[Jesus] said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.
—Luke 11:28
If any man will do His will, he shall know.
—John 7:17
Some time ago I received a letter from an earnest Christian asking me for some hints to help him in Bible study. He wanted some guidelines as to how to begin and how to go on, so that he could better understand and know the Bible. The very first thing I said to him is this: in your Bible study everything will depend on the spirit in which you approach it.
In worldly things a man is ruled by the goals he sets for himself. It is no different with the Bible. If your aim is simply to know the Bible well, you will be disappointed. If you think that thorough knowledge of the Bible will necessarily be a blessing, you are mistaken. To some it is a curse. To others it is powerless; it does not make them either holy or happy. To some it is a burden; it depresses them instead of quickening them or lifting them up.
What should be the real objective of the Bible student? Because God’s Word is food, bread from heaven, the first reason for Bible study is a hunger for righteousness—a desire to do God’s will.
This is what the Bible teaches us: “Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” There is no blessedness in hearing or knowing God’s Word apart from keeping it. The Word is nothing if it is not kept, obeyed, done. “If any man will do His will, he shall know.” According to this, all true knowledge of God’s Word depends upon there first being the will to do it. God will unlock the real meaning and blessing of His Word only to those whose will is set upon doing it. I must read my Bible with one purpose: “Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it” (John 2:5).
When you ask God to lead you into the treasures of His Word, do it as one who presents himself “a living sacrifice” (Rom. 12:1), ready to do whatever God says with deep humility. To enjoy your food you must first be hungry. The first requirement for Bible study is a simple longing to find out what God wants you to do and the determination to do it. “If any man will do His will, he shall know”—the Word of God will be opened to him.