To Study means ‘to devote time and attention to gaining knowledge of a particular subject’. Other definitions state that it can also mean ‘to learn intensively about something’ or ‘to give serious thought or consideration to.’
We have all had to do the humble task of studying at some point in our lives whether it was at the primary, secondary or tertiary level. We have also engaged in studying by giving serious thought and consideration to the dynamics of our relationships, friendships, career paths and choices. As children of God however, studying extends beyond examinations and personal choices to the written Word of God (the Scriptures) which was given for our edification, correction, teaching, reproof and training in righteousness according to 2 Timothy 3:16.
I believe one of the main reasons Christians experience defeat is a lack of commitment to consistently studying and understanding God’s Word. If we do not avail ourselves to adequately knowing and understanding the testimonies, promises, prophecies and instructions embedded in the Bible, we will inevitably fall into ignorance.
Studying goes beyond passively reading Scripture at our convenience, selecting verses to recite in difficult moments, or using them to boast about being blessed and highly favoured. It requires much deeper engagement and application, beyond popular declarations like “No weapon formed against me shall prosper.”
What often hinders us from studying to show ourselves approved is the spirit of delusion. I have often reflected on my past delusions, examining how I viewed God in comparison to myself and I tend to see the same deficiency among the belief systems of lukewarm believers today. For years, I was deceived into thinking that I didn’t need to strive to fully know and understand the depth of God’s Word, nor did I see the need to be completely obedient to it. Many of us fall into the same delusion—believing we can call ourselves Christians while living in ways that directly and indirectly contradict God’s commands, simply because His grace is sufficient. Delusion, however, is a spirit that is fed by ignorance and one which breeds contempt for God’s instructions, rebellion and disobedience.
In the book ‘Why Did God Do That?’ by Matthew Tingbald with Josh Mc Dowell, they state ‘‘But what if our problem with the intensity of God’s judgment is not that he overestimates the severity of our offenses, but that we underestimate the stature of the one we have offended? Our relationship to God is that of creature to creator, which naturally means we are the lower and he is the higher.’’
In our delusion, do we ever dismiss the need for diligent study and application of Scripture, believing it to be less important than the things we prioritize—academics, scientific research, and worldly knowledge? Do we ever deceive ourselves into thinking that studying the manual given by our Creator isn’t worth the effort? Do we, in our delusion, question the authenticity of God’s Word, choosing to remain unaccountable by avoiding the fullness of His truth—so that if Judgment Day does come, we can claim ignorance? Do we overestimate our own worthiness while underestimating how truly worthy God is of our surrender, submission, and obedience? Do we truly underestimate our sinfulness and overestimate our perceived ‘goodness’ deeming God too harsh and bothersome to make an issue out of the things we do, think and say?
Ultimately, it all comes down to what we believe about God versus what we believe about ourselves. However, I echo these words: “Let God be true, and every man a liar.” Do not deceive yourself into thinking that human logic can ever surpass the sovereign Word and wisdom of the One who created you.
We are called to actively demonstrate our understanding and application of God’s truth in everything we think, say and do. To do this we must be intentional. To sustain this, we must be obedient and determined. Do we truly know the One the Scriptures testify about and why they testify of Him? Can we fully grasp what the Creator expects of us believers as His new creations? Will we be ready for our Lord’s second coming?
I urge you to seek these answers with diligence and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you into all truth. Make up your mind that you will not be found wanting but that you will diligently study God’s Word and seek His face – It’s never too late!
Be blessed!
Check out my latest book: ‘What do you Believe – Spiritual Contemplations for One’s Soul’
Click on link to purchase on Amazon- https://www.amazon.com/What-You-Believe-Spiritual-Contemplations-ebook/dp/B0B5P29WYH/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2HJ3J1AMZDE4G&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.JyfWFI4gvGDGh2tuXhQtH9a6ml8Dfo9QLZ-_vdH9bVw.ZKRUad1a0jTpaRJvtmGvzrrJ61sn1vXQxnpoEQkpc6Y&dib_tag=se&keywords=what+do+you+believe+josanne+rojas&qid=1741118657&sprefix=what+d%2Caps%2C1596&sr=8-1
