January 23
“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1:2-3
Today we will look at the third common reason people give for not spending time in the scriptures.
(3) “I’m just a lay person. I can’t understand the Bible like my pastor who has training.”
Anyone who wants to can comprehend the scriptures, study them, and apply them. God calls each of us to grow in Him and the knowledge of His word, and He will hold us accountable for our own growth. I think this excuse is just laziness hiding behind false humility. Pastors and ministers can’t do it all. God needs all His saints diligently engaging Him directly, getting nourishment directly from His Word as well as from our pastors and teachers, for the Body to grown and function as He intended. You are cheating everyone by this excuse and being disobedient to God. Furthermore, God is the one who gives enlightenment. So you very well may not be very adept at math or science or some other subject, but that does not mean you cannot understand the scriptures as well as anyone.
Let me also say that I think it is dangerous and unhealthy for lay persons to not study the Bible; keep in mind that seminaries can be the sources for a lot of biblical errors and unbiblical ideas. When we entrust our spiritual care to others and take no responsibility for it ourselves, we expose ourselves to Satan’s influence perhaps from places we expect it least. Study for yourself! Read it for yourself! I am not saying that you need not be subject to your pastors and elders, nor am I saying that you are better at understanding the Bible than others. But our leaders need to know that their flocks are studying and growing themselves and will be checking their teaching against the scriptures. This is a healthy, even essential dynamic that spurs our leaders to watch themselves more carefully.