“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (II Tim. 2:15). “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39); “…seek, and ye shall find” (Matt. 7:7).
I do not believe you can overemphasize the need or the importance of studying the sacred Scriptures. We are taught in these Scriptures that there is a great urgency in studying, searching, and seeking. There is a great obligation also involved in doing so. We are living in a world of darkness. There is a tremendous amount of ignorance in our world when it comes to knowledge of God’s holy Word. I would venture to guess that there is less knowledge of God’s Word today than ever—at least in my lifetime. Many have allowed the “god of this world” to blind their minds (II Cor. 4:4). Jesus discussed both the cause and the solution for this darkness and ignorance. He said, “This is the condemnation, that light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God” (John 3:19-21). The solution is also found in the words of Peter as he exhorts us, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (II Pet. 1:2). The Bereans were praised by the writer of the Book of Acts “in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11). The Psalmist expresses a blessing upon the man who diligently seeks a knowledge of God’s Word. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night” (Psalm 1:1-2).
The Proverbs contain many thoughtful and challenging statements concerning obtaining knowledge. In fact, the purpose stated by the author for writing is “To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive (make clear) the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; to give subtlety (wisdom) to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion” (Prov. 1:2-4). Consider these other bits of wisdom: “Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge” (Prov. 23:12). “Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding” (Prov. 23:23).
Why should we study, search, and seek? Because of what we can learn. We learn the answer to the three great questions of life: where did we come from, why are we here, and where are we going? We learn of God and His Son and the tremendous love demonstrated by that Son dying on the cross for us. We learn of God’s plan to save and through the Word we learn what is required on our part to receive all of His blessings. We are taught morals, and how we are to live with our fellowman in this vast world of which we are part. We learn the importance of treating the other person as we desire to be treated. We learn about the three institutions that God appointed for man’s good: the home, the church, and the government. We learn how God treats his people as we study his dealings with Israel in the Old Testament, and we learn that God does indeed mean everything that He says. We even learn that there are tremendous penalties and consequences that come our way when we neglect, disobey, or forget to retain God in our knowledge. Paul wrote of those who “did not like to retain God in their knowledge.” He said that the consequence was, “God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient” (Rom. 1:28).
The Bible, indeed, contains a storehouse of knowledge. The things mentioned are just a small sampling. And don’t forget, we will be judged by God’s Word (John 12:48; Rev. 20:12). Let each of us be diligent as we “study, search, and seek” to know God’s will.
-Paul M. Wilmoth, January 18, 1944 – April 5, 2021