Hebrew and Greek
(Arthur Pink, "Bible Study")
"Desire the sincere milk of the Word--
that you may grow thereby." 1 Peter 2:2
The Bible consists of a series
of letters from the Heavenly
Father, to His dear children.
Then let us cherish them
as such, and act accordingly.
A few verses that are thoughtfully
and prayerfully pondered, will
advantage us far more than
two or three whole chapters,
merely skimmed through.
That against which we are protesting--
is the God-dishonoring idea that
His Word is merely a piece
of literature, which may be
"mastered" by a course of "study."
We would warn against an undue
occupation with the technical
aspects of the Bible. God's
blessed Word is not for
dissection by the knife
of cold intellectuality.
It is not given for us
to display our cleverness
and "brilliance" upon--
but to be bowed before
in true humility.
It is not designed
for mental entertainment--
but for the regulation
of our daily lives!
Our motive when
approaching the Word,
should be to seek that
which will subdue pride
and bring us as supplicants
to the footstool of Mercy--
not to acquire that which
will puff us up in our
own conceit.
Of what value is a knowledge of
the original Hebrew and Greek--
or a thorough acquaintance
with the history, geography,
and chronology of the Bible--
if the heart is left cold and
hard toward its Author!
I seriously doubt if God has called
or requires us, merely to 'study'
His Word. What we need to do,
is FEED thereon. How much
nourishment would your body
derive from a study of the
chemical properties of foods--
or from seeking to ascertain
the various sorts of soil
in which they are grown--
or the meaning of their
Latin names? None whatever!
And I am persuaded that much
of the modern 'study of the Bible'
is equally profitless spiritually!
By all means, "search
the Scriptures daily" (Acts 17:11);
slowly ponder each word
in every verse. Pray constantly
for the guidance and illumination
of the Spirit, that He may open
to you its Divine mysteries.
Above all, beg God to write
His Word more legibly and fully
upon the tablets of your heart--
that you may put the precepts
into practice.
"Nourished up in the Words
of Faith" (1 Timothy 4:6).
God's Word is the only
nutritive food for the soul!
This is why the Holy
Scriptures are given to us--
that we may grow in love and
reverence for them, and be
more and more regulated by them.
It is only by feeding on this
Heavenly Manna, that strength
is obtained for our pilgrim walk,
for our warfare with sin and Satan,
and for our service unto God and
our fellows.
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