Why Should we Study the Bible? - It Enlightens our Minds by Teaching us what is True (Continued)

Furthermore, Scripture provides us with answers to difficult questions. Rather than doing serious research, struggling in prayer and engaging in vigorous debate we often allow our personal feelings to dictate what we believe.

More than that, we live in an age of tolerance. When we encounter a doctrine which runs counter to our own predisposition we are regularly tempted to merely shrug our shoulders in defeat and say: “You are free to believe what you believe and I will continue to believe what I believe. There’s no way to be certain who is correct.”

While there are certainly passages in Scripture that are difficult to understand, I think that too often we throw in the towel too early. It is my opinion that if we took the time, Scripture would provide us with solid answers to many if not most of our uncertainties.

Why Should we Study the Bible? - It Enlightens our Minds by Teaching us what is True

Our world tends to deny that there is such a thing as ultimate truth. Pragmatism becomes the guide of many. Whatever works for me personally (ie. whatever makes me feel good or helps me accomplish my self-established goals) is to be pursued with gusto and considered “true” for me. Jesus disagrees with such a worldview. “Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth.” He says.

The Christian must consistently be chewing on the Word of God because in it she discovers and is reminded of the truth. We must remember that pursuing truth is not simply about filling our brains with information. As believers we most certainly have a curiosity about God and a longing to learn more about Him. However, we must also concern ourselves with the product of our knowledge (or what our knowledge accomplishes in our lives).

In a sense, this is what this entire essay concerns itself with. But here, under the subsection dealing with truth, let me highlight one way in which the knowledge of the truth is essential to the Christian life by reminding us that truth is necessary for salvation! If one is ignorant of the truth there is no hope of eternal life. Without the truth we would not know about the problem of sin nor God’s solution to it in His Son Jesus Christ. Scripture provides us with the essential content of our faith.

Why Should we Study the Bible? - It Enlightens our Minds by Teaching us what is Right

On a regular basis we face a subtle bombardment of opinions advocating for what is good and what is not. While watching a television program we may be encouraged to pursue our heart’s desire above all else. A newspaper article may challenge the biblical understanding of marriage. A gallery may post pornography under the guise of “artwork.” Advertisements routinely seduce us into putting all of our hope and desire into cars, alcohol and clothing. Movies suggest that getting high can be fun. We could go on. These views need to regularly be checked by Scripture or else we will find ourselves pursing ideals which reject and oppose the Lordship of Christ.

In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 we read: “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” God’s Word provides the guidance we need to make sure that we get on and remain on the right path.

In my opinion, when it comes to righteousness, listening to sermons and reading Scripture is not primarily about learning new things. Most believers already know the basic teachings of holiness in God’s Word and we can sum up obedience in one word: love. Hearing sermons and reflecting on the Bible is more about being reminded to do what we already know we should be doing than about entering uncharted territory.

It is so easy for misunderstandings of what is right and what is wrong to enter the Church. Each and every follower of Christ needs a guide to keep us on track. This guide is Scripture and it needs to be shaping our conduct on a regular basis.

Why Should we Study the Bible? - Introduction

If we browse through stats from such sources as researcher George Barna and Wheaton College we learn something very troubling: a large number of Western Christians today have lost respect for biblical authority and are weak in biblical knowledge. Many Christians are not reading, hearing or submitting to Scripture.

This brings me to several questions: Should believers study Scripture? Is it important to spend vast amounts of time chewing on God’s Word? Shouldn’t we just concentrate on living for God, rather than on accumulating knowledge? Knowledge puffs up, doesn’t it? Isn’t it more important to just obey God? After all, so many Christians have failed Christ by filling their heads with God’s Word but failing to live their faith out.

As you are probably anticipating, my own position is that God’s Word is an indispensable part of a God-honouring Christian life. The answer to the dilemma of Christians with head-knowledge of the Word but no practical outworking of it is not action at the expense of knowledge, but rather action that is formed and shaped by knowledge.

Let me begin by stating that I realize that I will be making some huge assumptions as I attempt to answer the question of why Christians should read Scripture. First of all, I am trusting that you hold to a belief in absolute truth and absolute morality and I am working with the hypothesis that you already believe that God’s Word is truth.

If you struggle with any of these convictions, let me offer you the following suggestions. First of all, if you have not taken the time to examine your opinions concerning absolute truth, absolute morality and God’s Word (and the ground on which your opinions are based), please take the time to do so. I hope to write on these topics, but in the meantime, there are many helpful resources which can provide solid arguments and thought-provoking questions in favour of my assumptions. So often, we reject what we do not understand and disagree with opinions that upset our spirits but have never been seriously contemplated in our minds. You owe it to yourself to understand why you believe what you believe.

Furthermore, please read on in spite of your disagreement with my assumptions. At very least, it will create in you a greater understanding of your fellow human beings and lead to more civil dialogue on such an important topic.

Faith in Focus

Last Saturday evening we began a new Young Adult ministry at Toronto Alliance Church entitled Faith in Focus. Faith in Focus (FiF) provides the opportunity for university students and 20 and 30 somethings to get together, hang out and explore deeper issues and tough questions related to the Christian faith. We had a solid commencement with good discussion and new(er) friendships growing. FiF takes place every second Saturday night at 8:00 pm at Toronto Alliance Church - consider joining us.
Our first series concerns the Person of God and we plan to explore topics such as the Trinity, God's love and His holiness. The first night though was a challenge on why we should bother studying the Bible/theology at all. My blogging plans (at least for the next while) are to focus on things that come up at FiF.