STUDY TO SHOW YOURSELF
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My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. Job 23:11-12
The proof of one's learning is determined by the corresponding-visible changes in behavior.
Christian-marriage-how-to-find-Gods-will
Studying to show also means Diligence, meaning:- "quietly and steadily persevering (Persistent) especially in detail or exactness", not deviating from the standard. Till we receive an authoritative approval"
This is because everything in the kingdom of God has a Standard, which must be attained to command supernatural results. Anyone who fails to attain that standard will both cause shame and be ashamed, like the sons of the chief of Priests, Sceva, Acts 19:11-17, Prov.10:5.
In this last days, the world is looking for the sons of God, who conforms to the image of Christ, the begotten son of God. Unfortunately, some believers are becoming rather confused about the very foundation of their faith today due to a lack of diligence or their inability to show themselves -able sons of God, through their understanding and application of the word of God. 2Cor.3:1-3;6
The Church and Squabble over Wealth
The result is the generation of end time believers we have today, described as Men,...
"Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. 1 Timothy 1:7"
So, what will become of future generations?
WHY WE MUST STUDY TO SHOW
1. TO KNOW GOD
In the beginning was the word. Studying the scripture is like beholding the spiritual mirror for divine impartation of the spirit of God. It helps us to know and stay in the Truth that makes free. God's word is both spirit and life. It quickens our body, soul and spirit. John 6:63, Romans 8:11, John 8:30-32, John 17:17, Col.1:9-10, 2Cor.3:14-16,18
For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. Hebrews 8:10-11
At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. Matthew 11:25-27.
Studying the scripture amounts to pressing to know God as He chose to reveal Himself by His word.
2. TO KNOW AND DO THE LAW
We must study the word of God, so that we can be delivered from the ignorance of not Knowing His ways and His laws.
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:11-14, 1John 3:23-24.
The things and ways of God are spiritual and a secret. It takes meticulous study to discern them by the Holy Spirit.
The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. Through studying, God's saying word is revealed, and grace imparted to help us live the word. Deut. 29:29,
3. TO KNOW OUR RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES IN CHRIST
2Cor.2:9-12, Josh.1:8, Rom.8:14-17, 2Pet.1:3-10, Rev.5:9-10, John 10:34-35
What you do not know is not only high and above you, but also rules you. This is why we must study, God's word, meditating on it day and night to what is in it for us. Joshua 1:8
"If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures. But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge. But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath: they cry not when he bindeth them. Job 36:11-13"
Through our studying, we discover and take our place in destiny. Know all the resources provided for us, both for life and godliness so as to appropriate them.
If you don't study to know, you might end up claiming what God has not given or be denied your rights due to ignorance. Jesus prevailed through knowledge. "It is written" He quoted in His contention with the adversary. Matt.4:1-10
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. Rev.5:9-10
4. TO KNOW OUR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
God has a word and a work for everyone. He said come unto me.
The likes of Prophet Isaiah, John the Baptist, Jesus Christ etc found their word and work through studying. Moses, Aaron, the priests, singers, kings, worshippers have different duties and responsibilities. The man God created, women and children have roles clearly defined in the word.
Only by reading can we discover what has been written. John said, I'm the voice crying in the wilderness, I'm not the prophets neither am I the Christ,
John 1:19-23, Deut. 10:12-13, Matt.11:28-30, Rom.1:16-20
And of Jesus, it is written
"Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:10:6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. Hebrews 10:5-7
As a Christian, what are your duties and responsibilities on this pilgrimage on earth? In the home, office, church, community you reside, there's a duty and responsibility God has confered on you, discover it through studying for yourself.
And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to my judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies; and they shall hallow my sabbaths. Ezekiel 44:23-24
5. FOR OUR DELIVERANCE
Through studying the word of God, we find knowledge, answers, solutions, weapons and counsels for our own deliverance and those with us.
We'll hear Jesus, speaking, come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy ladden, and I'll give you rest or cast your burdens upon me (Him) and He will sustain us etc
We study for our own deliverance, warfare and winnings in life. Studying teaches us the best way or Time to pray, fast, give and honour people. Shows us our weapons, the enemy's and how to deal with them. Eph.6:11-18
It also Builds our faith, both to please God and for victory over the world. 1Jn.5:4-5
And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. As he spake these words, many believed on him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:29-32
6. EDIFICATION
The word of God enhances the life, health and personality of a man.
"My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh."Proverbs 4:20,22, 1Pet.2:2, 2Tim.3:15-17, Rom.10:17, Acts 20:32,
We study not only for our edifying,( i.e uplifting to encourage improvement) but also for others.
Studying is feeding!
Be-angry-but-sin-not-examining-words!
We feed and nourish the real man who controls things about us when we meditate and study the Bible. Col.2:6-7,
Your stability in the school of faith is a function of your studying, thus The quality of your Christian life is a function of how much of the word dwelling and working in you.
This is why on some personal matters, Jesus will simply ask, the law, how did you read it?
"And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. Luke 10:25-28"
Many Christians who fail in the school of studying to be approved are blind and gullible consumers from ignorant leaders and often argue blindly. Like, fanatics of other religions always quote words and phrases which they claim is in the holy book but which can never be traced. They stand confused when asked about the reason for their conviction simply because they do not know any better. To such, Christianity is just a social organization of which they chose among the packs to follow.
What a shame!
Studying the word of God edifies and mature you to live, doing and being concerned with only those things that matters, thereby reducing stress, anxiety, fear and worries. Phil.3:3-9, Rom.8:35-39, Matt.6:25-34
Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. 1 Timothy 4:13,15-16
CONCLUSION:
The greatest challenge of the body of Christ in our generation is ignorance of the truth: and sadly, even preachers are not immuned to this.
Balancing the message of the gospel requires a wholistic knowledge and understanding of the word of God, i.e the Bible. There's a difference between"a Truth and the Truth". However, it is knowing and walking in the Truth that makes free indeed, John 8:31-32
"Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:31-32"
A truth is any phrase of the word of God which is true in itself, the truth is any phrase of the scripture which is established or confirmed by another scripture and does not contradict any truth of the Bible with respect to it.
Example: throw yourself down, it is written "He will give his angels charge over you" is a truth, but it becomes the Truth when it is not done to " tempt the lord our God" Matt.4:5-7 or God wish for our prosperity is true, but the Truth of it is " even as our soul prospers" 3Jn.1:2
Beloved, understanding these, cannot come with, a daily charge of a pamphlet, words of encouragement or quoting of scriptural verses and Psalms but of painstaking, study of the whole books of the Bible as the whole counsel of God, by juxtaposing, considering in detail, subjecting to Scriptural and spiritual analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning of the word and ways of God - to do them; as it was written for our instruction, edification, rebuke, for our perfection and for doctrines 2Timothy 3:16-17
LET US PRAY:
1. Father, give me a hunger for your word like I have for my daily bread.
2. You find it difficult to read Bible, pray for the grace to read, understand and apply.
3. Let your word build me up and give me an inheritance among the sanctified by faith.
QUESTIONS OR OBSERVATION:
Don't forget to drop your questions, comments/observation. Like, share, partner or call, Whatsapp or email via +2348023954555, goewache@gmail.com
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