In the Word
I lead a discipleship group of young adults in our church with Jolene, and my favourite time of our meetings is discussing everyone's questions from the reading. Our group is curious and insightful, and they ask a lot of thoughtful and thought provoking questions of the text we're studying. It's my favourite time because as a group we then get to wrestle with their question and think through what the answer could be. It's fun to flex that muscle and grapple through some tough questions of the text as we are led by the Spirit.
When I was a new believer, at 18, I was always curious about things in the Bible. I didn't have a background of Christian knowledge from Sunday school, so some Christian concepts and truths were foreign to me and I had to ask, and out of those questions I learned a lot. I always try to remember that when I am curious about something now. If I seek out the answers, I have an opportunity to learn, so I need to keep asking. And I encourage our young adults, as well as our youth and kids, to keep a similar attitude; don't shy away from asking, because in asking you have a chance to learn. And the Bible is a wonderful source of knowledge and wisdom.
In James 1:5 James tells us,
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him”
I believe there is a certain amount of relationship building that is going on in that process as well. As we seek out wisdom, what we’re ultimately gaining is a clearer picture of the one who inspired and authored the book, God. And any time we get to learn more about him, we are deepening our relationship with him.
So the next time you are reading your Bible and you come across something that leaves you wondering, ask the question, and then seek the answer. God has graciously given us many avenues to investigate such things. Ultimately we want to start with prayer, asking God to lead us to and through the truth of his word. He may lead us to ask another believer, or perhaps read a book on the topic. Maybe we need to consult a biblical commentary. Whatever the case, ask God for wisdom, and let him lead you to the answers so that you can know him more and grow in your relationship with him.
Mike Sanders
When I was a new believer, at 18, I was always curious about things in the Bible. I didn't have a background of Christian knowledge from Sunday school, so some Christian concepts and truths were foreign to me and I had to ask, and out of those questions I learned a lot. I always try to remember that when I am curious about something now. If I seek out the answers, I have an opportunity to learn, so I need to keep asking. And I encourage our young adults, as well as our youth and kids, to keep a similar attitude; don't shy away from asking, because in asking you have a chance to learn. And the Bible is a wonderful source of knowledge and wisdom.
In James 1:5 James tells us,
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him”
I believe there is a certain amount of relationship building that is going on in that process as well. As we seek out wisdom, what we’re ultimately gaining is a clearer picture of the one who inspired and authored the book, God. And any time we get to learn more about him, we are deepening our relationship with him.
So the next time you are reading your Bible and you come across something that leaves you wondering, ask the question, and then seek the answer. God has graciously given us many avenues to investigate such things. Ultimately we want to start with prayer, asking God to lead us to and through the truth of his word. He may lead us to ask another believer, or perhaps read a book on the topic. Maybe we need to consult a biblical commentary. Whatever the case, ask God for wisdom, and let him lead you to the answers so that you can know him more and grow in your relationship with him.
Mike Sanders
No Comments