So I keep going back into reflection mode and I completely understand if you find it annoying. I know that I probably would if I was a reader, but it helps me to remember what I have learned. Five weeks have passed here at DTS, which means 1/3 of this semester is in the books. It is funny to think that five weeks has come and gone. I can say though that these five weeks have been quite a learning experience. Within two days at Dallas Seminary, I was learning lessons that I need to learn and relearn on a regular basis.
Coming into school, I felt that I had a good grasp on the Scriptures and that for the most part, I had a solid understanding of the Bible. It did not take long for me to realize that I am not the Bible scholar I thought myself to be. Sure, I can make sense of some Scripture and tell you the meaning, but the vast majority of Scripture is foreign to me. It is a sad and depressing realization, yet it invites me to keep studying and to keep learning. The overall lesson is that it is so easy for us to get into a rut when it comes to Bible study. Rather than reading something new, we go back to the familiar passages that we have read a hundred times. We all know what John 3:16 says, at least I hope that everyone reading this does. But do you know what the book of Habakkuk says?
Do you know why Habakkuk becomes upset with God? Do you know the history of the Chaldeans? Did you know that their actions would make Hitler look like a nice guy? I had no clue, and it was not until I actually read the book of Habakkuk and discussed the historical background of the book.
There is so much in the Scripture that we do not know. There is so much to discover. I would challenge you to read a book in the Bible that you have never read, or maybe have only read once.
One last thing I want to share is that when you are studying Scripture, do not study Scripture flippantly. Always be aware that you are studying the very word of God. This is not something that is to be taken lightly. “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” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NASB). The study of and interpretation of scripture should never be taken lightly. We would not want our doctors to take their studies lightly, operating on us with only partial knowledge. So to, we must see to it that we are not delivering partial truths but the whole truth.
2 comments:
I know what you mean about the weeks flying by. Trent keeps telling people we have only been here for 2 or 3 weeks. It's been a month and a half!
I also agree that even though we think we know the Bible well, there is always something new to learn. Every time I read it, God points out something brand new to me. I am loving the chronological study I am doing currently. It makes the Old Testament picture come into focus much better in my brain. I like blogging about it too because it makes me process what I read at a much deeper level. Too many times we are guilty of reading just to check it off our to-do list.
My prayer for you, Chris, is that your study will cause you to fall in love with Jesus more every day. The difficulty with studying the Bible for classes is that it becomes just another assignment. Keep the wonder alive as you read! Ask God to open your eyes and your heart to His wisdom. Enjoy Christ!
Thank you for the prayer! You are definitely right in that it becomes very easy to just read the Bible as another assignment. One prof told us to try and turn our assignments into devotions, but that just does not work with me. I am finding that I need to force myself to set time aside and study something for my own. The blogging thing is great as well. I find I'm always trying to incorporate something that I have learned into my blogs.
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