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How can we overcome the great famine of Bible knowledge that is so prevalent among the saints? The few things suggested below may seem like treating surgery with a band aid, but perhaps they are worthy of consideration.
- There must be a desire to learn more. The Lord likely meant more, but surely he included our knowledge of spiritual things when he promised: “Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Mat. 5:6). We will be ignorant only if we are content to be. A great part of the cure lies in our priorities. If we view the Kingdom as an inane pastime, we guarantee our own spiritual malnutrition.
- Get a good, reputable English version of the Bible and stick with it. I deeply respect the King James Version and the New King James Version. Either will serve well. However, it is generally conceded that the American Standard Version is the closest thing to a literal word-for-word translation among the major versions. I unhesitatingly recommend it. I use it in my private study and in the pulpit and classroom. If you wish to use a “modern speech” version (some of which are not even translations, but mere paraphrases), use them only comparatively with your basic study version. At best, some of them are only biased commentaries.
- Set aside a time each day to study and follow a system. For example, you might choose one book and devote your study time to it until you complete it. Use good commentaries, Bible dictionaries, and a concordance in your studies. Take notes as you study, compiling a notebook on your research.
- Faithfully attend Bible classes and worship periods. Study your lesson before you come to class. If possible, outline the sermon as it is being preached. Special lecture series and Gospel meetings can provide much additional Bible knowledge. We are to use every opportunity to “…grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” (2 Pet. 3:18).
[Note: I wrote this article for, and it was published in the April 3, 1975, edition of the Granbury Gospel, weekly bulletin of the Granbury Church of Christ, Granbury, Texas, of which I was editor.
Attribution: From thescripturecache.com; Dub McClish, owner and administrator.
