Day 24: To Study or Not to Study: Grace is Frustrated by Man’s Study

Day 24: To Study or Not to Study: Grace is Frustrated by Man’s Study

Day 24: To Study or Not to Study: Grace is Frustrated by Man’s Study

Day 24 meditation reveals the uniqueness of Christian learning.

Along with the unique content of Christianity is the equally distinct process of acquiring Christian knowledge. The secret of Christian learning lies not in the determination and effort of man, but rather it rests in the mercy of God. The question has been raised, “Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection” (Job 11:7)? Paul, in his Corinthian letter, raises the same query, “Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God . . .” (1 Cor. 1:20,21).

Day 24 meditation is focused on learning by the revelation of God.

One of the foundational priorities of distinctive Christianity is that the wisdom of this world is not capable to find out God. Regardless of how hard the mind of man may seek, the wisdom of man cannot cross the great impasse into the mind of God. Paul records the statement of God to Moses, “. . . I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy” (Rom. 9:15,16). The secret of Christian learning lies not in the determination and effort of man, but rather it rests in the mercy of God.

To come to a clear understanding of this unique approach to Christian learning, (Christian learning comes not from man’s study but from God’s revelation), a misunderstanding of the most often quoted verse concerning study in the Bible must be corrected. In 2 Timothy, 2:15, Paul states, “Study to shew thyself  approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Many Christians understand this verse as a command or an admonition by Paul to Timothy to study the Word of God. However, if the mind of man cannot comprehend the things of God, why would Paul encourage Timothy to attempt something that is impossible?

Day 24 meditation stresses the free-flow of the grace of God for Christian learning.

Grace is frustrated when man attempts to learn of God by his own ability, whereby, the Spirit of God cannot reveal the things of God. By living in the free-flow of the grace of God, man can come to understand the ways of God.

 

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Dr. James Stone is the founder and President of Christian Ministries, Inc., a ministry for personal, family, and church growth. He travels extensively across America and several foreign countries sharing his experiences with Jesus. His over 40 year career in ministry has included individual counseling, family counseling, church pastor, Bible college/seminary professorships, leader of revivals, Christian growth seminars & church growth specialist.

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