Worship.
This post continues our series on Worship. Previously we considered Individual and Corporate Worship (Post 48, 05/10/2019), Prayer as Worship (Post 49, 05/17/2019), and Singing as Worship (Post 54, 06/22/2019). This week we will look at Study and how it also is a form of Worship.
The Bible is filled with scriptures advising us to study. Romans 15:4 says, “…everything that was written in the past was…to teach us that through…the Scriptures…we might have hope.”
2 Timothy 3:15 says, “…from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation…” And, Deuteronomy 11:18 tells us, “…lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul…”
There are dozens of other Scriptures addressing the importance of studying, but you get the point. If we are to grow as Christians, if we want our relationship to God to grow ever closer, then to study His Word is a must.
Study.
What do we mean by “study”? The most pertinent definition of the word as provided by the Google Online Dictionary is, “…to devote time and attention to acquiring knowledge on a subject, especially by means of books (slightly paraphrased).” The key phrase here is “…to devote time and attention…” Simply reading the Bible does not count as “study.” It is when we read the Bible and devote our attention to what it’s telling us that we are truly “studying.”
We have all had the experience of reading something and then being unable to recall what we’ve just read minutes or seconds after we’ve finished. I’m pretty sure that at least some of the readers of this (or prior) post have had this happen! No matter how engaging the title or well-written the material, we’re just not able to concentrate sufficiently to have it “stick.” We have, indeed, read the content, but we’ve not retained its substance. And for casual reading, such meager effort is all that is necessary.
But, if we want to retain what we’ve read, or, more importantly, understand what we’ve read, then we must pay attention. We must focus on the material and commit it to memory, if not word for word, then at a minimum, the concepts illuminated therein. For, without memory of the meaning, or understanding of the ideas, all we’ve done is “pass the time.” And we should all understand that “passing the time” is NOT what God wants of us.
What Does God Want?
He desires a relationship with us. And having a relationship requires our understanding. It’s one of the main reasons He sent the Holy Spirit to us. In John 14:26, Jesus says, “…the Holy Spirit…will teach you everything and make you remember all that I have told you.” A relationship without understanding is not a real relationship, and understanding is only possible through attention and study.
Study as Worship.
“OK,” you say, “We get that having a relationship with God requires us to study. But how does study qualify as worship?”
To answer that question, we must return to the definition of worship that we used in our first post in this series. In Post 48 (05/10/2019), we defined worship as “…the act of spending time with God. Or…to be in intentional communion with Him.”
Again, the keyword is “intentional.” To be “intentional,” we have first to want to be in communion. Then, we have to pay attention to the situation so that we are aware of whatever may be occurring.
Have you ever had a companion that you were with say, “Your body is here, but your mind is somewhere else.” Being “in communion” is not a passive activity. To be in communion requires us to be both physically and mentally (or spiritually) present. Otherwise, we are, truly, “somewhere else.”
To be in communion with another person requires us to be aware of them, paying attention to what they are saying (or trying to communicate), and not allowing our minds to wander. We have to be “intentionally” with them. And this is the state that God desires to share with us.
Study as Communing.
If we are intentionally studying His word and attempting to understand the meaning that those words have for us, we’re not only thinking about God, we’re thinking with Him. When we study His word and strive to understand their meaning for us, we’re communing with Him. It’s impossible to be reading God’s word with the intent of understanding His meaning and not be in communion with Him.
Sometimes we’re more successful at attaining and maintaining communion than other times. Our minds may occasionally stray. And, we may not always “get” what He’s trying to say to us when we study. But in this instance, it really is the “thought that counts.” It’s the intention.
The Point.
So, we shouldn’t worry if we don’t always understand what the Scriptures are attempting to say to us. Neither should we feel overly guilty if we find that our minds have wandered. And it’s perfectly all right to read a section several times before it makes sense. We’ve all been there!
The important thing is to be studying. When we’ve taken the time to sit down and read His word with the intent of understanding its message for us, we’re in communion with Him. And to me, that’s the definition of worship.
Closing.
Let’s close with these thoughts. Proverbs 2:1-5 says, “My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding – indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.”
God’s Blessings on You All.
Richard
July 12, 2019
Richard, another great blog on one of my favorite past-times. I love to study by reading and listening to those who are experts in their own fields. When I read I find that I am most able to comprehend a topic or a passage when I’ve read it at least six times. I learned this in college. I would add that studying at the time of day when I am most rested and least interrupted brings more to my efforts to learn.
Debating and one-on-one discussions are great ways to learn. The picture in our SS class of C.S. Lewis and Christ sitting together in his study having a discussion (I would love to know their topic!) is very telling for me. Lewis was one who, I understand, loved informed discussions. This was a way of expanding his understanding of the Christian faith. And who better than Christ to confront with questions?!
Of course, we cannot have such discussions with Christ except through quiet and contemplative study in the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Finally, I agree that study is a form of worship. But worship, in a general sense, is a time of praise (music), prayer (invocation and pastoral prayer with confession), proclamation (scripture and sermon) and sending forth (benediction). Study, in my opinion, is solely a time of revelation and prayer.
Kent:
Thank you for another thoughtful reply and comment. I always enjoy your responses, even when they challenge me.
Richard