In this third section of RA Torrey on Bible Study, Torrey addresses how studying the Bible leads you to a greater personal relationship with God. If you haven’t read the past two studies you can do so here: Part 1 | Part 2.
Personal Companionship with God
Studying the Bible as the Word of God involves studying it as His own voice speaking directly to you. When you open the Bible to study, realize that you have come into the very presence of God, and that He is going to speak to you. Nothing gives more freshness and gladness to Bible study than the realization that, as you read, God is actually talking to you.
Bible study then becomes personal companionship with God Himself. What a wonderful privilege Mary had one day, sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening to His voice. If we will study the Bible as the Word of God and as if we were in God’s presence, then we will enjoy the privilege of sitting at the feet of Jesus and having Him talk to us every day.
This approach makes what would otherwise be a mere mechanical performance of a duty become a wonderfully joyous privilege. One can say as he opens the Bible, “Now, God my Father is going to speak to me.” Reading the Bible on our knees helps us to realize we are in God’s presence. The Bible became in some measure a new book to me when I took to reading it on my knees.
Study the Bible prayerfully. God, the author of the Bible, is willing to act as interpreter of it. He does so when you ask Him. The one who prays the psalmist’s prayer with sincerity and faith, “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law” (Ps. 119:18), will have his eyes opened to new beauties and wonders in the Word.
Be very definite about this. Each time you open the Bible for study, even though it is only for a few minutes, ask God to give you an open and discerning eye. Expect Him to do it.
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Read the other parts to this series: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
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