Tuesday, November 1, 2022

 Diligence to Learn God’s Word


Anita Clark – Pastor 
Grace Chapel, Carbondale, Kansas



“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be  ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” II Timothy 2:15.


The Word “study” in this verse of the Bible means “to be diligent; use speed; make effort; or be prompt or be earnest.”  It is very important to desire to learn the Word of God.  


Apostle Paul’s epistles are the most important part of the Word to learn and study.  He wrote fourteen books of the New Testament.  He is declared by God’s Word to be the Apostle of the Gentiles (all others except Jews). However, Paul said that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” II Timothy 3:16-17.


The Word of God is our Spiritual food.  If we are to grow up in the Lord in all things, we must take in the Word.  Romans 10:8, 14-15 says, “How shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed?  How shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?  And how shall they hear without a preacher?  And how shall they preach, except they be sent?”  Also, Paul says “...it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (I Cor. 1:21).  This is one way the student of the Word learns, through the teaching and preaching of God’s Word in the God directed meetings of the church.


Studying the Word is more than reading it.  In studying, one looks at each phrase, each word, and even looks up references- other Scriptures to help to expand the meaning, and for better understanding.  It is important to let the Holy Spirit teach us by expanding our viewpoint of whatever portion of the Word we are studying. 


I Cor. 2:10-13 impresses upon us the importance of the revelation and teaching by the Holy Spirit, “Bur God has revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yea the deep things of God.  For what man knows the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knows no man, but by the Spirit of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches, comparing Spiritual things with Spiritual.”


There is power in the Word of God which actually changes a life.  It brings in the light to our souls.  It shows us the way to walk pleasing to God.  It brings Spiritual growth into our lives. 

 

Eph. 4:12-15 says that God gave different ministries to lead and teach the believers more depth of the Word of God. Verse 12 states, “For the perfecting of the saints. For the work of the ministry, for the edification of the body of Christ.” It tells us that God wants us to grow past babyhood, where we are unstable and are easily “tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine.” 


Verse 13 says, “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” 


This is the only way we will learn to follow the true teachings of God (or doctrine) is to study and learn what that doctrine really is.  This is called “being established in the Lord.” The Lord wants us to be an adult Christian, who follows the Lord, and is an example to others.


If you are young in the Lord and don’t understand how to study and want further explanation, feel free to ask an older Christian for help. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” Eph. 6:10