Reading To Understand
Many folks, because of the “present distress”, have additional time on their hands. Some, while not out of work, are working from home. While this may have its own challenges and difficulties, there may also be some benefits that have yet to be realized. At least the time gained not having to travel or commute to and from an office or jobsite, provides additional time to use in other ways. What is being done with this time? Would this not be an opportunity to read more? I have heard several folks mention that they are beginning to “catch up” on their reading. Are we “catching up on” our Bible reading?
What is the purpose for what we read? Some read for pleasure and some do so for the information that can be gained. Many Bibles contain a “daily” reading plan that will have one “read through” the Bible in a year. It’s never wrong to read the Bible, but after “reading through” it in the course of a year, what have we learned? How much have we truly retained when we simply read through the Bible?
There is a real difference in reading and studying. One cannot fully grasp the full meaning of the passages of the Bible (or any other book) by simply “going over” the words on the page. This is why the Spirit had Philip ask the all-important question of Acts 8:30. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? The eunuch’s response indicated his desire to truly know, rather than to just read the Words found therein. The eunuch, and we, are to apply the advice given in 2Timothy 2:15 by the apostle Paul as directed by the Spirit. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. If more people read and studied God’s Word, honestly and earnestly they 1) would better understand, and 2) would be more likely to be obedient unto God.
That which is not “understood” can truly be called a mystery. The Spirit had Paul write to the church in Ephesus to inform them of that which was once a mystery, but is no longer. Ephesians 3:1-6 is speaking of the gospel which has now been fully revealed. Therefore, none have excuse for not obeying what God has directed in His Word. This is where we also find that this glorious message includes us in the grace of God. This passage also tells us how we can know this. For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
God has always provided the means for His people to “understand” His Words to them. In Old Testament times, God wrote to His people Israel. In Nehemiah 8:1-2 we find account of one of the many times God calls Israel back to repentance through the reading of the Law. His Word in every age has been clear and concise. And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel. 2 And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. Then, in Nehemiah 8:8 we read that all present had understanding because of the reading. So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.
Even in this, the final dispensation of time, God has made His New Testament message known to His people (the church) as the Spirit guided the pen of inspiration. However, man has responsibility to take in these Words, through reading and work to understand what God would have all do. The Spirit had Paul advise Timothy to do that which also applies to all who would understand God’s Word in 1Timothy 4:13 . Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
In Ephesians 5:17, the church there was given a directive that applies to all Christians. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And, according to 2Peter 3:6-9 it is God’s Will that all would come to repentance. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Christians are to read and understand this, then take God’s Word to those that are living in sin and those Christians in error so they might understand what to do. We are clearly told in 2Timothy 2:25-26 how we are to do this. In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. Let’s read – Let’s understand – Then do as God Commands.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
