One of the important by-products to study is increased knowledge regarding our relationship to God and to our fellow man. We are suggesting that increased knowledge is a good thing and that study is a worthy pursuit by any and all Christians, cf., 2 Tim 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” The spiritually of each Christian increases as more and more spiritual information is placed into the brain as a result of study, hearing the Word of God expounded, etc.
OUR APPRECIATION OF OUR GOD
As one engages in a profitable study of God’s Word one is made aware of God and His greatness in many aspects. God is truly remarkable in that there is none like Him or any that comes anywhere close to Him in greatness pertaining to everything, cf., Gen 2:4. “This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created. When the LORD God made the earth and the heavens” (NIV) Josh 2:10-1-2, “For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.” 2 Sam 22:31-33, “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him. For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save our God? God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.” (KJV) Our appreciation of our God is enhanced greatly as we learn more about Him through hearing and studying His Holy Word. We are therefore encouraged to place ourselves in a students position so that we may learn more from others as they teach God’s Word, (e.g., gospel meetings, special classes, lecture programs, etc.) and we are encouraged to study more privately because of the benefits that we know will be gleaned thereby. Peter the great apostle of Christ stated this truth at the close of his writings, 2 Pet 3:18, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” (KJV)
Through study and the continued acquisition of knowledge we may someday have the complete confidence in God that the writer of the 23rd Psalm expresses in Ps 23:1-6, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”
APPRECIATION OF OUR NEIGHBOR
The greatest commandment according to our Lord is: Matt 22:36-38, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. The second greatest commandment according to our Lord is: Matt 22:39, “And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” (NIV)
CONSIDER THIS, ALSO:
According to Jesus we are to “love our neighbor as ourselves.” There is a great deal contained in this instruction by our Lord notice some of the consequence of loving our neighbor.
1. If we love our neighbor we will always act charitably toward them in whatever human interaction we have with them.
2. We will not lie to our neighbor but we will always be honest and truthful in our interactions with them.
3. We will be the first to offer a helping hand or a prayer whenever they are suffering grief, or misfortune.
4. Above all, we will share the gospel message with our neighbor. There is no greater expression of care for another than to share the gospel with them. If they refuse to accept the gospel message their sin is on their own head.
5. Invite your neighbors to worship God with you as you have opportunity in your conversations together.
6. Always be a good example for them to observe, remember this, you may be the only example of a true Christian that they have to follow, don’t blow it!
INCREASED RESPONSIBILITIES
Jesus taught that increased knowledge brings about increased responsibility, please note the following passages of Scripture: Luke 12:48, “But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.” (KJV) The parable of the talents recorded in Matthew 25:15-28 also indicate that the individual that possesses the greatest talents (abilities) will be responsible for more than those with less. The important point in the parable of the talents though, is; each individual is to use whatever abilities they possess in the Lord’s service. If one has abilities and does not use them surely he is not fulfilling his responsibility to God or his neighbor.
We will all be fulfilling our responsibility to God if, as we learn God’s will we put it to practical use in our life. From our study, it is apparent that when we learn more and more of God’s Word we are required to put that new knowledge to good use, not only in our life but in the life of others around us. It is evident that as we learn more of God’s Word we will appreciate our relationship to God and our neighbors better.