Sunday, June 8, 1997 In Your Absence:
In this week's lesson, from Psalms 119, we learned about the importance of Bible study. We saw that, from a regular, conscientious study of God's Word, we can learn more about Him, we can learn more about how to obey and please Him, and we can gain valuable insight into His will for our life. However, to accomplish such lofty objectives, our study must be diligent and disciplined. We should never view the Bible as just another Book, nor should we ever approach our study as just another "chore" of Christianity. People usually find a way to do those things which they really wish to do, and each of us, as Christians, should have a genuine, sincere desire to learn more about our Savior and Lord. Once we have settled this issue of priority, next our Bible study should be conducted with the right attitude and in a right spirit of prayer. In this week's lesson, we saw that the Psalmist did not take the attitude that God owed him anything because of his faithfulness to study the Scriptures. Instead, he was already satisfied with what that faithfulness to study had produced, namely a greater knowledge and understanding of God. He was very happy just to have a relationship with his heavenly Father, and we, too, could benefit by letting ourselves have that same kind of excitement.
Is the Bible really God's Word? Many would argue that it is not, however I would challenge Its critics to carefully examine the words and teachings of this Book. Criticisms of the Bible normally deal with such matters as: (1) it is a book written by unlearned authors, (2) it is a book written over many centuries, (3) it is a book that "might" have copying mistakes, or (4) it is a book that contains words which are interpreted differently in our time. All of these comments have some validity, yet the Bible has and can stand up to each one. The writer of Psalms 119 said, in verse Eighty-Nine, that God's Word is forever settled in heaven, and we can trust those words. In verses 137 and 138, the writer also said that the Lord is righteous and that His statutes are trustworthy. Therefore, we always do well when we commit to study and then to practice those things which we have learned. The question might be asked if we can build our whole life around the Bible, and the answer, in my opinion, is yes!
Another benefit of regular Bible study is that it will keep us from sin. Through study, we acquire a greater awareness of our sins, plus we realize the heavy price of those sins. As we study more, we also begin to understand the Lord more, and with that greater understanding comes an even greater awareness of His feelings about sin. It has been said that sin will keep you from the Bible, and that is true. However, it has also been said and is also true that the Bible will keep you from sin. With the Bible as our guide, we will always get where we want and need to be. Then, when the trials of this life are over, we will be on the right spiritual path to be with our Lord forevermore. When I consider the richness of a walk with Christ, I have to feel sorry for those "scholarly" critics who are so quick to declare the Bible unbelievable and unreliable. This time, they are the ones who are wrong. As we close out our lesson, remember to hold your head high and that the God Who created this world loves and cares very much for you. Therefore, make it your goal to serve Him as you go through the week and be sure to tell others what He has done for you. Thank you.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
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