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.