I once heard a pastor make this statement: “I’ve heard people say, 'Well, I’m no bible scholar'. My question back to them is: why not??”
A scholar is defined as “a person who has done advanced study in a special field.” Ponder this for a moment. When did we get the idea that being a bible “scholar” was only for those in full-time ministry? Or for those who have been to seminary? Do we really believe God would save us, give us His Word, and then make it all too hard for us to understand? Do we really believe God’s design is to give us this huge puzzle to figure out, which includes His will for our lives and the meaning of His Word? Really?
My grandfather used to tell me that anything worth having is worth working for. Is knowing and understanding God’s Word and God’s Will worth having? Is it worth working for? I think so. This knowledge, this understanding DOES require time and effort and desire (i.e., “study”)…but I don’t believe it’s some mystical puzzle that only a select few will be privileged to solve. God desires each and every one of us to know Him (which we can only do through his word).
And consider this: since all knowledge comes FROM God, is he not then able to give us that knowledge and understanding in spite of what man calls our “intellect”? Whether a Harvard graduate with multiple degrees or the simplest laborer with only a grade-school education, God’s Holy Spirit is able to enlighten our understanding – to believe otherwise is to deny the infallibility of God’s Holy Word, and therefore God himself.
Every one of us ought to be a bible “scholar”. Don’t make “studying God’s Word” just another New Year’s Resolution – make it a daily choice. No more excuses – what’s keeping you from it??
