this is! This is dangerous, this is irresponsible, and this is shameful on the part of those who are students.
Now, let’s hope this doesn’t happen among God’s people. In fact, our example from scripture is exactly the opposite of what we just described. In Acts 17:11 the Bereans searched the scriptures daily to be sure that what was said, by a man inspired by the Holy Spirit, was so. They checked out the man who was inspired by God! Certainly, if they are noted as being “more noble” for doing this, we of all people should do the same in our own classes and with whoever stands before us to speak God’s Word. This would require that we study and know our lessons; not just for the reason of error-checking, but with the intent to let truth ring out clear and in order to change our own lives in accordance with that beautiful truth of God’s Word.
How disrespectful it is for God’s people to neglect studying God’s Word when going into a Bible class, or when going out to face this world. To clarify, it is a whole other matter entirely when you are teaching a non-believer. In those cases the text is new to them or they perhaps have not ever read it without man’s creeds or various denominational ideas. You are studying with them with the intent to learn the text, explain God’s truth to them, and for these individuals it is fresh and new and they often want to look over it together. But among Christians, to enter a Bible class at the congregation and hardly have opened the word of God previous to the class, it is downright disrespectful to God. We as members of the Lord’s body should be ashamed if this describes us! Christians have a duty to study God’s word, discuss it, and share it with others. We have a duty to grow as God’s children and to help each other along in that effort. Studying God’s Word in Bible class is not something we do to fill time; nor should that time be made into play time or comedy hour. Having Bible study with the congregation should be just that, a study of the Bible. Brethren, in some places the whole congregation could be sued for false advertising based upon what they claim to be doing, “Bible study”, and what they are actually engaging in, “prolonged willful ignorance”!
It is an obligation we all have to stretch ourselves in service to God and gain a better understanding of what His word says to us, most places have it so set up that the congregation may meet and have Bible study. If that is the case where we attend, we have an obligation to be there and to be prepared to open God’s word and study with our brethren. Why would we not avail ourselves of this privilege and opportunity?
Is it a sin to not study God’s Word? Absolutely it is! Our love for God should motivate us to learn all we can about how we can be more pleasing to Him, what He requires of us as His servants, how to better reflect His Son in our lives, and an endless list of other reasons. The fact that God has loved His creation enough to have given His Word in written form, established for all time, should stir within us an appreciation and an overwhelming desire to return that love unto Him with all that we have by learning what His Word says…and then being obedient to it.
To conclude, let’s consider what God has said about properly handling the wisdom He has imparted:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Prov.1:7)
By inference, where is the origin of wisdom and instruction? With God, found in His Word. What does the Lord call those who regard as unworthy of one’s interest or concern, or “disregard”, His wisdom and instruction? Fools! I do not know of anyone who desires to be identified by God, or by anyone else, as a fool. So let’s break free of the practice of disregarding God’s Word by refusing to study. Let’s love God properly and fear Him as we should; let this love and fear motivate us to study accordingly and increase in wisdom before Him. This same Word that offers us the way unto salvation is the same Word that will judge us when our time here is up. May our attitude and practice be more like David’s with each day God grants us: “O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day!” (Psalm 119:97-ff) – Matt Adams
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