I am as guilty of this as anyone, and many of us \u201ctheological types\u201d are the same: we read in order to learn, in order to know, and in order to master. Scripture, however, is God\u2019s communication with humans, with God\u2019s people, not just so they can know and master. It goes further. Notice how the psalmist in Psalm 119:33-40 goes beyond mastery.
\nBefore I say another word, let me remind pastors today that studying Bible for sermons is not why God speaks to us in Scripture. Sure, we are called to preach. But, before we preach, we must adopt the posture of learning and grapple with the Source of learning, so we can experience the purpose of that learning.
\nThat I may follow it to the end (33).
\nSo that I may keep your law (34a).
\nSo that I may obey it with all my heart (34b).
\nThere I find delight (35).
\n\u2026 and not toward selfish gain (36).
\nPreserve my life (37).
\nSo that you may be feared (38).
\nThere you have it: we listen and we learn in order that we may live aright. To know about God is not the same as knowing God (JI Packer said this long ago). To love the Bible is not always the same as loving God. To know Scripture is not always to be known by the God of Scripture. To comprehend theology is not the same as being comprehended by theology.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I am as guilty of this as anyone, and many of us \u201ctheological types\u201d are the same: we read in order to learn, in order to know, and in order to master. Scripture, however, is God\u2019s communication with humans, with God\u2019s people, not just so they can know and master. It goes further. Notice how […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":197,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1753],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1961","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-psalm-119"],"yoast_head":"\n