STUDY

Rendering truth from God's Word is one of the most important tasks a believer has in this life. It allows him to navigate the world without falling prey to false belief systems and wrong thinking. The Lord does not command us to simply read the Bible. We are to personally plumb its depths by studying it ... 

Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

A great many Christians are 'haphazard' in their approach to the Bible (if indeed they read it at all). They depend on their pastor, Sunday school teacher, or some other religious 'mentor' to interpret its meaning for them. But the above verse refers to you as a 'workman' ... i.e. the one who plows the soil that it might bring forth a harvest. 

When you study the Word, you'll find it to be an accurate and honest 'mirror' ... showing not only the condition of your soul but the Lord's divine plan to deal with it.   

For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 

When you are unflagging in your study, invaluable truths relevant to your personal walk of faith are revealed. 

Simpson - God has hidden every precious thing in such a way that it is a reward to the diligent, a prize to the earnest, but a disappointment to the slothful soul. All nature is arrayed against the lounger and the idler. The nut is hidden in its thorny case; the pearl is buried beneath the ocean waves; the gold is imprisoned in the rocky bosom of the mountains; the gem is found only after you crush the rock that encloses it; the very soil gives its harvest as a reward to the laboring farmer. So truth and God must be earnestly sought.

Bible study is hard work. There are three basic principles to observe ...

1. Always pray that the Lord will give us spiritual insight. Just as He guided the apostles in their writing of Scripture ... He guides us in our understanding of the same. 

2. Do not pull verses out of context. Study the surrounding passages ... know who wrote it, to whom it was written, and why. Assigning a slanted interpretation to the text so that it fits your personal point of view is wrong. Allow the Word of God to interpret itself. 

3, You are not on 'an island'. It is arrogant to assume that you cannot gain understanding through the lifelong work of others who've studied the Bible (commentaries by Spurgeon, for instance). Be selective in whom you place your trust; do they shed light or create confusion.

The Bible is God's gift to you ... 

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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Take it in, soak it up, and live your life accordingly.