https://odb.org/MY/2023/03/23/why-do-this
When we study in school or even university, we will wonder whether we will ever use the stuff we study. I did law, and thus, when I graduated and started practising, there were, of course, material we used immediately like the civil court rules. In fact, we were drafting pleadings based on court forms. My second son is doing computer science, and I’m sure the difficult maths and programming languages he is learning will be immediately used if he takes up an IT-related job later on.
This brings us to the question of the day – will we ever use the stuff we learn from the bible? When we learn about Paul, for example, how useful will such information be in real life? Or we study about the life of Abraham, will we get to use those facts?
I think when it comes to the Word of God, the approach is slightly different. The information we learnt we could always contribute as part of our participation in our cell group if a similar topic or a corresponding example ever arises. However, with the bible, bible knowledge is learning about God and His heart. Thus, even if we don’t get to reproduce the knowledge we have acquired, we have learnt about how God relates to His people. In the process, we have the assurance and confidence that He will treat us likewise. If He forgives in the bible, we know He will forgive us in our lives. If He intervenes into the natural in the bible, we know we can depend on Him to intervene in our situations. Perhaps He will give us similar chances that He gave Paul or John or David to have a comparable spiritual journey. If we are willing, our road to spiritual maturity and success will not be limited. God will give us all the opportunities that we desire if we want to serve Him and give our lives to Him.
Our faith is very much a relationship with God and Jesus Christ, our Lord, and His Word is the lamp that guides us along. As we read His Word, Jesus speaks to us. The Holy Spirit convicts us. We are strengthened and encouraged. As we read about Paul, we are astonished and admire his staying power and dedication to the cause of the Gospel, and we are inspired to do the same.
Study the Word, read about God and His interactions and love for His people. Nothing will be wasted or not useful. Everything that we have read and learnt from His Word will be useful in His time as all Scripture is God breathed and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training for righteousness that the man of God may be complete and equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17)!
Ronnie's Thoughts 