Reading the Bible could be the gateway to heavenly bliss or the pathway to subtle self-destruction. To read the Bible is always to walk on holy ground, so we should arrive at the Word oh so aware of the fine line that exists between reading and sinning.
As you read this article, please decide to try heart 2 Corinthians 13:5 and "Examine yourselves... test yourselves" ;.
Sin #1 - Reading without praying - the sin of proud self-reliance.
Reading the Word should be bathed in prayer - before, during and after. God is the greatest Author with this Book and so we should head to Him for understanding and the innumerable blessings He wants to shower upon us through the Bible.
How to avoid it - Make this humble prayer your own - "Let me understand the teaching of one's precepts" (Psalm 119: 27a).
Sin #2 - Reading without meditating - the sin of mindless mysticism.
Reading is just the start of our journey into God's truth. We ought to think about what we read, and think long and hard. Some elements of the Bible are far more difficult to comprehend than others; when up against a challenging passage, you could simply need certainly to spend more time pondering it.
How to avoid it - Proclaim with conviction - "Then I'll meditate in your wonders" (Psalm 119:27b). When opening the Book, be opening, exercising and filling the mind, not emptying it.MyReadingManga
Sin #3 - Reading without communing - the sin of dead intellectualism.
Reading the Bible may be the way to the awesome end of deeper fellowship with God. If reading the Bible doesn't end up in sweeter intimacy with King Jesus, something is amiss. Amount of time in the Word should never be an result in itself. It's the entrance into the clear presence of Christ, our Creator, our Sustainer and the Lover of our souls.
How to avoid it - As you read, pray such as the psalmist, "I seek you with all my heart" (Psalm 119:10a) and "Do not utterly forsake me" (Psalm 119:8b).
Sin #4 - Reading without understanding - the sin of empty ritualism.
Are the words only words? We commune with God through His Word as His Spirit reveals the meaning. Reading without understanding is not reading but a meaningless ritual, merely a formality that grieves the Spirit, displeases the Father and dishonors His Son.
How to avoid it - As you realize the sacredness of Scripture, pray "Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law" (Psalm 119:18). This is not merely another book. Say with Peter "You've the words of eternal life" (John 6:68).
Sin #5 - Reading without believing - the sin of self-righteous legalism.
What do Bible reading, prayer, church attendance, tithing, and helping the needy all have in keeping? They may be either the expression of saving faith or the expression of non-saving faith. For the genuine believer, they are proof of life. For the false believer, they are proof of a spurious conversion and serve and then strengthen his self-deception. Bible reading, like worthwhile work, is never the explanation for our salvation but alternatively its result. The difference is infinitely, eternally huge.
How to avoid it - Ponder the wonder of salvation by grace, through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Nothing we do earns God's favor (including Bible reading). From start in order to complete, salvation is His work, not ours.
Sin #6 - Reading without obeying - the sin of cheap grace.
Salvation is free, but it'll run you everything. Is this not the greatest paradox of Scripture? We are not saved by good works, however for good works, and so Bible reading is one of many main activities God uses to empower us to reside a life of increasing obedience, holiness and Christ-likeness. Sinless perfection will escape us this side of heaven, but a changed life will not. If your Bible reading doesn't have life-transforming results, please consider the possibility that you're still dead in your sins and in must be born of the Spirit (John 3:1-8).
How to avoid it - Spend much amount of time in Psalm 119 and meditate much on the numerous verses that speak of obeying the Word. May these prayers be yours - "I'll obey your decrees" (Psalm 119:8a) and "I run in the road of one's commands, for you've set my heart free" (Psalm 119:32).
Sin #7 - Reading without studying - the sin of superficial skimming.
"Raking is simple, but you get only leaves; digging is hard, but you may find diamonds" (John Piper). Reading is however the first step to understanding this is and rejoicing as one that finds great wealth (Psalm 119:162). Ask questions; record your thoughts and responses in a journal; do word studies; join a Bible study group (or start one yourself). You can find 101 methods to dig into the Word.
How to avoid it - Realize the requirement to dive in, not remain on the surface. This does take time and effort, fueled by the grace of God and the enabling of His Spirit. So move out your shovel and get digging, understanding that "it's God who works in you to will and to act" (Philippians 2:13 - another mind-boggling paradox).
And may your amount of time in the Word be a source of divine renewal for the glory of God. While reading, be sure to be praying, meditating, communing, understanding, believing, obeying and studying, and you are sure to declare "Your statutes are my delight!" (Psalm 119:24).
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