There is a difference between simply reading the Bible and studying the Bible. Donald Whitney likens reading the Bible to cruising a sparkling lake in a motorboat for a glorious overview of the lake, whereas studying the Bible is slowly crossing the same lake in a glass bottomed boat. Studying helps us to slow down, look below the surface and find treasures that we simply would miss by a surface reading of the Scriptures. As Jerry Bridges says “reading gives us breadth, but study gives us depth.”
In this study of Luke, we want to slow down and look below the surface. We want to
uncover the beautiful treasures in the Word that come from understanding the
context and primary intent of the author to the original audience. We want to
learn to meditate on the Biblical text, so that it not only impacts us when we
read, but all throughout our days! In short, we want to be changed by the living Word.
This past semester, one of
my seminary professors said something that was a great encouragement to me to
be diligent in my study of the Scriptures. He said “often the most priceless
gems of wisdom and knowledge in the mine of Scripture are buried down the
deepest where only the diligent are willing to dig them out.” May we be
diligent in our study of the Scriptures and find the priceless gems that the LORD
has placed in the mine of Scripture. The Bible is truly a gift that grows more
and more precious as we dig in. Perhaps the joy and peace that eludes us is due
to our neglect of the Scriptures. For, they were never meant to collect dust on
a shelf.
It is my prayer that we
would behold the glory of Christ in this study and be transformed. May we come
to find our true satisfaction in Christ, savouring Him as our greatest
treasure.
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