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Bible Study Strengthens the Intellect, April 7
Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that
we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Romans 15:4
.
There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than a study of
the Bible. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to give vigor to the
faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If God’s Word were studied
as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a nobility of character, that is
rarely seen in these times.
No knowledge is so firm, so consistent, so far-reaching, as that obtained from
a study of the Word of God. If there were not another book in the wide world, the
Word of God, lived out through the grace of Christ, would make man perfect in
this world, with a character fitted for the future, immortal life. Those who study
the Word, taking it in faith as the truth, and receiving it into the character, will be
complete in Him who is all and in all. Thank God for the possibilities set before
humanity....
The time devoted to a study of God’s Word and to prayer will bring a hundredfold
in return.
The Word of God is the living seed, and as this seed is sown in the mind, the
human agent must give diligent care to the successive stages of its growth. How is
this to be done? After the Word has been prayerfully received, it is to be cherished,
and practiced in the daily life. It is to spring up and bear fruit, putting forth first the
blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear.
It is not enough to study the Bible as other books are studied. In order for it to
be understood savingly, the Holy Spirit must move on the heart of the searcher. The
same Spirit that inspired the Word must inspire the reader of the Word. Then will be
heard the voice of heaven. “Thy Word, O God, is truth” will be the language of the
soul.
The mere reading of the Word will not accomplish the result designed of Heaven;
it must be studied, and cherished in the heart. The knowledge of God is not gained
without mental effort. We should diligently study the Bible, asking God for the aid
of the Holy Spirit, that we may understand His Word. We should take one verse,
and concentrate the mind on the task of ascertaining the thought which God has put
in that verse for us. We should dwell on the thought till it becomes our own, and we
know “what saith the Lord”....
The Word of God is the bread of life. Those who eat and digest this Word,
making it a part of every action and of every attribute of character, grow strong in
the strength of God. It gives immortal vigor to the soul, perfecting the experience
and bringing joys that will abide forever (
The Signs of the Times, June 25, 1902
).
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