THE LIFE OF BIBLE STUDENTS
2 Timothy 2:24-25 The
Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to
teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope
that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.
The
ministry is a “learned profession”; and the man without learning, no matter
with what other gifts he may be endowed, is unfit for its duties. The minister
must be “apt to teach” says the Apostle Paul. The other requirements refer to
his spiritual fitness. He must be godly. The best service we can offer to God
is just to do our duty – our plain, homely duty, whatever that may be.
Every
man who aspires to be a religious man must begin by doing his duty, his obvious
duty, his daily task, the particular work which lies before him to do at this
particular time and place. If this work happens to be studying, then his
religious life depends on nothing more than just studying. No religious
character can be built up on the foundation of neglected duty.
Put your heart into your studies; do not merely occupy
your mind with them, but put your heart into them. They bring you daily and
hourly into the very presence of God; his ways, his dealing with men, the
infinite majesty of his Being form their very subject-matter. Take the shoes
off your feet for you are on holy ground in His presence.