Bible Teaching and Study
147
of history and prophecy, to the great consummation. He should see
how this controversy enters into every phase of human experience;
how in every act of life he himself reveals the one or the other of the
two antagonistic motives; and how, whether he will or not, he is even
now deciding upon which side of the controversy he will be found.
[191]
Every part of the Bible is given by inspiration of God and is prof-
itable. The Old Testament no less than the New should receive at-
tention. As we study the Old Testament we shall find living springs
bubbling up where the careless reader discerns only a desert.
The book of Revelation, in connection with the book of Daniel,
especially demands study. Let every God-fearing teacher consider how
most clearly to comprehend and to present the gospel that our Saviour
came in person to make known to His servant John—“The Revelation
of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to show unto His servants
things which must shortly come to pass.”
Revelation 1:1
. None should
become discouraged in the study of the Revelation because of its
apparently mystical symbols. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask
of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not.”
James 1:5
.
“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this
prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time
is at hand.”
Revelation 1:3
.
When a real love for the Bible is awakened, and the student begins
to realize how vast is the field and how precious its treasure, he will
desire to seize upon every opportunity for acquainting himself with
God’s word. Its study will be restricted to no special time or place.
And this continuous study is one of the best means of cultivating a
love for the Scriptures. Let the student keep his Bible always with
him. As you have opportunity, read a text and meditate upon it. While
walking the streets, waiting at a railway station, waiting to meet an
engagement, improve the opportunity to gain some precious thought
from the treasure house of truth.
[192]
The great motive powers of the soul are faith, hope, and love; and
it is to these that Bible study, rightly pursued, appeals. The outward
beauty of the Bible, the beauty of imagery and expression, is but the
setting, as it were, for its real treasure—the beauty of holiness. In its
record of the men who walked with God, we may catch glimpses of
His glory. In the One “altogether lovely” we behold Him, of whom
all beauty of earth and heaven is but a dim reflection. “I, if I be lifted