Bible Study
Ministers who would labor effectively for the salvation of souls
must be both Bible students and men of prayer. It is a sin for those
who attempt to teach the Word to others to be themselves neglectful of
its study. Are the truths which they handle mighty? then they should
handle them skilfully. Their ideas should be clearly and strongly
presented. Of all men upon the face of the earth, those who are
proclaiming the message for this time should understand their Bible,
and be thoroughly acquainted with the evidences of their faith. One
who does not possess a knowledge of the Word of life, has no right to
try to instruct others in the way to heaven.
The Bible is our rule of faith and doctrine. There is nothing more
calculated to energize the mind and strengthen the intellect than the
study of the word of God. No other book is so potent to elevate the
thoughts or 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, and a stability of purpose
that are rarely seen in these times.
Thousands of men who minister in the pulpit are lacking in the
essential qualities of mind and character because they do not apply
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themselves to the study of the Scriptures. They are content with a
superficial knowledge of the truths of God’s word, and they prefer to
go on losing much in every way rather than to search diligently for the
hidden treasure.
The psalmist declares, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that
I might not sin against Thee.” [
Psalm 119:11
.] And Paul wrote to
Timothy, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all
good works.” [
2 Timothy 3:16, 17
.]
The life of God, which gives life to the world, is in His word. It
was by His word that Jesus healed disease and cast out demons. By
His word He stilled the sea and raised the dead; and the people bore
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