Study

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
- 2 Timothy 2:15

God exhorts believers to study as workmen. Study is not optional if we desire to live the Christian life to the full. It is essential to knowing how God expects us to live as believers, and to knowing how it is that we may be saved.

...These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
- Acts 17:11

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
- 2 Timothy 3:15

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
- Joshua 1:8

The above examples are but a few of many that could be considered, reminding us that God’s expectation is not only that we read the scriptures, but that we study and meditate on them. Psalms 119 further reminds us that hiding it in our hearts is key to not sinning against the Lord.

Jesus in Matthew 7 tells the well known story of the two men who built houses – one on the sand, and the other on the rock. The difference between the two was what actions followed their knowledge of the scriptures.

Let us be hearers, and studiers, whether or not there is a lesson to teach others. Many want to teach, without having studied first. Often the temptation comes to only study when we have to teach. God would have us to be always studying, and thereby ready to give an answer to every one who would ask us.