Surprising Scripture
Stop.
Think about one time a Bible verse surprised you. What did you learn from it? What resources did you wish you had to understand it better?
Listen.
All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Reflect.
Okay, I’ll admit it: the Bible can be intimidating. It seems like anything you learn just points you to more things you need to learn. We’ve all been in a class or study where we thought we had things right, only to have someone else hit us with a, “Well, actually…” and make us feel absolutely worthless in our knowledge of scripture. Rather than being motivated, we’re intimidated. Yes, it even happens to pastors.
I want to take that fear and shame away from you. Trust me, no matter how much you learn about the Bible, you’ll always find more to learn. Yes, that’s even true for pastors. Instead of focusing on how much you know, consider why you’re learning.
In 2 Timothy, we hear three truths about why it’s vital to keep coming back to scripture and learning more. First: “All scripture is inspired by God.” In other words, everything we read in scripture is a true reflection of God’s action in the world. That doesn’t have to mean that what you’re reading is infallible. It simply means that God is at work in the words of the Bible. The more we read and interact with it, the more we learn about God, God’s action in the world, and what faith means for us.
Second, we hear that the Bible is good for teaching, training, and redirecting. Learning about the Bible isn’t just for personal superiority. It’s for life. It’s for being a community in conversation and accountability. It’s for discerning what God wants of us individually and as a congregation. It’s for growing in faith constantly, a work that never ends.
And finally, we keep coming back to scripture and learning more because it is for everyone. It is so that all believers might learn more and do more to God’s glory. The Bible isn’t just for scholars – it’s for all of us. Especially you.
Pray.
Fill me with the love of your word, God. Grant me confidence as I read and engage the scripture. Help me to grow in learning so I might grow in acts of service and words of praise to the glory of your Son. Amen.
Carry On.
Can you find three resources that will help you answer questions about the Bible? Ask your friends or a church leader what they use. Do some research on your own.