How critical is ATTITUDE
when studying the Bible?

We often want to go about Bible studies to become intellectual and Biblical scholars, rather than coming to meet the Lord Jesus in our studies. This relates to what Jesus said in the book of Matthew:

"At that time Jesus answered and said,  "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes." (Matthew 11:25, NKJV throughout)

Here we see the importance of having a childlike attitude in order to have REVELATION from God. One may study the Scriptures diligently (as the Pharisees did) but not be able to receive the revelation necessary because of the attitude that one approaches the study with.

We can study the Bible diligently and be able to quote from cover to cover with amazing brilliancy, knowing all the right doctrine. But until we learn to approach our studies with a tender childlike attitude we will not be able to receive from God the revelation necessary to illuminate the written Word:

"For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:  'I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.' " (Isaiah 57:15)

"But He gives more grace.  Therefore He says:  'God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' "(James 4:6)

If we want God with us and to be properly led by His Spirit, then we cannot afford to get in a proud attitude.

"Thus says the Lord:  'Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom.  Let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches.  But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth.  For in these I delight,' says the Lord." (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

We can wind up glorying in the wisdom we feel we have gained from a lifetime of Bible study, feeling we see many things that others don't see. And we can then pass right over these biblical principles that tell us how God will hide from and resist those who become wise in their own eyes. When we get in this attitude, we will then have to be laid aside by God.

It is easy to get away from simply sitting before Jesus Christ and asking Him to take us by the hand and lead us through the Bible so that we will come to know Him. All too often we boast of some technical approach with which we are trying to study the Bible. Many boast how they have gone over the Greek and Hebrew, and how they have specific insight from years of study. Studies like this may have value. But they can harm us if we no longer see the simple truths that God's Word shows in just about any translation:

"For it is written:  'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.' ” (1Corinthians 1:19)

To approach God with a childlike, tender attitude is vital for our studies. The more we depend on our own wisdom, the more God's Word is hidden to us, and the less we will be able to see even if we strongly desire it.

But to the humble heart and mind God's revelation will come forth to feed the spiritual food necessary. They will be given meat in due season. The walls of a humble heart will not hinder them from being fed. As they are able to handle it, they will be brought step by step in their spiritual development.

Let us learn to approach God with the childlike humility necessary in our Bible study. Then He can give us the wisdom of Christ; He is our wisdom.

"But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God — and righteousness and sanctification and redemption." (1Corinthians 1:30)

We will seek the wisdom of God, as we should, when we realize that we cannot depend on our own wisdom. Until then our attitude will be a hindrance to the Holy Spirit.

As we acknowledge our lack before God, and come before Him with this childlike attitude, seeing that we know nothing before Him, open and tender, then He will shine His light on the pages of the Bible so we can be taught properly.