Doctrine & Disciplines of the Bible II
In the Doctrine & Disciplines of the Bible II series, we spent weeks 2-3 focusing on the practical tools of reading and studying the Scriptures. These tools can be used to guide us in our daily lives, helping us to better understand God’s Word and apply it to our daily lives. In earlier weeks of the course, we studied the Doctrine of the Word of God in order to lay a foundation for our understanding. Now, we can delve deeper into the practical aspects of these disciplines and learn how to apply them in a way that honors God.
As believers, it’s our responsibility to pass on the truths we’ve learned from God’s Word, regardless of whether we have the gift of teaching. That’s why it’s important to focus on “rightly handling the Word of truth” in this part of the study. We must understand the Scriptures and apply them correctly, as Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 2:15. The woman who lives in the Word and whose life is shaped and governed by the Word of Truth is the kind of “worker” God approves.
Prayer is a vital element of studying the Bible. We must seek God’s guidance in our study of the Bible to understand it properly. Several verses, including Deuteronomy 17:18-19, Psalm 119:18, John 5:39; 14:6, 9, 1 Corinthians 12:29, 1 Timothy 4:14, 2 Timothy 1:6; 2:15, Hebrews 1:3, and 2 Peter 1:3, emphasize the importance of prayer before studying the Scriptures.
We should develop a habit of reading God’s Word daily, just as Israel’s kings did. Christianity requires us to use our minds and think critically. Reading and studying the Bible daily will help us better understand and apply God’s Word in our lives. Bible reading and study are the means to develop spiritual maturity and godly wisdom, which is the ability to see life from God’s perspective and react or respond to it with His mind.
Spiritual growth begins with understanding, and it’s essential to know the Scriptures to grow in our faith. As Hebrews 5:11-14 points out, we need to ask ourselves if we have become “dull of hearing,” if our diet consists of spiritual milk or solid food, and if we are mature enough to discern the truth. Spiritual maturity comes from understanding and applying God’s Word to our lives, allowing us to walk in Him.
Ezra 7:6-10 presents Ezra as the ideal priest in Israel because of his faithfulness and expert knowledge of the Law of Moses. His knowledge was badly needed by those exiled for 70 years. This shows how important it is to have teachers who have studied the Word of God to guide us in our journey.
Reading, studying, and teaching the Bible within the community of God’s people, His church, can provide many benefits. We can better understand God’s Word and apply it in our lives to achieve spiritual growth and maturity. We can learn from others in the community and share our own insights.
In conclusion, to handle the Word of God rightly, we must seek God’s guidance through prayer, read and study the Bible daily, and develop spiritual maturity and godly wisdom. We also need teachers who have studied the Word of God to guide us in our journey. By doing these things, we can grow in our faith and honor God with our lives. The Bible is a powerful tool that can help us navigate life’s challenges with grace and wisdom, and by following these principles, we can gain a deeper understanding of its message and apply it to our daily lives.
All sources for this series are listed here:https://debbieswindell.wordpress.com/2019/05/30/excited-to-share/
Debbie Swindell 