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A child in a mother’s womb is kept safe from viruses, weather elements and harmful shocks from the outside.
Though fully formed physically at birth, a child is born ignorant – lacking knowledge and awareness of the new world – but with a great capacity to copy and paste whatever they see and hear.
The lifelong journey of learning begins.
Imagine a child has a dark deep pit in their mind called ignorance. Anything they learn becomes a unit of light and a stepping stone out of the pit. The nurture of parents, schools, churches, life experiences and the effort of the child as they grow, determine the illumination and speed of escape from this dark pit.
Sadly, many languish in the dark pit into adulthood and old age, unable to break free because they accepted their state of ignorance. Yet if they made an effort and seized opportunities to learn, they’d become wise, have better lives and help pull many others out of the deep dark pit.
At what level have you lit and dug yourself out of ignorance pit?
The people who control the education system, media houses, entertainment and social media influence the world for good or for bad.
Most stuff we watch on TV, movies, soaps, series and social platforms promote immorality and falsehood. Their goal is to desensitize us through their evil suggestions and scenes. Because of their efforts, it’s no longer a big deal for many to fornicate, watch pornographic content, drink alcohol, abort and now the rise of homosexuality acceptance. Sadly, the same evils are becoming common in some churches, too. Rather than give us the bricks and light we need to escape the dark pit of ignorance, such content keeps us satisfied with our very sorry state.
Another sad reality today is this; we’re very distracted people.
Most people live on a high dose of busyness and useless entertainment. Take for instance those who watch all seasons of football matches, movie series and soaps plus the many hours spent on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and dating sites. It’s okay to have entertainment, but is it still beneficial when we enjoy it at the expense of our academic and work performance, our spiritual and mental growth and our social lives? What value are the entertainers, socialites and celebs adding to our lives in exchange for our time and money?
Christians can never become mature and make the most of their identity as students of Christ their Lord and the Holy Spirit their Teacher and Counsellor with that level of desensitization and distraction.
Studying and training to become great at anything, good or evil, takes time, focus and dedication.
God says,
“My people are being destroyed because they don’t know me. Since you priests refuse to know me, I refuse to recognize you as my priests. Since you have forgotten the laws of your God, I will forget to bless your children.” (Hose 4:6)
First, let’s examine the example of Jesus’ life on earth.
He could have started ministry at twelve when he appeared in the temple discussing and asking questions to teachers of the law in the temple. But he didn’t. He started his ministry at thirty. In that time, He grew in stature, mind, favour with God and favour with men. (Luke 2:52)
Likewise, divine knowledge from scripture enables us to know who God is and who He says we are. Without this knowledge, our mental, spiritual, ministry and social growth becomes stagnant, meaningless and fruitless. Zeal without knowledge makes us mad people who do the same things year in and year out expecting different results. (Proverbs 19:2)
In the end, we doubt God’s principles and promises, become bitter and some lose their faith altogether.
Do you know your God?
According to the Bible, only those who know their God will stand strong, resist the antichrist and his agents at work in the world and do great exploits. (Daniel 11:21)
Will you be one of those who know their God in your generation?
We spend many years in school preparing for our careers. Certain careers require refresher courses to update and sharpen their skills. What makes us think Christians can thrive in their walk without thorough teaching, training and discipleship?
To become mature Christians, we need to become intentional and consistent students of God’s Word. The Bible (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) is a very rich book. It not only gives the history of how life began; it also has wisdom for life now and prophecies of what’s happening today and what will happen in future. Our generation is blessed with an inspired Bible of 66 books, written by 40 authors over approximately 1,500 years to form the same storyline from Genesis to Revelations without contradictions.
No book like the Bible exists.
According to Guinness World Records as of 1995, the Bible is the bestselling book of all time with an estimated 5 billion copies sold and distributed.[1] Not to read and live the Bible is to be robbed of the most precious possession and most meaningful life any human being can ever have.
I’ve observed that life is full of landmines, booby traps and evil forces bent on delaying and destroying our lives. God’s word contains the passwords you need to access what matters in life while avoiding the danger zones. And since Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life, you’re safest when you live according to His Words.
Did you know that every king of Israel was required to make a handwritten copy of the law for himself in the presence of the priest?
Why?
“19 He must always keep that copy with him and read it daily as long as he lives. That way he will learn to fear the Lord his God by obeying all the terms of these instructions and decrees.
20 This regular reading will prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens. It will also prevent him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way. And it will ensure that he and his descendants will reign for many generations in Israel.” (Deuteronomy 17:19-20)
Isn’t that fascinating?
King Solomon was a very wise man. He did many things in his lifetime and wrote many books. While in high school, I loved to read the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. They taught me how the fear of God leads to divine wisdom.
We can never grow spiritually and become wise without the fear of God. (Proverbs 9:10) He reveals or manifests Himself to those who love Him, fear Him and obey Him. (Psalm 25:14, John 14:21)
King Solomon tells us,
“Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do…” (Proverbs 4:7)
“Get the truth and never sell it…” (Proverbs 23:23)
“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom…” (Proverbs 9:10-12)
God uses the knowledge (WHAT) in His Word to grant us understanding (getting the WHY as we observe and connect the truths to our personal experiences and those of others) and enables us to gain divine wisdom (HOW) as we apply what we learn. Anyone can know and even understand but they can never be wise until they live by what they know. For instance, a doctor can know and understand the dangers of smoking and still smoke!
Though knowledge in biology, physics and chemistry has increased, godly wisdom has decreased. Common sense is no longer common. And though Christians own Bibles, few read them. They assume a one-hour Sunday sermon is enough to grow spiritually and do well in other aspects of their lives.
This state of the church breaks my heart.
Our failure is neglecting the Word, yet giving more time to social media, jobs, friends and entertainment. No wonder some Christians easily conform to the standards of the world, fail to enter God’s rest and bear little fruit of the spirit.
God’s warning to Prophet Isaiah applies to us today. He says,
“The Lord has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone does…” (Isaiah 8:11)
A wise person builds their life on a rock, not sand. The best way to prepare for the trials and temptations of life is to obey the truths of God’s Word we learn. Then we shall be like the wise builder who built His house on a rock. The storm and winds came, and his house stood. (Matthew 7:24-27)
Notice that according to Jesus, the primary aim of studying scriptures and getting wisdom is not to just know or teach others but to OBEY. Only the truth we put into practice sets us free and brings God’s blessing. (James 1:22-25)
“31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.
32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)
#1: Understand God’s purpose and assignment for your life. (Luke 2:52, Ecclesiastes 12:13)
#2: Believe the true Gospel, repent of your sins and be saved. (Ecclesiastes 7:12, Proverbs 3:18, 8:35-36, 16:22, 21:16, 2 Thessalonians 2:10-13)
#3: Bring you righteousness, peace and joy, gifts money can’t buy. (Proverbs 3:13, 1:33, Ecclesiastes 8:1)
#4: Show you how to live a balanced, self-controlled and meaningful life in all aspects of life – body, mind, spirit, finances and social interactions. (Provers 4:22, 1:3, 3:17, 3:5-6, Psalms 119:105, James 3:1-12)
#5: Teach you how to fear and love God, abide in Christ and receive the counsel of the Holy Spirit. (Proverbs 9:10)
#6: Gives you favour before people, live at peace with them and avoid bad peer pressure. (Proverbs 1:10-19, 4:14-17, 13:15, 28:2)
#7: Overcome temptations, resist the devil and win spiritual battles. (Psalms 37:3, 119:11, Luke 4:1-13, James 4:7, Ephesians 6:12)
Some churches focus their teachings on a particular topic like deliverance, prophecy and evangelism among others, at the expense of other fundamental doctrines of the Bible.
A pastor may be gifted in a certain area but a church can’t grow on the foundation of one gift. That’s why Christ gave the church apostles, teachers, prophets, evangelists and pastors so the church can remain the pillar and foundation of truth. (Ephesians 4:11, 1 Timothy 3:15)
Listen to what the apostle Paul said,
“26 I declare today that I have been faithful. If anyone suffers eternal death, it’s not my fault,
27 for I didn’t shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know.” (Acts 20:26-27)
Is your church teaching you the full counsel or will of God?
#1: Observation– What does the verse say?
Observe the verse. Who is talking, to whom and what are they saying? What is the context of the passage you’re reading? The context becomes clear when you read the verses before and after the verse you’re studying.
#2: Interpretation– What does it mean?
Here you seek to understand the meaning of the scripture to the people it was written to. What did it mean to them?
Consider what other scriptures on that topic say. A great Bible study provides references to similar scriptures. Note that the Bible doesn’t contradict each other because the same Spirit inspired all the 66 books of the Bible.
Note that some texts are simply historical facts of real characters and don’t mean the Bible approves or recommends what they did.
Study the whole Bible because both testaments help us to understand the whole Bible.
#3: Application– How does it apply to my life?
After observing and interpreting the scripture, the next question is how will it change the way you live? Scripture gives us commands to obey, truths to believe, sins to repent, warnings to heed and examples to follow.
Dear reader, nothing can take a person out of the dark pit of ignorance except the light of the One who created people shines in their heart. Those who claim to be educated and illuminated show their foolishness by the way they think and live.
King Solomon said,
“My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction…
For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light; their corrective discipline is the way to life.” (Proverbs 20:20,23)
His father, King David also wrote,
“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
And Apostle Paul reminds us,
“Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts.” (2 Peter 1:19)
Only God through Christ can make light shine in our hearts. He has called Christians out of darkness into His wonderful light. So let us walk in the light because we are sons and daughters of the light. (2 Corinthians 4:6, 1 Peter 2:9, 1 John 1:7)
To learn more about the gospel of Christ that brings us into God’s light, read this article THE PRECIOUSNESS, POWER & PRODUCT OF THE TRUE GOSPEL| Reject different Gospels & Christs
I plead with you and challenge you to study, meditate and obey God’s Word daily. Make the most of every platform, gadget or technology to be a better student of God’s Word.
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)
Your local church will do its best to teach you, but you have to study the Word for yourself, not only to grow but also to confirm whether what you’re taught is true. That’s how you join the ranks of the most wanted Christian. (Acts 17:11)
Apostle Paul says,
“16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
The goal of your studying is to become more intimate with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, mature in your character and equipped for serving.
As you obey God’s Word, it’ll train your mind, senses and body to discern and distinguish between good and evil, right and wrong, true and false. Your life will be blessed and many will be blessed, set free, made wise and encouraged to imitate you as you imitate Christ.
Every brick and every unit of light makes a difference in your life.
Keep learning.
Thank you for reading this article. I welcome your comments and questions below – as iron sharpens iron, let’s sharpen each other.
“Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them. Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” (John 13:17, James 4:17)
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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. (https://www.biblegateway.com)
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[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_best-selling_books
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