The Most Important Bible Study Tool - "Agape"
"How did Jesus approach Bible study?"
I find that among the answers there are two basic approaches:
- God interprets scripture for the believer (through spiritual guidance).
- God gives us the tools through which we perform Bible studies.
Both of these approaches have a truth to them. Yes, God does interpret scripture for the believer in the sense that he has given us his complete word as a database for use in Bible study. It is also true that God gives us the tools by which to interpret scripture in the sense that he has given us a rational mind through which to discern the complete word of God. But how do we avoid an interpretive relativism? We can't! This is why we must approach one another with humility and tolerance.
I believe that the reason why we need tolerance for alternate Christian beliefs is because we are all unique individuals, possessing filters that hinder our ability to discern without bias. Tolerance, as a charitable act (i.e. agape), is the genesis of all things (John 3:16, 1 John 4:8) and should be, in like manner, the origin of all Christian activity. Humility is the catalyst of growth, because pride only serves to polarize people's thinking--just look at Republicans and Democrats, liberals and conservatives, etc.
The effect of agape is transformative. The word of God, diligently approached for the purpose of Bible study, has the power to transform the individual into a Christ-like mind. The closer the individual gets to a Christ-like mind, the bias that our individuality begets is reduced and truth becomes more apparent. Only by feeding upon the words of God daily, with tolerance and longsuffering, can we ever expect to achieve this like-mindedness with the Lord. I believe that John 13:34-35 perfectly expresses this Christian mandate.
We should, as a family under one Father, treat our siblings with the respect and love that they deserve as children of God.
"Do to others as you would have them do to you."
Practically speaking, you only truly believe something when you are actually willing to perform it. Before you are willing to act upon your beliefs, they are mere ideals existing only as lofty thoughts. In other words, thoughts are only made real when you physically act them out. So Bible study is only the beginning of discovery.
I see no reason to divorce this conclusion from our faith in Jesus Christ. We can only prove that we have true faith (i.e. belief) in Jesus and his sacrifices when we are willing to physically act it out. Agape is the foundation of all Christian acts because it proves the individuals belief in the validity of Christ's sacrifice through compulsory emulation.
I dare say that until a Christian acts out agape, they cannot be a true believer, since true belief begets action. True believers, as the body of Christ, no longer possess their own bodies but take upon themselves the sacrificial body of Christ. As the worldly manifestation of Christ's body, the faithful Church is destined to act out of agape (just as Christ did).
When one self sacrifices, they are no longer acting out of selfish impulses. Selfish impulses are the birthplace of sinful acts. If you fill your life with sacrificial acts (such as Bible study, prayer, volunteer work, etc), you no longer have room (i.e. time) for sinful acts. Additionally, your acts, by virtue of being agape driven, will affirm the Christian faith, acting as a witness to those who do not believe (God's will and purpose for his children). Then, because you have lived what is written and seen its transformative power, bible study will serve to affirm what you already know. Therefore, all scriptures can only be discerned through Christ-like agape, i.e. selfless love.
God bless you all.
Submitted by Jason Rankins