Jump Start # 702

Psalms 111:2 “Great are the works of the Lord; they are studied by all who delight in them.”

This verse presents an interesting concept for us. The works of the Lord are studied. The KJV expresses this, “they are sought out.” The NIV: “they are pondered.” Those thoughts give us the idea of something that is thought about, considered and then sought after. Reflection and following seem to the the idea here.

I like the expression, “They are studied.” The works of the Lord are studied. There are various ways one could go about such a study. They could study them from the standpoint of science. Our ending, “ology” means study or science. Bio-logy, the study of bios or life. Zo-ology, the study of animals. A person can study the works of God from the standpoint of evidences and how they point to a design, intelligence and God. The works of God can be studied from the standpoint of theology (the study of God) and how the works affirm the promises, the deity of Christ, and the fulfillment of God’s plans. Many of our readers are familiar with Bible study—in which we study God’s word.

Study naturally leads to greater knowledge and understanding. Study of God’s word is one of the key components of building faith.

Two thoughts come from our verse today.

First, study takes time and diligence. There are no short cuts nor quick and easy ways to gain a wisdom of God’s word. Looking at words, understanding concepts, looking into backgrounds, asking questions are great ways to study God’s word. Like any field of study, basics come first. Understanding concepts of inspiration, knowing God’s will, seeing how all the books fit together are necessary to build a growing and powerful faith. A person who has studied God’s word for forty years ought to have a depth and grasp upon things that those younger in faith do not. This is not always the case. Some have been stuck in the same mode of repeating what they learned without increasing their knowledge. Shallow teaching, shallow thinking, shallow learning leads to shallow faith. A person can spend forty years in shallow waters. The study of God’s word needs to be driven by the individual and not the church. Think for yourself! Search out things. Read the Bible with a pen and paper nearby. Circle words. Underline statements. Be a spiritual detective and look for things.

Second, study changes a person. Study leads to conclusions. Study uncovers things. Study leads to faith building. The more time a person spends with God’s word the more righteous they will be. God’s word is living and active and has a way of working on a good and honest heart. It can shape, mold and transform our hearts, and then our behavior into godly people. There is a direct connection between studying God’s word and godly living. The absence is also clearly seen. The less time spent with the Bible shows. Attitudes sour. Impatience grows. Worldly thinking replaces godly thinking. Soon, living apart from God’s word becomes the norm. What’s the answer? Back to the Bible! Study God’s word. Reflect. Become.

One of the characteristics of God’s people is a knowledge of His word. Error is recognized quickly, because these people know what is right. They love truth. They are not progressive, always looking for new ways, new ideas, new truths, rather, they look backwards to His way. They are restorers, longing to return things back to God’s way.

When the storms of life come, and they always do, God’s people will stand because they have built a faith upon the foundation of God—the rock!

A student of God’s word—that’s the key!

Roger