by Kevin Burton
OK class, that’s lunch!
We’ve been through five classes at our Earthly School for the Spiritually Blind. It’s time to refuel. Since this is ESSB we’re not talking about cheeseburgers and tater tots. We’re talking about feeding our spirit.
What an outrage it would be if schools did not provide a lunch for students at midday. So why do we so often skip that spiritual nourishment?
The Word of God is the fuel that carries you through good times and bad, helps you get through trials.
Of course Bible study always goes with prayer. We focus on Bible study today and will talk about prayer in a future post.
“The Bible is profitable and nourishing. It provides us with an advantage in every department of life—family, business, and personal relationships,” writes Dr. Charles Stanley, speaker on In Touch radio and television ministries.
“It is profitable because it reflects the wisdom of God; and when we abide by its teachings, we learn to live in His peace. As we meditate and consider its truth, our spirits and souls find nourishment,”
“We become established and enriched in every experience of life by living according to God’s perspective. The Bible is the book for everyone. It is revelation, inspiration, and communication of the Person and plan of the eternal, living, and powerful God,” Stanley writes.
There are a number of passages that call on us to study the Bible. Let’s start with 1 Peter 2:2 (NKJV), “and like newborn babies, long for the puremilk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation.”
Next, Paul’s advice to his spiritual son Timothy.
“You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus,” (2 Tim. 3: 14-15 NKJV).
Notice Paul says to continue in the scripture. Adding memory to your computer is a one-time deal that leads to instant and continued capacity to perform. Not so your spiritual refueling. Here’s another passage from Paul:
“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God,” (Col. 3:16 NKJV).
That “richly dwell within you” speaks to your spirit absorbing the word, just as your body absorbs nutrients, for sustained life and energy.
There is a verse, Joshua 1:9, about being strong and courageous. I see that quoted everywhere in various contexts and for good reason. But what did God tell Joshua about studying His word just before that verse?
Joshua 1:8 (NASB), “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will achieve success.”
More advice, this time from King Solomon in Proverbs 3: 1-2 (NASB), “My son, do not forget my teaching, but have your heart comply with my commandments; For length of days and years of life And peace they will add to you.
For the sake of our ESSB class format we have the Bible study/lunch in midday. Bible teachers generally say it doesn’t matter what time of day you study God’s word, as long as you set aside a time for it daily.
Some people are morning people, some are not. Sometimes work hours or family responsibilities decide for you what time you have available.
But this is your spiritual food. If you skip that meal you’re going to feel it. Skip too many meals and it’s going to show.
Class notes, lunch (Bible study): Starving your spirit leads to spiritual death, just as sure as starving your body leads to physical death. Spiritual nourishment is available to all, within the covers of the Bible.
One for the spiritual road: Matthew 4:4, “It is written ‘Man shall not live on bread alone but on every word that comes out of the mouth of God.’”
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