Bible study is a topic which cannot be overemphasized because the blessings found in a deeper knowledge of God’s Word are innumerable (cf. Col. 1:9-11; 2 Pet. 1:3; etc.). Yet the temptation may arise for a person to think he or she has reached a point in life in which no more study is needed. Is that true? Does a person ever reach the top of the “Biblical mountain?” Do I ever need to stop studying God’s Word? To ask such a question is akin to asking…
Do I ever need to stop eating? We are to hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matt. 5:6). Peter wrote to mature Christians when he said, “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby” (1 Pet. 2:2). Regardless of age, every Christian should desire the nourishment of God’s Word just as a baby desires to be fed.
Do I ever progress beyond the need to be reminded? Peter said, “Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you” (2 Pet. 1:13). The context of that statement (2 Pet. 1:12-15) identifies Peter’s desire to write, reminding the brethren of what they already knew so that they would have a constant source of reminder after his death. Obviously, Peter did not believe that a person ever reaches the point of no longer needing to be reminded.
Should I ever cease to take pleasure in the works of God? The Psalmist wrote, “The works of the Lord are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them” (Ps. 111:2). When we search the scripture, we find an endless list of the great works of God. Whether it is the Genesis account of creation, the parting of the Red Sea, or raising of the dead, the Bible gives us great detail of the amazing power and wisdom of God seen in His work throughout human history. Do we ever reach a time in which we should no longer find joy in reading about our God’s great work?
Am I ever capable of resisting temptation all on my own? David wrote, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Ps. 119:11). Jesus knew that scripture is one of our most powerful weapons against temptation. When tempted in the wilderness, three times He quoted scripture to defeat the Devil’s advance. Am I stronger than Jesus? Can I overcome temptation in a way in which He was unable?