What kind of an attitude should you bring to your study of the Bible? God wants us to come in worship and humility of mind (Psalm 103, Philippians 2:1-11). Our study of the Bible is more than a mere academic exercise. We want it to change our lives, as we understand who God is and what he has done. An attitude of humble worship frees us from the many distractions of our society and allows us to hear his voice when he speaks to us through his Word (John 10:27).
Such an approach to Bible study requires three things. First, it requires that we make ourselves utterly dependent on God for insight into his Word. Second, it demands that we confess our sin and ensure that our hearts are fully devoted to him. A bad conscience creates an internal block for the student of Scripture because God has promised understanding to those who obey him (Matthew 5:8, John 14:21). Third, it asks that we take the study of Scripture seriously. Without hard work, the Bible remains a second-hand, pre-digested book only available to us through the teaching of others. While good Bible teaching is a pre-requisite of spiritual maturity, God also desires to meet us one on one in his Word (II Timothy 2:15).
