It has been published in over 450 languages with close to 8 billion copies estimated to have been printed in modern times. It is accredited with being the first book that was ever mass produced on a press using movable type. John Wesley described himself as a “man of one book” in reference to his deep love for its words and instruction. The book, of course, is the Holy Bible, the most published and most recognized book in the entire world. Worldwide there is approximately one bible for every man, woman, and child in print and in the United States nearly every household has one, if not multiple copies. A hotel room seems to be missing something if there isn’t a bible in the night stand placed there by the Gideons. It’s the most popular book in the world and of all time.
Why then, do we have such a hard time studying it?
It seems that reading and studying scripture would be a natural outpouring of our hearts longing to become better men and women. But for any of a number of reasons studying scripture isn’t part of our regular routine in life. The schedules and demands of life seem to fill our every waking moment and, as much as we’d like to read the bible more, we just don’t seem to have time. Sometimes we don’t read it because, frankly, we don’t understand it. Who are the jebusites, anyway? And what do the history and actions of an ancient Middle Eastern society have to do with how I live my life today? Other times it’s not that we don’t understand it, but that we think we know it well enough to get along. Maybe we have a decent understanding of the main characters in scripture, know the basics of the commandments, can roughly tell the story of Jesus… It can be easy to start thinking that, since we already understand the basics of what the Bible teaches that we no longer need to study it every day. Then there are some of us who, frankly, just don’t see what the big deal is with scripture. Sure, it’s great for Sunday morning and is a good basis for Sunday schools and sermons, but why does that mean that I need to study it? Can’t I just get along with hearing what others say about it and concentrate on other ways to grow and live my faith?
So what is the big deal with scripture? First, it guides us in the way to live in God’s will. Paul, writing to the young preacher Timothy, says “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Scripture helps reveal to us God’s will for our lives. Sometimes this is an explicit command (Do not kill) and sometimes this is “learn by example” (As when the disciples asked, “Lord, teach us how to pray.” in Luke 11:1). God has given us the Bible to be a “guide book” of sorts to the daily rigors of life and how to live faithfully when faced with temptation. Scripture also tells story after story of people who have tried to live faithfully to Christ, detailing both their struggles and their triumphs. We can learn through their example how to serve God, even if we get off track with His will.
Scripture also reveals to us the true nature of God and of ourselves. Reading the story of Eve, tempted by the serpent to eat the fruit so that she could “become like God” we see a reflection of the selfish nature that is within us all. The stories of the Bible are filled with examples of the fallen nature that we all live – envy, greed, lust, pride… the list could go on and on. But we also discover within the pages of the Bible a God who loves us despite our failures. We learn that God is a “merciful and gracious God. I am slow to anger and rich in unfailing love and faithfulness.” (Exodus 34:6) God’s love, ultimately revealed in Jesus, is the eternal truth that we can trust on no matter what life may bring us. Scripture is a constant reminder that our selfish nature will only bring destruction and will never fulfill the deep longing of our souls. We were created to live within the truth of God, and this truth is revealed in God’s word.
Lastly, the Bible is the gateway to discovering the life that we were created to live. Deep within each of us we know that we were created for more than the self-centered, empty existence that is lifted up as the pinnacle of life in this world. We were shaped with a greater purpose to fulfill the will of God in this world and in the world to come. The promise of God is that He will lead us to a better life (though not necessarily an easier or more pain-free life.). This is why Jesus came, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10) The purpose that our souls seek is spelled out in the living word of God revealed in scripture. Our study of scripture is a study of the life giving power of God to save us and transform us from sinners to disciples. God’s word reveals how to live a life worthy of the grace of Christ.
Here’s a wise observation on the life of a Christian – The more your Bible is falling apart, the less your life is. If the Bible we use daily is coming apart at the seams, then it’s usually a sign that our life is not. A daily habit of reading, studying, or meditating on God’s word gives us the strength to live the life of a disciple. I’ve heard it said that if you have read the Bible in its entirety, you are among only 5% of all professed Christians. And we wonder why it seems like the church as a whole is in decline? To be the disciples we long to be, we need to be daily students of God’s word. But how do we get started? This fall we will be offering a couple of things to help us all grow in our study of scripture. First, mark your calendars for Walk Thru The Bible on August 31st. This dynamic, active presentation will help us all get a clear grasp of the Old Testament and how these ancient stories fit with our modern faith. As a follow up we will be offering a number of Bible study groups, including the highly regarded Disciple bible study. This study is a 9 month in-depth study that provides a clear overview of all of scripture. Many in this church and others have had their lives transformed through this study. If you have not experienced it, I encourage you to sign up as space will be limited. Lastly, we encourage everyone to take on the daily discipline of scripture reading and reflection. A great resource for daily reading that will guide you through the bible in a year can be found at http://bible-reading.com. You will be amazed to discover the truth you may have missed by reading the bible with regularity.
One of my favorite verses of scripture is Habakkuk 1:5 – “Look among the nations! Observe! Be astonished! Wonder! For I am doing something in your days which you would not believe even if you were told.” I believe that God has great things in store of each of us and for the church if we commit to discovering the way, truth, and life that are contained in His word. I hope you will join me in committing to being a student of the Bible and discovering the life that God has for us to live.
Great post and probably something we need to emphasize more. I work at a campus ministry and among the students who have grown up United Methodist there is oftentimes a real apathy towards the Bible. It is more often than not my Roman Catholic students who are more curious about it, and even more knowledgeable about it. That is a sad irony and a testimony to how The United Methodist Churches have too often failed in this department.
True. Sadly it’s going to take some time to “right the ship”, so to speak.