Myth, 94

 ~ Christians Don’t Need To Study The Bible With Others ~

Myth  ~  It is not necessary for Christians to study the Bible with other Christians. 

Deceptive  ~  This is deceptive in several ways:

1.  This is a partial truth in that the most important Bible teacher for the believer is the indwelling Spirit of God.  “Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?  For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

2.  This is also deceptive in that it is important to study the Scripture independently.  There is great value in studying the Scriptures privately.  But if this is our only means of studying we are losing out on the wisdom of others. 

3.  But the reality is there is great profit in studying the Word of God with other Spirit-indwelt believers.  My pastor likes to say that “There are no Lone Ranger Christians.”

4.  However, we must recognize that there are times when it is impossible to benefit directly from the input of fellow believers.  On occasion this has been the case for single missionaries (but it is rare they don’t have a spouse or other believer available).  It is possible also for a prisoner to be isolated from other believers.  In these specialized cases God will provide. 

5.  Finally, in today’s world there are so many resources available for studying the Bible alone it can be tempting to do so. 

Benefits  ~  Studying the Scriptures with fellow believers can have many benefits. 

Scripture  ~  The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, “Prescribe and teach these things.  Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.  Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching.  Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery.  Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.  Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:11-16 nasu).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

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