Knowing is Not Enough (James 1:22)

Knowing is not enough; we must apply.

Willing is not enough; we must do.

- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Every Saturday during our contact group meeting, we devote a huge chunk of the time to study the bible. Over the past few weeks, I have been given the honor to lead the bible study.

Many think that understanding is the end goal of Bible study. In truth, understanding is only the beginining. Bible study, like education, is more than accumulating knowledge.

Be practical: We are encouraged to apply what we understand. In the context of studying God's words, James wrote "Do not merely listen to the word, and deceive yourselves. Do what it says." (James 1:22)

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Why are we encouraged to be doers of God's words? I can think of two reasons:

(1) because knowledge can puff us up (1 Corn 8:1). Our ego, like a balloon, gets inflated because we think we know!

(2) because obedience is a vital part of one's relationship with God. Spiritual growth only comes by feeding and acting on God's Word.

Effective bible study focuses on the truth of God's word, shows us what to do about what is being read or heard, and motivates us to respond to what God is teaching. All three are essential!

Mark Twain once wrote, "It is not the parts of the Bible that I don't understand that worry me, it's the parts that I understand all too well."

"We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we heard, so that we do not drift away." - Hebrews 2:1

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reflection: God is not meant only to be understood in our minds but also experienced in our heart and lives.