It is difficult to tell another the proper method of studying Scripture. The infinite depths of Holy Scripture, like the exhaustless resources that are in God and the moral glories of the Person of Christ, are only unfolded to faith and need. It is not cleverness of intellectual power but the simplicity of a little child that is required. The One who composed the Holy Scriptures will open our understanding if we wait on Him in earnestness of heart.
Further, it is as we act on what we know that our knowledge increases. We may fill our intellect with biblical knowledge, have the doctrines of the Bible and the letter of Scripture at our fingertips, without one bit of spiritual power. Let us go to Scripture as a hungry man goes to a meal—because we cannot do without it. We go, not merely to study, but to feed. The divine nature leads us to the Word of God as the newborn babe desires the milk by which he grows.
Thus we may see how important is the question of how to study Scripture. It is intimately connected with our entire moral and spiritual condition, our daily walk, and our actual habits and ways. God has given us His Word to form our character, to govern our conduct and to shape our course. If the Word has not a formative influence over us, it is folly to think of storing up a quantity of scriptural knowledge.
Trafficking in unfelt truth brings on a heartless indifference, levity of spirit, and insensibility of conscience. The mere profession of truth—truth which does not act on the conscience—is one of the special dangers of the day. Better to know a little in reality and power than to profess a large quantity of truth that lies powerless in the region of the understanding. I would much rather be honestly in Romans 7 than fictitiously in chapter 8. In the former case I am sure to come right, but in the latter there is no telling what I may come to.
As to the question of making use of human writings to help us in the study of Scripture, great caution is needed. No doubt the Lord may and does make use of the writings of His servants, just as He uses their oral ministry for our edification. Indeed, in the present divided condition of the church, it is wonderful to mark the Lord’s rich grace and tender care in feeding His beloved people through the writings of His servants.
But, we repeat, great caution is needed, that so precious a gift may not lead us to trade on borrowed capital. If we are really dependent upon God, He will put the right book into our hands, feeding us with food suitable. Thus we receive it from Himself and hold it in communion with Himself. It is fresh, living, powerful and formative. Thus we grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Precious growth!
Finally, let us remember that Holy Scripture is the voice of God, and the written Word is the transcript of the living Word. It is only by the Holy Spirit’s teaching we can really understand Scripture, as He reveals its living depths to faith and need.
C. H. Mackintosh (adapted)