Going Deeper— Two2Grow, July 8
Going Deeper— Two2Grow, July 8
“When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.”— 2 Timothy 4:13 NIV
I never liked studying. I even managed to graduate from high school without reading a single book from cover to cover. But that all changed when I realized that studying God's Word is one of the primary ways we come to know God more deeply.
The apostle Paul experienced some of the most amazing supernatural events imaginable. God used him to raise the dead, perform miracles, preach to multitudes, cast out demons, be miraculously released from prison, boldly confront kings, and even receive visions of Jesus and heaven. Yet despite all those incredible experiences, at the end of his life he was still a student. While sitting in prison, he asked Timothy to bring him his books—his scrolls and parchments—so he could continue studying.
That tells us that no spiritual experience can substitute for a life devoted to studying God's Word. In fact, I would go even further and say that Paul's lifelong commitment to studying Scripture laid the foundation for God to use him so powerfully.
Some of the most life-changing encounters I have had with the Lord have come during seasons of deep study of the Bible and theology.
Remember, studying God isn't like studying math, where the goal is simply to master facts. In the kingdom of God, studying is about relationship. It is about pursuing God, not just accumulating information.
If you haven't made studying a priority, I encourage you to start today. Set aside time to read God's Word and a good Christian book that strengthens your faith. If reading is difficult for you, audiobooks are an excellent resource.
Holy Spirit, help me develop a habit of studying Your Word. Lead me to resources that will strengthen my faith and help me go deeper in You.
Pastor Mikael Stenhammar, PhD
I never liked studying. I even managed to graduate from high school without reading a single book from cover to cover. But that all changed when I realized that studying God's Word is one of the primary ways we come to know God more deeply.
The apostle Paul experienced some of the most amazing supernatural events imaginable. God used him to raise the dead, perform miracles, preach to multitudes, cast out demons, be miraculously released from prison, boldly confront kings, and even receive visions of Jesus and heaven. Yet despite all those incredible experiences, at the end of his life he was still a student. While sitting in prison, he asked Timothy to bring him his books—his scrolls and parchments—so he could continue studying.
That tells us that no spiritual experience can substitute for a life devoted to studying God's Word. In fact, I would go even further and say that Paul's lifelong commitment to studying Scripture laid the foundation for God to use him so powerfully.
Some of the most life-changing encounters I have had with the Lord have come during seasons of deep study of the Bible and theology.
Remember, studying God isn't like studying math, where the goal is simply to master facts. In the kingdom of God, studying is about relationship. It is about pursuing God, not just accumulating information.
If you haven't made studying a priority, I encourage you to start today. Set aside time to read God's Word and a good Christian book that strengthens your faith. If reading is difficult for you, audiobooks are an excellent resource.
Holy Spirit, help me develop a habit of studying Your Word. Lead me to resources that will strengthen my faith and help me go deeper in You.
Pastor Mikael Stenhammar, PhD