This morning, one member of the book study that I attend at church commented that our selection, Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright, was giving her new insight into the pastor’s sermons. Others agreed. I remarked that perhaps reading Scripture as frequently as other books would also help us gain greater understanding from sermons and more knowledge of God in Christ.
We read all types of material each day. We devour magazines, books, newspapers, blogs, devotionals, pamphlets and Facebook posts. Reading Scripture with that same enthusiasm would certainly benefit our lives.
However, many of us stay away from reading the Scriptures, for what I see are three reasons:
1) We are afraid that we won’t understand what we read and
2) that lack of understanding will cause us to question the reality of God.
3) Or, we are afraid that we will understand what we read, and that makes us fearful of what God will require of us. This avoidance causes many faithful Christians to be what I call scripturally illiterate.
When we fail to read the Scriptures, we can’t receive what the Spirit can teach us through the Word. In essence, our faith lacks knowledge and understanding of God’s purpose and work in Christ. Our belief becomes vulnerable to false teachings and errant doctrine. We find ourselves living in doubt instead of truth.
The Spirit relishes an opportunity to teach us through the Word. Jesus spoke of the teaching ministry of the Spirit by quoting Isaiah 54:13: “They will all be taught by God” (John 6:45).
Let the Spirit teach you the Scriptures.
Denise Larson Cooper has a passion for Christ and sharing His Word. A wife and mother of two daughters, Denise currently works as a gymnastic coach.
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