A solid article by Mark Driscoll on the importance of Scripture study for Christians.
My only sadness is that, once again, we focus only on biblical study as the fruitful path. I’m sure Mark was just emphasizing a point, but it is our knowledge of history, culture, civilization, politics, sociology, cosmology, mathematics, physics, etc. that forms a healthy context for living out Jesus’ way in the world.
We need Scripture study, deeply. But we lose our frame of reference if we ignore other areas of study around our devotion to the Scripture.
Again, solid short article.
17 Comments
sound bite sermons. ouch.
So often we get the choice between study of Scripture away from context, and end up blindly contextualising it, or we become environmental experts, unable to connect to scripture.
Nothing new in this approach to culture and context, the church as bounced between it too readily for 2,000 years.
How to we have a context aware and scripturally formed community? I think your onto something Dan.
A phrase that has changed my life is “All truth is God’s truth wherever it may be found.” I do think scripture helps us to examine the disciplines of study that you mention. I agree that we should be well rounded.
P.S. I learned that phrase from a professor and can’t remember if it was his own or if he was quoting someone else.
I agree that we need to contextualize our scripture study. I will admit that I am a long way away from becoming TOO focused on scripture study.
This article does remind me about memorization; it’s something that has fallen out of fashion lately. My parents generation seemed to make a big deal out of it, but rarely do I see anyone under 50 preach a message with large passages of scripture memorized. It’s becoming attractive to me and I look forward to the day I have large volumes of God’s word stored in my heart.
.
I agree Dan. The word mathematics caught my attention in your intro to this article. In high school, I had a brilliant geometry teacher that taught me a new method for squaring two-digit numbers (simple enough that I could do it in my head). I was blown away and had to ask him if such a method existed for three-digit numbers. He said he didn’t know, and challenged me to find a way.
A few days later, after much studying of the problem, I had a working solution patterned after that of the two-digit method. It was quite complex, and didn’t make squaring three-digit numbers easier like the two-digit method he taught me, but it was quite satisfying knowing that the mind God gave me was capable of such creative thinking.
Because I try to do everything I do as unto the Lord, I study many things besides scripture (sometimes to the detriment of my study of scripture), that ultimately help me connect with Christ and my purpose in this life in a profound way.
Not to mention, though this is outside the scope of this discussion, many of the people that we wish to share the message of the cross with are likely devoting themselves to the study of things aside from scripture, and having those things in our frame of reference can often open the door for opportunities to connect with and minister to those people.
A context aware, and scripturally formed community - yes, this would be the gift Jason.
Thanks others for rich comments.
This short article has some good merit. Obviously, the need for regular, considerable “meals” of God’s word so that we take in a diet that can actually nourish our lives- this is important.
Am I the only one, though, that finds the article, however, somewhat schizophrenic. On one level it is a summation (in spirit) of what NT Wright says in his teachings and writings about us needing to consume regularly on God’s word. But on another level it violates good principles of scripture reading by giving us a dozen chopped up verses to proof-text its hypothesis. In fact, some of those seem taken out of context completely. I mean 1 Tim 2:11 has nothing to do with scripture study specifically; and the Proverbs 10:14 text is the paradoxical comparison of the wise and foolish-not really about studying the Bible. In fact, most of the scriptures quoted about the need for us to study the “Bible” are really about hearing God’s Word- which would not have meant the “Bible” to the original hearers of the text. It would take a full teaching to explain this, but often times the “Word” referred to the active living word of God as it came to people not a handy bound book of 66 scripture volumes bound in our current “Bible”.
There are plenty of good Scriptures and ways to encourage people to study the Bible (some of which are used in the article- such as the Ezra text), but in general I feel this article falls ironically short in its Biblical support at making that point very well.
Kim
Dan, I’ve been thinking about why I study scripture. I enjoy words, I love metaphor, I find that my study of scripture brings me life. It brings me hope. Scripture forms me. It forms my language. It humbles me. It enlivens my imagination. I study scripture so that scripture can study me. I have little interest in using scripture as a means of argument. I would rather use my precious little time with others to inspire them to encounter God in the midst of their time reading and reflecting and pondering. Oh, to have a heart like that of Mary. One who accepts God’s word and ponders it, in the same way that one would accept and ponder the word of a dear friend. So, as I think on why I study scripture, I too, want it to be only one aspect of my relationship with God, albeit an important one. I too want to encourage people to enlargen their context of life with God. Great post by Mark and a very helpful perspective from yourself. Thanks Dan.
Kim has got it exactly right and why the era of the sound byte sermon (all we will sit still for) passes as sound teaching. And what of Jesus as ‘the word’…
Mat 7:22-29 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (24) Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: (25) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not; for it was founded upon a rock. (26) And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: (27) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. (28) And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: (29) For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
Again we must first hear the Word of God and then do the word of God. Hearing comes first then doing. It is the foundation of everything we do. Math, politics, culture, etc all need to be built on the Word of God. Granted we are to grow intellectually and spiritually, but let’s never under emphasize the importance of God’s Word.
I agree with you, Kim. I found it odd some of the scripture choices. Being a woman, I found it particularly odd to quote about women being quiet and under authority. This is the kind of scripture that many people have abused.
If this was viewed in the context of the culture of the day, it would not be a shutting down of women as it appears. Women were obviously well spoken of in the bible and learned people as well as teachers, healers, and preachers, were they not?
When a scripture is put out there on it’s own like that, it only goes to show that we need context along with scripture to have a fuller understanding of what is happening and being said.
Hey guys; you know what? I think I didn’t read the article thoroughly enough. I see what you and Kim noted, Crystal.
Maybe I missed something here - I think he was just lifting out passages on “learning,” but must have been too quick to suggest it was “solid.”
Thanks for the indications here.
d.
Nice short article reminding of the need for careful and diligent study. I do challenge Mark’s assumption when he says,
“Because Jesus humbly entered into history as a human being, He had to grow and learn just like we do (Luke 2:52). Subsequently, when we see Jesus frequently quoting Scripture from memory throughout His life, we must infer that He spent considerable amounts of time hearing Scripture, reading Scripture, studying Scripture, and memorizing Scripture.”
I realize that Jesus was born and grew up in the same form we did. The Bible is clear that he took human form. The Bible is also clear that He was as Phil 2:6 says, “in very nature God.” The miracles He did attest to that. To take it a step further, it was His spirit that inspired the Hebrew writers. The word was His word. So, I think it is definately possible that He did not have to spend considerable amounts of time hearing, reading, and studying the scripture. That he did quote sripture and read from scripture I think serves as an example to us. Just as Him being baptized serves as an example to us.
Crystal -
If you’re interested, I have a number of resources on women in ministry. Two articles that are worth your while:
http://www.ntwrightpage.com/Wright_Women_Service_Church.htm
NT Wright giving some significant historical exegetical insight
http://www.timeofrefreshing.com/Articles/what_does_god_think_of_women_pre.htm
This is a short version of an article that my father wrote in 1997 that went all over the world (hopefully copied correctly). If you want the full version, which has a deeper exegesis or an audio version of the teaching done at TACF, let me know.
Nathan
Hey Guys,
I think that scripture is so essential, I mean it is the living word of God. You know sharper than a two edged sword.
The Bible is almost like Gods auto biography . God Himself says that the Bible is HIS inspired Word and is good for teaching and edification.
I often pondered that the Bible paints a really clear picture of God, but there so much more to learn about God. Its just a glimpse into the infinite vastness of the mind, heart and personality of God.
The thing is God has inspired and created us to be creative beings. Truly every good and perfect gift comes from above. So everything that is created by man to be good, and interesting and just brings glory to God.
Whether a well built bridge, a inspiring book full of truth, a painting full of love, or a complected math equation unraveling the complexities of quantum physics, It all brings glory to God.
Many people believe that in Heaven we will worship God forever.
I agree.
But I also really believe that Heaven is a place of infinite discovery and creation (which are acts of worship in addition to musical worship), both of Our Father and the universe he created.
I believe that song writers will keep on writing, historians will keep recording and reflecting on the wonderful things God has done, painters will continue to capture beauty and inventors will continue to invent all to the Glory of God.
Love You Guys, See You There!
David Abreu
Incoming Links
Leave a Reply