Mastering Scripture?

When studying a passage of Scripture, what is our goal? Mastery over the passage? In one sense, yes. As we study we ought to learn and gain mastery over the content, context, grammar, theology and application(s) of the passage. However, for the follower of Christ the ultimate goal of studying Scripture is not simply the acquisition of more true propositions about God (although it certainly not less than this either!). Ultimately, the goal is discipleship. In this sense, then, the goal is not finally our mastery of the passage but rather the passage's mastery over us, that is, our discipleship and subjugation to the Word, written and incarnate.

If we allow our study of Scripture to reach only the penultimate goal of our mastery over a passage but never attain the ultimate goal, the passage's mastery over us, then we have neglected the primary purpose for which Scripture, the Word of God, has been given to us. As one of my favorite professors has pointed out, "The Bible is written to sinners in need of salvation not to speculators in need of metaphysical propositions to ponder." We must never forget this for to do so is to fail to see that which is most important.

Study Scripture! Gain all the knowledge you can about it! Never cease striving gain additional knowledge about a passage even one which you studied many times in the past. But let us never forget that our study is not complete until we have been taught, nor our mastery complete until we have been mastered.

A Lover of Good

In the Apostle Paul's letter to Titus, he instructs Titus to appoint leaders for the church in Crete and gives Titus list of qualifications and qualities that these leaders must possess as well as vices to which they must not be subject. These are the words of Paul to Titus:

"For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined" (Titus 1:7,8 ESV).

The one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen, the one Lord, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life is the source of all goodness and glory in heaven and on earth, in things seen and unseen.

May we as creatures uniquely made in the image of the one God whose name is Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who alone is truly and wholly good, learn to see and love all that is good in that which he has made and declared good, so that we might turn to him in thanksgiving and in a fear that leads to a true knowledge of him.