Reading the Bible can be the gateway to heavenly bliss or the pathway to subtle self-destruction. To read the Bible is to walk on holy ground, so we must arrive at the Word oh so aware of the fine line that exists between reading and sinning.
As you read this article, please try heart 2 Corinthians 13:5 and "Examine yourselves... test yourselves" ;.
Sin #1 - Reading without praying - the sin of proud self-reliance.
Reading the Word should be bathed in prayer - before, during and after. God is the greatest Author with this Book and so we must go to Him for understanding and the innumerable blessings He desires to shower upon us through the Bible.
Steer clear of it - Get this humble prayer your personal - "I'd like to understand the teaching of your precepts" (Psalm 119: 27a).
Sin #2 - Reading without meditating - the sin of mindless mysticism.
Reading is only the start of our journey into God's truth. We ought to think of what we read, and think long and hard. Some parts of the Bible are more difficult to comprehend than others; when faced with a difficult passage, you could simply need to spend more time pondering it.
Steer clear of it - Proclaim with conviction - "Then I will meditate on your wonders" (Psalm 119:27b). When opening the Book, be opening, exercising and filling your brain, not emptying it.MyReadingManga
Sin #3 - Reading without communing - the sin of dead intellectualism.
Reading the Bible could be the way to the awesome end of deeper fellowship with God. If reading the Bible doesn't result in sweeter intimacy with King Jesus, something is amiss. Time in the Word shouldn't be an end in itself. It's the entrance into the clear presence of Christ, our Creator, our Sustainer and the Lover of our souls.
Steer clear of it - As you read, pray just like the psalmist, "I seek you with all my heart" (Psalm 119:10a) and "Don't utterly forsake me" (Psalm 119:8b).
Sin #4 - Reading without understanding - the sin of empty ritualism.
Are the language only words? We commune with God through His Word as His Spirit reveals the meaning. Reading without understanding is not reading but a meaningless ritual, a mere formality that grieves the Spirit, displeases the Father and dishonors His Son.
Steer clear of it - As you realize the sacredness of Scripture, pray "Open my eyes that I often see wonderful things in your law" (Psalm 119:18). This isn't yet another book. Say with Peter "You have the language of eternal life" (John 6:68).
Sin #5 - Reading without believing - the sin of self-righteous legalism.
What do Bible reading, prayer, church attendance, tithing, and helping the needy all have in accordance? They may be either the expression of saving faith or the expression of non-saving faith. For the genuine believer, they're proof life. For the false believer, they're proof a spurious conversion and serve and then strengthen his self-deception. Bible reading, like a bit of good work, is never the explanation for our salvation but rather its result. The difference is infinitely, eternally huge.
Steer clear of it - Ponder the wonder of salvation by grace, through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Nothing we do earns God's favor (including Bible reading). From start in order to complete, salvation is His work, not ours.
Sin #6 - Reading without obeying - the sin of cheap grace.
Salvation is free, but it will set you back everything. Is this not the greatest paradox of Scripture? We are not saved by good works, but also for good works, and so Bible reading is one of many main activities God uses to empower us to call home a life of increasing obedience, holiness and Christ-likeness. Sinless perfection will escape us this side of heaven, but a changed life will not. If your Bible reading doesn't have life-transforming results, please think over the likelihood that you will be still dead in your sins and in have to be born of the Spirit (John 3:1-8).
Steer clear of it - Spend much time in Psalm 119 and meditate much on the many verses that talk about obeying the Word. May these prayers be yours - "I will obey your decrees" (Psalm 119:8a) and "I run in the road of your commands, for you've set my heart free" (Psalm 119:32).
Sin #7 - Reading without studying - the sin of superficial skimming.
"Raking is simple, but you receive only leaves; digging is hard, but you may find diamonds" (John Piper). Reading is nevertheless the first step to understanding this is and rejoicing as person who finds great wealth (Psalm 119:162). Ask questions; record your thoughts and responses in a journal; do word studies; join a Bible study group (or start one yourself). You can find 101 approaches to dig to the Word.
Steer clear of it - Realize the necessity to dive in, not remain on the surface. This takes time and effort, fueled by the grace of God and the enabling of His Spirit. So get out your shovel and get digging, knowing that "it is God who works in you to will and to act" (Philippians 2:13 - another mind-boggling paradox).
And may your time in the Word be a way to obtain divine renewal for the glory of God. While reading, be sure to be praying, meditating, communing, understanding, believing, obeying and studying, and you're sure to declare "Your statutes are my delight!" (Psalm 119:24).
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