Often as Christians we are taught that we should read the Bible, do our devotions, meditate on what the Bible says, and seek to live consistent with it. We are told to do those things – I sometimes wonder if our pastors and Bible teachers just assume we know how to do this or understand its importance. Let me encourage you with this word: Pay Special Attention to What You Read!
Why? Let me explain.
The Apostle Peter provided us the following warning:
“…as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures” (2 Peter 3:15-16).
Did you catch what the Apostle Peter said related to understanding what the Apostle Paul had taught and written?
He said that some of the Bible is hard to understand. Not that it can’t be understood – but it takes effort, teaching, and training.
What happens if we do not pay special attention to what the Bible teaches in a particular passage or book?
Peter explains, “…untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.”
Friends, this is why when you read the Bible it is so critical to pay special attention to what you read. The process of understanding what you read is vitally important.
You do not want to unintentionally twist the Scriptures. If you do, essentially you both hurt yourself and those with whom you do life. As you either explain your misunderstanding of the Scriptures to others in normal conversation or live in a way that is inaccurate since you misunderstand the Scriptures, you will hurt those around you. As Paul explained in a different text, to the extent that you share and live with each other in ways that are inconsistent with the true meaning of the text or Bible, is also to the same extent you will hurt each other, minimize growth of the body in Christ, and miss out on God’s best for you personally and the body of Christ corporately/generally (cf., Eph 4).
One last encouragement. The Apostle Peter finishes his exhortation with these words…
You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:17-18)
Peter strongly encourages us to be steadfast as we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
May you pay special attention to what you read this week in an effort to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus as He desires – and which will help others.
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KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together