The Critical Importance of STUDY Jeremiah 29:11 • Luke 4:1–13 • Psalm 91 ● Scripture transforms us when approached with humility and diligence. ● Goal: To understand the critical importance of studying Scripture as disciples of Jesus. “You will never truly UNDERSTAND the Word of God unless you learn to STAND UNDER the Word of God.” – Darrell Johnson What Is Biblical Study? Definition (from Scripture Practice Companion Guide): “The patient application of our minds and hearts to the process of learning what the text says, what it meant to the original audience, and what it all means for us today.” ● Requires patience, humility, and a teachable spirit. ● Complements—not replaces—other practices: reading, meditating, memorizing. Why STUDY Matters 1. To Avoid Misinterpretation ● Common phrases not in Scripture: ○ “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” ○ “God helps those who help themselves.” ○ “God will not give you more than you can handle.” (cf. 2 Corinthians 1:8–9) ○ “Money is the root of all evil.” (1 Timothy 6:10: the love of money…) 2. To Navigate “Weird Things” in the Bible ● Examples needing study and context: ○ 1 Samuel 18:27 (David & Philistines) ○ Ezekiel 4:15 (bread baked over dung) ○ Ecclesiastes 1:2 (“Meaningless! Meaningless!”) Without study, we misread, misunderstand, and misapply God’s Word. Example:Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you…” Misunderstanding: A personal guarantee of health, wealth, and success. Correct Context: ● Spoken to the nation of Judah in exile—a corporate promise. ● Most listeners would not see fulfillment in their lifetime. ● Yet the truth remains: God’s plans are good—eternally so. Application: ● Be patient and trust in the long view of God’s goodness. ● God’s promises shape us through suffering, not apart from it. The STUDY Process Applied (Luke 4:1–13) Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’” The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’” The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. Luke 4:1-13 ● Jesus’ temptation is packed with hyperlinks to: ○ Genesis 3 (Adam & Eve’s testing) ○ Exodus (Israel’s 40 years in the wilderness) ● Satan’s tactics always target: ○ Provision (Appetite) ○ Identity (Approval) ○ Destiny (Ambition) Biblical Study uncovers these deeper links and shows how Jesus fulfills Israel’s story. Case Study: Psalm 91 – “Interpreting Correctly” ● Satan misquotes Psalm 91 to Jesus. ● Psalm 91 is not a Messianic psalm but likely a priestly assurance to Israel’s army. ● The promise of protection is not literal invulnerability. Keller’s insight: “If we read Psalm 91 as a promise of an easy life, we will be deeply disappointed… and never discover the true promise that’s here.” True Promise: God’s protection goes beyond the temporal — ultimate safety in Him. Cross References: ● Job and Joseph show suffering as redemptive. ● Luke 21:16–18 — “Some of you will be put to death… but not a hair of your head will perish.” Ultimate safety = eternal security in God’s presence. Application: How to Begin Studying the Bible 1. Build a Small Library ○ ESV Study Bible, NET Study Bible (online) ○ Gordon Fee & Douglas Stuart: ■ How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth ■ How to Read the Bible Book by Book 2. Sit Under Trusted Teachers ○ Contemporary: N.T. Wright, Tim Mackie, Tim Keller, Darrell Johnson ○ Historical: St. Augustine, Ignatius of Loyola, Brother Lawrence 3. Explore good online resources ○ BibleProject (bibleproject.com or app). ○ BibleRef.com (free commentary resource). 4. Study in community. Questions for Discipleship Groups: Posture of the Heart: Darrell Johnson said, “You will never truly understand the Word of God unless you learn to stand under the Word of God.” ● What does it mean to “stand under” God’s Word in your daily life? How can we cultivate a truly teachable spirit when studying Scripture? Context Matters: Using the example of Jeremiah 29:11, how does understanding the original audience and historical context change our interpretation and application of familiar verses? Misinterpretation & Discernment: Satan misquoted Psalm 91 when tempting Jesus in the wilderness. ● What does this reveal about the importance of careful study and discernment when handling Scripture? Tension Between Promise and Suffering: Psalm 91 seems to promise complete protection, yet believers like Job and Joseph suffered deeply. ● How do we reconcile God’s promises of protection with the reality of suffering in our lives? The Study Process in Practice: The sermon mentioned Jesus’ temptations as “hyperlinked” to other Scriptures (Adam & Eve, Israel’s wilderness testing). ● How might tracing these connections deepen your understanding of Scripture as one unified story? Growing as a Student of the Word: The sermon encouraged building a small study library and learning from trusted teachers. ● What practical step could you take this week to grow in your practice of Biblical study?