You pore over the Scriptures because you think you have
eternal life in them, yet they testify about Me. And you are not willing to
come to Me so that you may have life.
Although this passage is addressing the issue of salvation,
there is something very important we should remind ourselves about when we, as
believers, are studying the Bible. The reminder can be posed in the form of a
question which is the title of this blog, "Can you get too much Bible
study?"
The answer is obviously "no." We should always
long to learn and understand the Word of God. But, sometimes we miss the
encounter with the Living Word because we are so focused on learning the
written Word. So, ask yourself the following questions as you continue to study
the Bible:
-
Has my Bible study changed my behavior?
- Has my Bible study led to conviction and repentance of sin?
- Has my Bible study led me to be more concerned about the lost?
- Has my Bible study given me a hunger to serve in my church?
- Has my Bible study created in me humility or a feeling of biblical superiority?
- Has my Bible study led me to be more accountable to the local church?
- Has my Bible study led me to experience the presence of Jesus, the One who gave me life?
God, as I pore over the Scriptures, may I always be looking
for You. Help me to lead my Bible study
group to understand that You desire them to encounter You as they study about
You. May we all leave our Bible study groups saying that we heard from and responded
to You through Your Word.