Introducing Neil S. Wilson, The Handbook of Bible Application (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2000), 371–372.

LEARNING (Imitating, Observing, Remembering)

    Why is learning important to our relationship with God?

                 BIBLE READING: Deuteronomy 5:1–33

           KEY BIBLE VERSE: Moses called all the people of Israel together and said, “Listen carefully to all the laws and regulations I am giving you today. Learn them and be sure to obey them!” (Deuteronomy 5:1)

           Constant learning is one of the keys to spiritual growth. The people had entered into a covenant with God, and Moses commanded them to hear, learn, and follow his statutes. Christians also have entered into a covenant with God (through Jesus Christ) and should be responsive to what God expects. Moses’ threefold command to the Israelites is excellent advice for all God’s followers. Listening is absorbing and accepting information about God. Learning is understanding its meaning and implications. Obeying is putting into action all we have learned and understood. All three parts are essential to a growing relationship with God.

                 BIBLE READING: Proverbs 19:1–29

           KEY BIBLE VERSE: If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded will learn a lesson; if you reprove the wise, they will be all the wiser. (Proverbs 19:25)

           Learning is sometimes the result of suffering. There is a great difference between the person who learns from criticism and the person who refuses to accept correction. How we respond to criticism determines whether or not we grow in wisdom. The next time someone criticizes you, listen carefully to all that is said. You might learn something.

                 BIBLE READING: Lamentations 3:1–66

           KEY BIBLE VERSE: It is good for the young to submit to the yoke of his discipline. Let them sit alone in silence beneath the LORD’s demands. Let them lie face down in the dust; then at last there is hope for them. (Lamentations 3:27–29)

           Learning requires and develops humility. To “submit to the yoke of his discipline” means to willingly and humbly come before God to learn what he wants to teach us. This involves several important factors: (1) silent reflection on what God wants, (2) repentant humility, (3) self-control in the face of adversity, and (4) confident patience, depending on the divine Teacher to bring about loving lessons in our life. God has several long-term and short-term lessons for you right now. Are you doing your homework?

    Related Topics: DISCIPLINE, KNOWLEDGE, TEACHING

Copyright Neil S. Wilson, The Handbook of Bible Application (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2000), 371–372. All Rights Reserved

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