STUDYING THE SCRIPTURES

“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the door posts of your house and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6.6-9.

The study of God’s Word must be at the forefront of our lives. Ignorance of God’s will is no excuse for setting it aside–Romans 1.18-23. If we are to live for God, we must know how. If we are to avoid the snares, traps, and destruction of worldly living, then we must devote ourselves to the learning of spiritual truths–2 Timothy 3.14-4.2. Deuteronomy 6.6-9 gives us some principles for Bible study that will enrich, direct, and safeguard our lives.
First we see that the commandments are to be in our heart. To have these words in our hearts means that we have spent a significant time with the words. We have studied the words. We have meditated on the significance of the words. We have memorized the words. We have sought the application of the words to our lives in this world. This requires time and effort. Thinking is a difficult business. It is the time and energy consuming study of Scripture that leads to the effect in our hearts. Without the knowledge of the word, we can have no true love for the one who is described as the Word–John 1.1-14. Christianity involves both our head and our heart.
Secondly, as we study the Scriptures, we will want to teach the Scriptures. There is no excuse for hiding the priceless treasures of God within our own hearts. The value of God’s word only increases as we share it with others. When we have studied the Scriptures, then we will see how profitable it is and demand our children be familiar with and love these words as well. Our children will love the words and know the words if we know and love the words first. We will be the model for their Bible study and for their life.
Finally, we see that the study of God’s Word is to be a common theme of our lives. Discussing God’s Word is no rare occurrence. Rather, the Word of God is the theme of our conversation as we are sitting, walking, going to bed, and getting out of bed. Not only is God’s Word dominating our thoughts, but our homes are adorned with it. We do not necessarily need to plaster the walls with Scripture, but we are expected to have our personal life and home life decorated with God’s Word.

“Give me the Bible all my steps enlighten, teach me the danger of these realms below; That lamp of safety o’er the gloom shall brighten, that light alone the path of peace can show. Give me the Bible holy message shining, Thy light shall guide me in the narrow way; precept and promise, law and love combining, till night shall vanish in eternal day.”