I’ve been reading Humility: True Greatness, by C.J. Mahaney, for the third time. Yes, it’s that good.
Every time I read this book, I am stopped in my tracks, stunned by the Word of God and the way this man explains Biblical truth in profound ways.
Here’s a reminder from the author that knowing the Bible is never an end in itself but rather the means to so much more.
“Though knowledge of Scripture is essential and not optional, by itself it’s never sufficient. As James reminds us, ‘Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves’ (James 1:22).
In his commentary of James, Peter Davids writes:
‘No matter how extensive one’s scriptural knowledge, or how amazing one’s memory, it is self-deception if that is all there is. True knowledge is the prelude to action, and is it the obedience to the Word that counts in the end.’
Mere knowledge of Scripture is not the pinnacle; it’s only the prelude to active obedience, and that’s all that ultimately counts. This truth is present in our Savior’s words: ‘If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them’ (John 13:17).
It’s not complicated! Only obedience is sufficient. Only our grace-motivated obedience and application of holy Scripture can produce growth in godliness.”
Bible knowledge, and the study we do to obtain it, is not enough to please God. Note what the psalmist prays for here: “Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end” (Psalm 119:33).
Even a thorough understanding of Scripture is not enough. This is why the psalmist prayed, “Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart” (Psalm 119:34).
The psalmist prays to not only understand the Word, but that God would enable him to follow, keep and obey the Word.
This is a convicting truth. May we take it to heart and spend much time learning the Word in order to do the Word . . . with all our hearts.
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