While many do not realize it, life also comes with the
manufacturer’s book of directions. This manual is not about how to change tires
or how to bake a cake. It is information about the Author of life, who is the
source of eternal life, how to have that life and how to live it out. It is
wise to not only crack it open, but diligently read and study it, for in it we can
find what is needed for living well and with purpose.
You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. (John 5:39–40)
Jesus told the Sadducees that they came to the Scriptures
with the wrong attitude. They were looking for ways they could live forever,
but rejected Him, the only source of that forever life. Yet even the people of God
who have accepted Jesus and have His life need to be urged to search the Scriptures.
The main excuse for not doing this is the size and complexity of this book of
books. Many people simply don’t know where to start or how to study it.
The above verse gives one clue . . . Jesus said that the Scriptures bear witness
of Him, that is, they tell us the purpose of the Bible. It is God’s revelation
of Himself in Jesus Christ — to show us the way of salvation, that is, how to
have eternal life. So read it with that goal.
He is the treasure hidden in both the Old and New
Testaments. He is depicted in prophesies, types, sacrifices, and shadows, then revealed
in a human body to bear our sins. He is shown as a priest and a prophet, a
friend of sinners and the “express image” of God, the Father. Again, read it
looking for Jesus.
Another instruction is to search the Scriptures in
childlike humility. Those who are wise in their own eyes cannot see the marvels
in God’s book. They are revealed only to those who sense their own need for His
Word.
So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation. (1 Peter 2:1–2)
Notice there is another element in these verses
besides hunger. The one who benefits from the Word of God (here called spiritual
milk) is the person willing to turn from sin. Repentance changes both our lives
and our appetites. When we turn our backs on sin, we are more willing to come
to God’s Word and say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.”
Third, search the Scriptures intending to obey what God
says. This attitude works together with being able to understand the Bible. Those
who are willing to obey “get it” but those who are not interested in obedience
will not understand it. This is because spiritual things must be revealed to us
by the Spirit of God. He knows what we need to hear and what we are ready to
hear. He also will not give us truth unless our hearts are ready to receive and
obey it. This is grace too, and clearly shows the value of being teachable.
If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. (John 7:17)
My sister was saved in Algeria through the ministry of
a missionary who risked her life to be in that place. She taught my sister, who
then taught me, a wonderful way to read the Bible devotionally. Begin in the New
Testament with a notebook and pen in hand. Read until something pops out that
you do understand. Write the date, the verses, and then whatever it was that
you understood. Repeat daily.
This formula works really well. Taking courses and
reading books on how to study will also be helpful, but never underestimate the
power of God to open the meaning of His Word to a heart that is willing to hear
Him and do what He says.
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