School's In!

Hats off to those of any generation who go back to school!  Mr. Bill and I are considering enrolling in a local Bible institute which meets only once a week and has no pass-fail requirements for completion … and we’re terrified!  The time element is, of course, the biggest scare but for me it’s also the fear I’ll have to do mine and Bill’s homework!

 

O. S. Hawkins writes, “One of the great temptations of the busy believer is to stop studying the Bible.”  When we graduated, most of us said goodbye to strenuous study habits and work ethic required to finish and to finish with good grades.  We are so grateful for those whom God called from among His Elect to teach and shepherd Believers.  One danger we all face, however, is we think it’s the ministers and pastors who alone are required to study Scripture.  Not so – Not so – Not so!  Paul writes, “Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15, Amplified Bible).  Another danger is we read much about the Bible, neglecting the Bible Itself!  It’s good we listen to Christian radio, hear countless sermons, read wonderfully inspirational books, attend conferences and workshops, yet not good that we spend an inadequate amount of personal time studying God’s Word.  In his letter, Paul encouraged Timothy to study to prove himself adequate and equipped to do God’s work!  Now, school with no stress to pass or fail sounds like my kind of school (certainly Mr. Bill’s).  Truth is, the born-again are never out-of-school: we’re instructed to be students of God’s Word, and class is in-session every single day!  No skipping school … school’s in!