Adolphe Monod, the godly French preacher (1802-1856), made a very sobering, yet beneficial comment on Bible study. He wrote: "We must acknowledge that in the beginning of the study of Scripture, there are many difficulties, and much obscurity. Some labour is necessary to dissipate them; and the mind of man is naturally slow and idle; and he easily loses courage, and is satisfied with reading over and over again, without penetrating further than the surface; and he learns nothing new; and the constant perusal of the same thing causeth weariness, as if the word of God was not interesting; as if we could not find some new instruction in it; as if it were not inexhaustible as God Himself. Let us ever beware of thinking these difficulties insurmountable. We must give ourselves trouble. For here, as in every part of the Christian life, God will have us to be labourers with Himself; and the knowledge of the Bible, and a relish for the Bible, are the fruit and recompense of this humble, sincere, and persevering study."
Benefits
Serious Bible study brings many benefits and blessings. The Word of God gives us a perspective that we do not hear around us in today's world. Through the blessing of the Holy Spirit, the Word of God helps us understand ourselves. It provides security and stability. It enlightens our knowledge of God. It enflames our affections and renews our hope. It gives directions for our walk. It comforts us when afflicted. It goads us out of our complacency. It answers many of our questions. It reminds us that we live in a passing world and unveils to us a coming world. It sheds light upon our path. Many have regretted not spending more time in the Word; I've never heard anyone express regret for spending too much time in the Word.
Challenges
Serious Bible study, however, does not come naturally and automatically. There are many hindrances around us. The world calls to our sinful hearts. Our vocations take much time and energy. Young parents are busy and tired. It can often be difficult to find a quiet time or place in our bustling homes and world. There are usually, however, even more hindrances within us. Our minds are easily distracted. Our hearts are hard and cold. The world attracts us. Complacency eats away at us. Even doubts can take hold of us and hinder profitable study. Furthermore, serious Bible study is not easy. The Bible is not easily read, like much of the literature around us. Its subject is loftier. It concerns spiritual realities, which our eyes can't see, and which we may be unwilling to see. Many concepts are abstract; the language is sometimes difficult. There are verses and sometimes passages for which the meaning is not immediately clear. Serious Bible study is challenging.
The Basic Posture
When studying the Bible, our basic posture should be that of Samuel: "Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth" (1 Sam. 3:9). The Puritans called this the practical reading of Scripture. Wilhelmus à Brakel says a Christian should place himself before the Lord "with a humble, hungry, and submissive spiritual frame ... while reading slowly and thoughtfully as if hearing the voice of God, and subjecting himself to the Holy Spirit to operate upon the heart as he reads. ... Whenever there is a passage which has a special power upon the heart, such a person pauses in order that this Scripture might have its effect in the heart. Then he prays, gives thanks, rejoices, and is filled with amazement--all of which revive the soul and stimulate it to obedience."
It seems to me there should be four elements in our basic posture to the Word of God.
1. We should pore over the Word of God in the conviction that this is the Word of the living God, who has made us and everything for Himself.
2. We should pray that the Lord would open our
eyes and heart to His Word.
3. We should purpose in our heart to obey through
grace all that God commands in His holy Word.
4. We should progress in understanding the
meaning and claim of the Word.