(Continued from January 30, 2006)

     Yes, the serious disciple of Jesus Christ needs to study. In fact Paul urges his young protégé, Timothy, to commit himself to the hard work of studying the Bible. The King James Version (KJV) of 2 Timothy 2.15 retains this emphasis on study. "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." The Greek word spoudazw, translated "study" in the KJV is rendered in many different fashions in modern translations. These renderings include "Be diligent" (NASB), "Do your best to win full approval" (NEB), "Do your best" (NIV, NRSV & CEV), and "Work hard" (NLT). A literal translation of spoudazw would be "to use speed." It is an idiom that describes giving effort to your present pursuit. The pursuit which Paul called Timothy to was the handling of words, God's words: so in essence, study.

     You see, studying the Bible is God's primary way of communicating with us today. It is through Scripture study that He prepares us for service in His kingdom. It is through Bible study that God challenges our human perspective and calls us to adopt His divine perspective. It is through serious study that He molds our character to emulate that of His Son. It is through an encounter with Him in His word that we change our attitudes into His attitude. It is through study that God allows our spirits to grow and mature.

     Will we at Grace become people who have, "no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth?" (2 Timothy 2:15b) Only if we become a people who are diligent in our study together of God’s word. The primary vehicle that we have at Grace for group study is Sunday School. March 5th begins our new quarter of study. If you have not been a part of this group study time before, March 5th would be an excellent time to begin. In the Builder's Class, Kelly Moor will be teaching curriculum which she co-authored on Job, Psalm, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. The Parables Class will be studying David C. Cook Lessons on Living in the Present, covering Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther and Daniel. Sunday Morning Live and the Seekers classes will announce their themes for the quarter in the coming days. There are age appropriate classes for children, too. Won’t you join me as we let God prepare us for life with Him as we study together?

     See you Sunday,

  Pastor Dave

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