Some study the Bible and enjoy great spiritual growth and maturity. Others study it but grow little if at all. What makes the difference? How can you be one who grows in spiritual understanding? The key is to live what you learn!
Just because a person begins with a humble attitude and proceeds to reading
and studying the Scriptures intently doesn't mean he will continue this
approach and gain the understanding he seeks.
The Bible shows that some who come to an understanding of certain basic
revealed spiritual truths will lose that comprehension because
they do not act on them. By rejecting knowledge revealed by God,
they choose to exalt their own point of view over that of their Creator.
They no longer allow the mirror of God's Word to show them what they need
to change (James 1:22-25).
On the other hand, those who faithfully persist in the right approach
and remain dedicated to learning from Scripture will continue to grow spiritually
and will be richly blessed in the end.
Understanding and obedience reinforce each other
As we saw up front, we must approach God with a prayerful, humble attitude-one
desiring to learn and heed His instructions. This right attitude leads
to obedience of His laws, which form much of the foundation of the Bible.
Psalm 119:34 expresses this proper motivation: "Give me understanding,
and I shall keep your law; indeed I shall observe it with my whole heart."
We see, then, that applying what we learn from God's Word is necessary,
along with a humble approach. In fact, we must begin to live what we
learn for God to grant us continued understanding.
