[BS 2]

[BS 3]

[BS 4]

      Bible study is so highly profitable, so absolutely essential, and so firmly obligatory, that a consideration of this duty requires no other apology than the obvious and alarming neglect in this direction among the people of earth.

      We would do well to imitate the example of the Bereans who were favored with the services of Paul and Silas. Because of persecution in Thessalonica, Paul and Silas were sent from there to Berea. Their hearers at the latter place "were more noble than those in Thessalonica," inasmuch as they not only "received the word with all readiness of mind!" but advanced beyond that,

      "And searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."

      In the consideration of this highly important subject, we will notice,

      Following the order proposed, we will consider, [5]

      My principal object in connection with this part of our subject, is to give reasons why the Christian should search the Scriptures; but before proceeding to a consideration of these reasons, it may be well to consider a few reasons for Bible study which are applicable to the sinner as well as to the Christian.

      It is an admitted fact that our Creator has given us minds which are susceptible of improvement, and that it is our duty to improve them. This being true, it naturally follows that we should seek the best means whereby to improve our intellects. And a proper consideration will enable us to discern why the Bible is superior to all other works of literature, and so eminently adaptable for the attainment of that grand and glorious object--the proper cultivation of the mind.

      It is sufficient to meet the requirements of all who are seeking beneficient knowledge. The following words of St. Clement fully convey the idea: "For what defect dost thou find in the law of God, that thou shouldest have recourse to those Heathenish fables? For if thou hast a mind to read history, thou hast the books of the Kings; if books of wisdom or poetry, thou hast those of the Prophets, [6] of Job, and the Proverbs, in which thou wilt find greater depths of sagacity than in all the heathen poets and sophisters; because these are the words of the Lord, the only-wise God. If thou desirest something to sing, thou hast the Psalms; if the origin of things, thou hast Genesis; if laws and statutes, thou hast the glorious Law of the Lord God. Do thou, therefore, utterly abstain from all strange and diabolical books."

      We should not gain the idea from this, that inasmuch as the Word of God alone is a library, that it makes the study of other books unnecessary; but we see the folly of having as a reason for neglecting the study of the Bible, that we fail to find any satisfaction for our desires. How can people, by the perusal of injurious literature, squander the time that God has given them, while they have access to that grand and beautiful Bible-story? A narrative which, even in point of fascination, causes all the stories that ever emanated from the brain of the dime novelist to dwindle into insignificance!

      Every individual realizes the necessity, every hour of life, for words of reproof, of consolation or encouragement. And God, in his Word, has given us all that is essential for the attainment of prosperity and happiness, and [7] it only remains for us to learn and obey his teaching. In the Bible, the sinner is shown the way of life; the rich are taught the highly important lesson of charity; the haughty are taught the difficult lesson of humility; the idle are urged to industry; the opposed Christian is encouraged; the afflicted are pointed to the Lamb of God for consolation; and all are taught, that "Godliness with contentment is great gain."--(1 Tim. 6:6.)

      The two foregoing reasons alone, which establish the fact that the Bible is so eminently profitable, present a convincing syllogism; for, good books should be studied by all; the Bible is a good book; therefore, the Bible should be studied by all.

      But there is still a greater reason why every sinner should search the Scriptures; and that is,

      Time will not permit, neither is it necessary to offer any proof of the fact that God freely offers salvation to all, and that many sinners desire to share that salvation and eternal bliss. But the greater effort is required in plainly teaching the means for the attainment of that happiness. However, let us always remember that happiness is secured as the result of obedience, and knowledge is a prerequisite of obedience; consequently, it becomes our first duty to strive to gain a knowledge of the will of God, in order [8] that we may know what to do to secure happiness.

      This knowledge is acquired by the senses of hearing and seeing. When we listen to the preaching of the gospel, or to a friend read and explain the Scriptures, we gain the necessary knowledge by the sense of hearing. When we properly read the Bible we secure the same knowledge by the sense of seeing. And the latter is, at least an equal, if not a superior means for acquiring the essential information.

      Many who are in the family of God to-day, learned of the way of life by a study of the Bible. And we should urge every seeker after true happiness to strive not only to hear, but also to READ the Word. "Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."--John 5:39.

      This, and the following reasons, will apply more especially to the Christian. After conversion it is necessary that we continue in the path of true piety. This means a faithful discharge of every religious duty. And as God has given us only sufficient time to fulfill our earthly mission, it is of the utmost importance that we fully prepare ourselves for the great work in the harvest-field of the world. We should study the Word to enable us not only to do all we can for the cause of Christianity, but to do [9] our work well. There are those who, having never learned to labor judiciously, permit many precious opportunities to pass by unimproved; while others who are less gifted, and have fewer opportunities, often accomplish more good, because they have learned to labor intelligently.

      Therefore, let us study to know the will of God, in order that we may use to the best advantage the time that he has given us. Let us apply to ourselves the words of Paul, the apostle, to Timothy:--"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

      All Christians when opposed by the forces of Satan, have been brought to a realization of their own weakness, and the necessity for divine assistance. We not only need the sustaining grace of God, but to attain complete success in our battles with wrong, we must know the tactics of spiritual warfare. Hence the importance of striving to acquire this knowledge, that we may march triumphantly forward in times of opposition, by successfully using the instrument that God has given us--"The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."--Eph. 6:17.

      It is impossible for a Christian to become quiescent. After we are regenerated, we will [10] either advance or retrograde; the former should be our object, and those who strive to advance will grow spiritually stronger from day to day. "As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby."--1 Pet. 2:2. We should first learn the passages that are easily understood, and then advance to the more difficult oracles of God; if so, we will become strong in the knowledge of Christ.

      While we should not, without sufficient cause disbelieve the preaching of any minister of Christ, yet it is a lamentable fact that the vast majority of the professed ministers of the gospel are undoubtedly in error in some respects, since some passages of Scripture receive a different interpretation from each of them.

      There are many evil and improper influences, with which the clergyman must come in contact. And when we think of the minister's liability to err in his explanations, of the [11] pecuniary emolument that is offered to those who will agree to preach, under all circumstances, in a manner pleasing to their congregations, whether it be pleasing to God or not, and of the fact that many are preaching a doctrine principally because their ancestors believed it, we realize the danger of accepting and practicing the Word as it is preached, without following the example of the Bereans who "searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

      In this they have given us a grand example, they did not reject what they heard, for we are told that "They received the word with all readiness of mind"; but they were not satisfied until they had read for themselves, and then we learn that the results were great, for many believed.

      The same course should be pursued by all, and if such was the case, there would be a vast change in the religious belief of many of our fellow-beings. Why? Because many are connected with a certain denomination merely because their progenitors were, and believe the distinctive doctrines of that denomination to be right because their preacher says so.

      While the Word is unchangeable when preached in its fullness and its purity, yet we are well aware of the fact that by omissions or improper connections, the Bible may be changed in meaning to suit almost any sect [12] or individual. The following, which we have heard related, will suffice to illustrate: A certain minister became very much vexed because a number of the ladies of his congregation acquired the habit of wearing their hair in a knot on the top of their heads. Believing it to be his duty to preach against this custom, which he believed to be wrong, he began searching for an appropriate text; in this he experienced considerable difficulty, but finally discovered the following verse: "Let him which is on the housetop not come down."--Matt. 24:17. Omitting the words which were superfluous for the occasion, he preached from the following: "Let * * * * the * * top not come down." While this is somewhat ridiculous, yet it illustrates the manner in which some clergymen often mislead their hearers by presenting the gospel in an improper light. Many times the change in meaning produced in this way is just as absurd as that produced in the foregoing instance, while the results following the practice of the gospel preached in such a manner, are always productive of infelicity.

      Therefore, let us not rest assured that we are right in the discharge of any work, unless we are convinced by our prayerful research and meditation that we are doing the will of God. But even at times when we are positive that the discourse to which we are listening is true, yet it is our duty to search for the various references, that what we have heard may be more [13] firmly impressed upon our minds, and that we may learn new truths in connection with the subject. The object of a sermon is not to teach all that is connected with the text, but merely to awaken an interest in that subject, and to influence you to search and meditate.

      With these few reasons we might safely close the consideration of this part of our subject, were it not for the fact that there are those who pretend to realize the importance of Bible study, and yet have various reasons for neglecting to search the Scriptures. Two of these excuses we will proceed to notice.

      This plea is used by those who believe in the study of the Bible, but who seem to have so many cares of a temporal nature that their time is entirely consumed, leaving no opportunity for this essential work. But if this be true, that their entire time and attention is devoted to worldly duties, it is also true that they are using, for the attainment of a secular object, the time that God designed should be devoted to the study of His Word.

      Our works of devotion are of the highest importance and should be strictly adhered to, although our business duties may thereby be injured. However, it is seldom necessary that any proper work should retrograde in consequence of the performance of our religious duties, for an individual in any avocation, can [14] spare sufficient time, not only for other Christian works, but also to secure spiritual food from the sacred page; and God will never permit temporal want to oppress an individual who devotes a proper portion of his time to Christian work. It is also true that many who plead a lack of time, are often found reading the daily press, or the works of different authors; but although it is commendable to use these means of assistance, yet we must never forget that they are to be used as secondary helps, and not to the exclusion of the Gospel. While we search the papers for the sermons of Dr. Talmage, which is certainly proper, let us not forget to peruse the New Testament for the sermons of Jesus.

      John Eliot was once visiting a merchant. He found him in his counting-house; on the table were his books of business, and his books of devotion were on the shelf. John Eliot addressed the merchant thus:--"Sir, here is earth on the table, and heaven on the shelf. Pray don't think so much of the table, as altogether to forget the shelf." And from these plain words we can learn an important lesson; a lesson which teaches that we should not permit the business duties of life to consume the time that should be devoted to a perusal of the word of God.

      Moreover, those who are most actively engaged in the affairs of the world, should be the most diligent in the study of the book of [15] books, since their requirements for spiritual aid are greater than the requirements of their fellow-men. Their temptations are numerous, and to overcome all the evil influences with which they must come in contact, demands upon their part a thorough knowledge of the precepts of Christ.

      Some who are negligent in the study of the Scriptures, have as their reason that they cannot understand what they read. This may be true to a certain extent, but every individual of ordinary intelligence can, by careful study, learn a sufficient number of divine precepts to secure his present and eternal welfare.

      If they would put forth every effort to gain that precious knowledge, the more they would read the more they would understand, and God, beholding their willingness to learn, would grant His assistance; but their negligence in itself is a strong evidence that they have very little desire to learn.

      Therefore, instead of pleading our inability to understand certain passages of Scripture, let us strive to increase our intellectual powers by diligent study. Let us search for knowledge, and ask God to enlighten our minds, and guide us in forming our convictions.

      The Ethiopian eunuch has given us an example which would be profitable to imitate. [16] His earnest desire to understand the oracles of God, caused him to read and meditate while on his journey, although he was unable to understand. But God, who is always ready and willing to help those who help themselves, sent him a teacher in the person of Philip, who, by a short explanation was instrumental in causing the eunuch to believe that "Jesus Christ is the Son of God."

      And if we manifest the same eagerness to learn the will of our heavenly Father, we, too, will be provided with a teacher. God will instruct us through human instrumentalities, and He will send the Spirit to guide us into all truth.

      If these reasons are sufficient to convince us of the importance of Bible study, and to cause us to resolve to discharge this pleasant and profitable duty in the future, the next question which naturally arises in our minds, is,

      The same course of Biblical study would not be adaptable to an individual at all times in life, since there are portions of Scripture applicable to the sinner only, while other passages are particularly intended for the benefit of the Christian. There are, however, certain [17] suggestions which we can safely follow in all the vicissitudes of life. We should,

      While this course can be profitably pursued by all, yet it is especially beneficial to the sinner, since it supplies his greatest requirement--the establishment of a belief in the Divinity of Christ, and His power and willingness to save at any moment.

      The two great ends of prophecy are, to excite an expectation, and to establish the truth of that expectation, by the subsequent event. Let those who are troubled with any doubts respecting the divinity of Jesus Christ, carefully read the various prophecies in regard to the Saviour. He was to be born in Bethlehem, of the seed of David. He was to heal the afflicted both soul and body, and raise the dead. He was to be persecuted in life, and at last falsely accused and crucified. He was to rise from the dead, and ascend to the Father.

      In addition to the foregoing prophecies, there are many others of minor importance in regard to the Messiah.

      Let the sinner, after reading these predictions, turn to the New Testament and read of the exact--yea the grand and beautiful manner in which they were fulfilled by our Saviour. Then imagine how impossible it would have been, if the prophets were not divinely inspired, [18] for these events all to have been connected with the life of one being, and that one Jesus of Nazareth.

      Time will neither permit a reference to nor a quotation of all the various prophecies in regard to the life of Christ. We pause, however, to make one reference, and that to the fifty-third chapter of Isaiah. This is the chapter that the eunuch was reading when he was joined by Philip, and it is the chapter that brought about his conversion. And if every sinner will carefully read and ponder the same chapter, and then learn of the fulfillment of these predictions, they too, as that student of old, will be constrained to say, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God."

      If, however, the impediment to the sinner's coming to Christ is the difficulty of believing, just at the instant the blessing is asked for, that God will pardon, let that obstacle be banished by reading of the many instances in which Jesus, at the very moment of the offering of an acceptable plea, bestowed a blessing upon the sick and the sinful with whom He came in contact while upon the earth.

      Then, after we are born into the family of God, it is necessary that we strive to remain faithful. And inasmuch as Christians should be diligent in all their work, it is expedient that, [19]

      "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."--1 Peter 5:8.

      Knowing this, we should always he on the alert to successfully resist his attacks. We should study with diligence to be able to give a reason for the hope within us, and to be ready to give a scriptural answer to all evil persuasions.

      In times of temptation, we should read and ponder such promises as, "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."--1 Cor. 10:13.

      In times of affliction we should read the promises that bring consolation; and when surrounded by circumstances that have a tendency to cause weariness, we can gain encouragement by reading of the happiness that the faithful will eventually enjoy in heaven.

      Therefore, let us search for information to supply our spiritual demands from day to day under all circumstances. Words that will bring to our minds the fact that God is strength in our weakness, wisdom in our ignorance, a [20] guide in our inexperience, and a protector in danger.

      Let every Christian so live that the world will say, "His delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night,"

      Experience and observation both teach us, that not all who read the Bible, read to learn; or at least, if their desire is to learn, they fail through careless study to attain that object. Strange as it may seem, there are those who manifest by their manner of study, that their desire to read the Bible through is greater than their eagerness to understand what they read. While some rejoice because they understand the greater part of the Word, others are elated because they have read the entire Book two or three times. The former, however, is a far more valuable acquirement than the latter. We should read not only because we consider it a duty and expect punishment if we neglect to discharge that duty, but because we consider it a pleasure to study and learn.

      By passing rapidly from one verse or chapter to another, and by reading at different places wherever we chance to open the Book, there is danger of forming improper ideas in [21] regard to our Christian work. In order to fully understand some portions of the Word, and avoid danger in regard to others, we must not only ponder them carefully, but read them in connection with other passages. For instance, in the fourteenth and fifteenth verses of the third chapter of John, we read:--"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have eternal life." That we may fully comprehend the vast import of these words, we must read in connection therewith the twenty-first chapter of Numbers, describing the lifting up of the serpent in the wilderness, and the benefit derived by the bitten Israelites who beheld it. Then we will behold the beautiful analogy between that event and the atonement of Christ, whereby all who look to Him in faith can be saved from the effects of the poison of the serpent that entered the Garden of Eden.

      Again, while thinking of the words, "Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the clays of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes." We can imagine the evil results that might follow, if the young would read this, without the latter part of the verse. To avoid danger, we must read the remaining part of the verse as a warning:-- [22] "But know thou that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment."--Ecc. 11:9.

      These illustrations are sufficient to convince us of the propriety of exercising great caution in this direction, in order that our convictions, in reference to religious work, may be productive of our welfare and the glory of God.

      I mention this because commentaries, lesson leaves, and other means of assistance are often rejected, especially in some of our Sunday schools. And yet the same individuals who renounce these printed explanations of the Scriptures, appreciate an oral exposition from a teacher or a minister. Why do they accept the one and discard the other? Certainly a written explanation serves a purpose equally as important as that served by a verbal interpretation; and very often the printed information is superior to the oral: it emanates from able minds, is produced with great care, and we have it for reference from time to time, in case the truths we have read are forgotten.

      Whatever tends to remove an obstacle, to make an obscure passage plain, to awaken a more profound interest in Bible study, or to increase our love for God and man, is a help which is proper and beneficial, and these means of increasing our knowledge of the Lord's will should never be discarded. [23]

      It is certainly obvious, that a study of the Bible, without a personal application of the precepts learned, will profit but little. And notwithstanding this there are those who apply to themselves only the commendations they have read, and use the reproofs of the Word solely in speaking of the faults of their fellow-men. This, however, is not the case with the truly pious; the sincere seeker after truth, when reading a portion of the Scriptures, instead of saying, "Mrs. A. ought to read this," or, "This chapter just suits Mr. B.," he will ask himself the question, "Does this mean me?"

      Such is the true course to pursue. Let us candidly examine ourselves according to the law of our Master, to know whether we are fully justified in the sight of God.

      The poet in speaking of the use of the Bible, beautifully expresses the thought in these words:--

      Here again we have an example given us by the Bereans, which it would be well to follow. They "searched the scriptures daily." [24] Although it is true that there are, among civilized nations, comparatively few who never read the Bible, yet it is sadly true that the number who neglect to perform this important work daily, is very large. And be it remembered, that this carelessness upon the part of the professed followers of Christ, is a strong evidence of spiritual declension.

      Show me a home where the Bible is resting on the top shelf begrimed with dust, or lying on the centre-table seemingly too ornamental to be handled, and I will show you a home where Christ is a stranger. But go to the home where the members of the household listen attentively day after day to the reading and explanation of the scriptures, and in addition to that read for themselves, and you will be with a family by whose actions the name of God is honored.

      You cannot possess physical health without partaking daily of food for your bodily nourishment; and if you do not, it is because your physical nature is not in a proper condition. No more can you possess moral health without partaking daily of food from the sacred page for your spiritual nourishment; and if you do not, it is because your moral nature is not in a proper condition.

      Therefore, while we are exact in the discharge of our daily temporal duties, let us be regular in this work for Christ. Let us take warning, lest by gradual negligence we become "weary in well doing." [25]

      Do not attempt to gain this knowledge unassisted by divine power. Ask God to assist you in the study of His word, that you may be guided properly in forming your convictions; otherwise your reading will be unprofitable. Seek divine assistance that you may derive full benefit from what you read. After you meditate upon a portion of the Gospel, it is well to humbly bow before God, and beseech Him to enable you to live according to His teaching. If you read of sin, ask God to shield you from its influence, if an appropriate promise, ask Him to fulfil it; when you learn of the Christian's work, plead with your Heavenly Father to aid you in the discharge of your duties; and when you read of Jesus, ask God to give you an interest in the Savior's blood.

      We have now considered this important subject as fully and carefully as the brevity of time will permit.

      As members of the human family we have learned the propriety of reading the Bible to cultivate the mind, to acquire the knowledge so essential in the various avocations and [26] vicissitudes of life, and to learn the way of eternal happiness.

      As members of the family of God, we have considered the necessity for Bible study to enable us to labor intelligently, to resist temptation, to grow in grace, and to learn whether the Gospel is expounded as God designed that it should be preached. We have also considered the fallacy of the excuses for neglecting this duty.

      In regard to the manner of studying the Bible, we have found it to be expedient to study prophecy and fulfillment, to study diligently, with a desire to learn, with proper connections, with the assistance of proper helps, candidly, daily and prayerfully.

      And now in conclusion, let me urge you to ponder in your hearts this solemn subject.

      As you pass along through life, you will hourly realize the necessity for words of advice to guide you safely to the end of your journey. And all that is essential for your instruction, is found in this precious volume. Here are precepts and promises to guide and comfort us in sorrow as well as in happiness; in poverty as in opulence; in sickness as in health.

      Oh, this blessed Book, so sweet and precious to every true child of God! Well might the Psalmist exclaim, "How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my [27] mouth!" Let us learn it well and practice it carefully. Let us follow the teachings of Christ that we may secure our own salvation, labor in behalf of the welfare of humanity, and honor the name of God.

      If so, when we arrive at the foot of the western hill of life, it will be with the consolation that we leave the world in a better condition than that in which we found it. And eventually our ears will be greeted with the glorious words:--"Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

[BS 2-28]

      The electronic version of S. G. Yahn's Bible Study has been transcribed from the pamphlet published in 1887. Thanks to Jean Leather, Archivist of the Churches of God Historical Society and Museum, for lending me a copy of the publication for this purpose.

      Pagination has been represented by placing the page number in brackets following the last complete word on the printed page. Emendations are as follows:

             Printed Text [ Electronic Text
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------
 p. 3:      truth.',-- [ truth."--
 p. 5:      --Acts xvii, 11. [ --Acts 17:11.
 p. 8:      opposed christian [ opposed Christian
 p. 9:      to the christian. [ to the Christian.
            christianity, [ Christianity,
 p. 10:     All christians [ All Christians
            knoweldge, [ knowledge,
            for a christian [ for a Christian
 p. 12:     mind;" [ mind";
            --Matt. xxiv, 17. [ --Matt. 24:17.
 p. 14:     enirely [ entirely
            christian works, [ Christian works,
            christian work. [ Christian work.
 p. 16:     the percepts [ the precepts
            divine percepts [ divine precepts
            onr minds, [ our minds,
 p. 17:     the christian. [ the Christian.
 p. 18:     ends of prohecy [ ends of prophecy
 p. 20:     --I. Peter, v, 8. [ --1 Peter 5:8.
            --I. Cor. x, 13. [ --1 Cor. 10:13.
 p. 23:     --Ec. xi, 9. [ --Ecc. 11:9.
 p. 24:     the percepts, [ the precepts,
            fellow men. [ fellow-men.
 p. 26:     christian's work, [ Christian's work,
 

      Addenda and corrigenda are earnestly solicited.

Ernie Stefanik
Derry, PA

Created 28 August 1997.
Updated 16 July 2003.