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"Your word is a lamp to my feet, a light to my path"
Psa.119.105
For a long time I was content to use my computer completely under the direction of our two sons. The manuals on the shelf and the instructions within the computer programs were virtually a `closed book' to me. I was quite happy to be `spoon fed' by two very willing and patient experts. But they wisely began to nudge me into learning for myself and now I am very grateful that they did. They are still available when I really need help. Meanwhile I explore and experiment.
Christians sometimes have the same attitude toward the Bible - the Word of God. It decorates a bookshelf - it's nice to follow the preacher when it's read in Church but personal discovery alone with God is not so readily tackled. They miss much. God's Word is a challenging book ‑ it challenges our behaviour and use of words, it challenges our thinking and attitudes. If we are aware that God is leading us by His Spirit in our study of His Word, we shall be changed. Our Father speaks to us in other ways, but the Word is our touchstone, and the 'other ways' can be checked for their truthfulness by a careful look at the Bible.
Why study the Bible? Is it not sufficient to just read it and accept it? As with any subject or discipline that we wish to understand clearly, it's sensible to study the literature. The Bible was written by a number of people in different eras and languages from our own. By study we saturate ourselves with Scripture so that at critical moments such as temptation, like Jesus, we can answer the Devil by God's Word. So we become skilful in using the sword of the spirit. Prayer is vital to Bible Study and enables us to make it practical. Let us thank our Heavenly Father that he provided teachers within our churches and our families who encouraged us to `learn the Word of God'.
