Studying the Word Together
Some have asked the question, “Why should we read scripture together? It’s hard, confusing, and written in an odd way.” Or have said, “I don’t feel like I ever get anything out of reading the bible. Every time I read it I’m left thinking, ‘What did I just read?’. ” Though I’ve had similar experiences in the past, I think it’s important that we start with what the bible says about itself.
The Bible says that, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” [John 1:1]. It says, “All scripture is breathed out by God” [1 Tim 3:16] and scripture “is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. . . discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” [Heb 4:12] therefore “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” [Mat 4:4]
So we see, scripture was before all things, with God, is God, from God and is living and active through the work of the Holy Spirit to discern the hearts of man. Scripture is here to teach, reprove, correct and train in righteousness. Scripture is what we believers live by and what sustains us. Scripture is the holy and authoritative word of God. We are to set ourselves apart for it, and submit ourselves to it in all things. It’s through scripture that God has chosen to reveal himself to us. By his word we see Christ.
Still, I can relate to the challenges of approaching scripture. It can be hard to understand at times. With my sin, and my flesh flavoring my interpretation, I can fail to fully grasp its meaning and purpose. It is only by the grace and power of the Holy Spirit that I have any ears to hear and eyes to see. However, just because it’s difficult does not mean it is not worthy of our earnest pursuit.
Proverbs 2:4-5 says
if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures,
then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding
God promises to reveal himself to those who seek after him. We should not only seek him in his word in private, but also collectively as the bride of Christ. One of the benefits of participating in a group bible study is that when you come across difficult to understand passages you’ll find, especially when studying with those that are further in their walk with Christ, that what’s unclear to you is obvious to another. Through studying with others we see the work of the Spirit in the lives of others.
In one of our Men’s bible studies, we were reading 1 John 1 and came to verse 7.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
And immediately men were convicted and began to confess sin on our zoom call. We had rich fellowship in that moment. The burdens of sin were being lifted, men were stepping into the light, sins were forgiven and we were lifting each other up in grace, pointing each other to the Christ who for freedom has set us free. We all came away encouraged
Paul says in Romans 1:11-12
For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you- that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.
This to me is the heart of a bible study: that we may be strengthened by each other’s faith through the gift and power of his word. It was through the collective mediation of his word that brought the men in my group to greater godliness. He is so kind to reveal himself to us, and through the beholding of his beautiful Son we see ourselves in contrast. We see the massive gaps between our likeness and his, and we see our need for him. And by his Spirit we repent, we grow, and we have fellowship with one another. We also see his love for us. That he would come as a lowly man, be beaten, mocked, and scorned. Put to death on a wretched cross. All for the joy set before him. All to reconcile us to himself, that we may be his perfect, spotless bride and have fellowship with him.
I’ll end with what the Sovereign Grace Statement of faith says on scripture:
As we devote ourselves to God’s Word, we commune with God himself and are fortified in faith, sanctified from sin, strengthened in weakness, and sustained in suffering by his unchanging revelation in Scripture.
So let us together as brothers and sisters, sons and daughters of the everlasting God, recipients of eternal life, pursue him, in all knowledge and all wisdom, for the good of his church and the glory of his Son Jesus Christ. Amen.
