How much of the Word of God do you know, would you consider yourself a scholar, or a novice, how much do you really know about the only words ever recorded by the Almighty for us. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2 Tim. 3:16) There are any number of reasons why we do not know as much as we should, and every one of them will be a cheap excuse before the Lord on the day you stand before Him, a lifetime is more than enough time to hide His word in our hearts.
This is exactly what we are to do, not memorize certain verses for the sake of memorization, not seek out only those which bring us comfort and assurance, we are to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Tim. 2:15) Why then? So that we can give an account. To who? Anyone that asks at any time, a difficult thing to do if you have only browsed thru the Book. If the best knowledge you have of the Holy Scriptures is that our first parents names were Adam and Eve, that Noah made a big boat, that Daniel slept in the same room with some lions, congratulations, you have earned your pre-school star.
The milk of the word seems to be the best that many who call Him Lord are able to do, even after decades of attending church, many elders and deacons are voted in, not because of their exhaustive study of the Scriptures, but because they are good guys and have attended the church for a long period of time. Some pastors attempt to move the congregation towards the main dining hall, but many in the congregation complain after a while that their jaws hurt, they tire of chewing, it is too far above their heads. Why? They think that church is only a meeting place, and that it is the only place necessary to crack open their Bibles. No pastor in his right mind would dare to give out homework, few would dare to seek for answers to the questions asked last week, many in the assembly would either stop showing up every week, some would actually leave the church, others would complain.
Far too many treat the Word of God with the utmost disrespect, they are hollow words to them, it takes only a few well-placed questions to find this out. Ask nearly any believer you know to describe how to bring someone to the cross, ask them to recite, if you will please, the Roman’s road. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
See if they know and can fully expound on justification, sanctification, and glorification. Do they even know of resurrection and redemption? The most basic precepts have been left at the alter of entertainment in many churches, to question a man’s faith in Christ is now seen as an assault on his integrity, on his very character, instead of an opportunity to speak of the blessings he has received since he came to the cross.
It should not only be a joy, but a privilege and an honor to even own a copy of the Holy Scriptures, the most important book ever written, but today most can only find their copy when they are dusting the house, or when the app is opened on their cell phone, a rare thing indeed. Do you not know there will be a test for you one day, and it will not be on the names of the twelve sons of Jacob or those of the apostles, it will not be the order of the Old Testament or the name of the town that Paul first visited, it will be to see if you have studied to show yourself approved, it will be in the fruits of the Spirit that you have born, not whether you know them in order or not.
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3) It will be a test of your heart, and I pray that He finds His word there on that day.
