The Danger in Not Studying

Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.  (Matthew 22:29 KJV)

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For the last few weeks, we have been considering learning and studying.  Today, we will consider the danger in not studying (a good follow up to last week’s post on how exhausting and wearying much studying is for us as students).

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.  

(Hosea 4:6 KJV)

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Realistically, lack of study is every bit as bad as too much.  Moreover, applying what is learned is an important skill to develop.  The ability to apply information learned takes a person to the “next level”, so to speak—using information outside the “classroom”.  (An example of this would be essay exams where students apply, rather the regurgitate information.)   

Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.  (Matthew 22:29KJV)

In the words above, Jesus is confronting the Sadducees for their misunderstanding of the Word of God.  The very ones, who should have known the Word, missed what (and Who) right in front of them!  How often is that true of us?

Not learning, not studying, not reading leads us down less than ideal paths; we can err in significant ways.  Nearly any teacher can tell you about students who are highly capable but refuse to study.

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My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.  

(Hosea 4:6 KJV)

We, too, can be guilty of the same behavior, when it comes to reading, studying, and applying the Bible—God’s love letter to us.  The words in Hosea 4:6 frequently come to mind, especially when I am praying for my church, Sunday school classes, as well as fellow Brothers and Sisters in Christ.  We harm ourselves by not knowing God’s Word.  It is beautiful to hear God’s Word prayed back to Him.  My hunch is that God smiles when He hears His children praying His Word back to Him.  Praying God’s Word and will is powerful!

The believers in Berea (see Acts 17:10-14) devoted themselves to searching the Scriptures as Paul and Silas shared with them about Jesus and all that He did.  The people of Berea were open to hearing and learning from Paul and Silas; yet they went far beyond that to studying the Scriptures (they only had the Old Testament at this point) for themselves.  We should do the same; there are many false teachers/prophets in the world, luring godly people away from the truth.

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I would like to encourage my readers to spend time daily in God’s Word.  It is time well spent.  For those of you who are part of a church, I encourage you to check out Sunday school options—we grow better together!

*Be sure to check out my 50 Day Adventure readings (Weeks 1-3).  On Sunday, the Scripture readings for the week will be available.*  

What is your favorite book of the Bible?

Please join with me in prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, Your Word is amazing and provides direction for the whole of life; help us to be diligent about reading, studying, and applying it.  Guide us to know how to find a solid balance between too much study and not enough.  Fill us with a hunger for Your Word.  Direct us to where You desire us to read and study in Your Word.  We deeply desire to know Your Word and Your power.  In Jesus’ Name, we pray.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim