Hebrews 5:11-14
Verse 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
So if we aren’t to settle for spiritual smoothies or being fed like baby birds how are we to get the proper nourishment? Merely reading the Bible is not going to help us grow. We could read text books until we are blue in the face but until we can learn from what they are saying, we are just fooling ourselves. Some Bible passages need a good amount of prayer and open hearts to see what God is trying to tell us.
One thing we need to remember as we begin our studying is that the Word of God isn’t something which is open to personal interpretation. The Bible must be read with the understanding of how it actually interprets itself when read as a whole instead of split into bits and pieces. It isn’t just a book, written from the imagination of up to 40 authors, it is the inspired Word of God. Each word given is something God laid on the heart of a person He chose to give His word to pass it along to His chosen people. His words are a loving gift to us.
Knowing His words are His gift to us we should want to saturate ourselves with the Bible. Like a person in love reading and rereading love letters we should be trying to soak in all He is wanting to communicate with us, hanging on every word to make sure we have squeezed out every ounce of truth from it and ironing out all the things which aren’t true.
It has been said that there are three stages to Bible reading and studying the Bible. The first is the brussel sprout stage where we do it because we know we should but it isn’t that enjoyable. Next is the shredded wheat stage, it’s good for us and we are starting to realize it isn’t all that boring. And if we keep at it we will finally come to the final stage where it starts to become enjoyable like ice cream.
The hardest step is always the first because it comes with making the choice to begin and it isn’t always easy to continue. The enemy will do his best to make it so hard we quit, but if we persevere we will find it increasingly desirable to study, finding all the treasures He has hidden in His gift of words.
Making It Personal
What stage of reading the Bible are you on? What would make it more enjoyable for you? How can you share that joy with others?
Making It Personal Kids
What is the hardest part of studying the Bible for you? What would help you be more excited about it? What have you learned recently about the Bible that inspired you?
Closing Prayer
Father, we confess that it is sometimes hard for us to devote ourselves to the study of Your Word. Please give us a burning desire to study to know You more than we ever have. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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