BEWARE OF STUDY BIBLES

This article by my assistant and fellow pastor is worth your precious time. Now that the ESV Study Bible is added to the list, we have even more reason to consider how to monitor our use of such tools. Do you have one? How do you use it? See what you think about this advice. Jim Elliff

Beware of Study Bibles

Steve Burchett

I like resources that help me understand the Bible. My collection of commentaries grows yearly. The amount of books I own addressing various areas of theology numbers in the hundreds. There are a couple of websites that I visit regularly where numerous Bible study tools are offered. I also own four "Study Bibles," which include not only the biblical text, but introductions and outlines for each book of the Bible, notes that explain verses, maps, articles about major concepts, and a large concordance at the back. I have been strengthened by all of these resources, and I'm confident others could testify likewise.

However, every good gift from God can be abused. Of all the study tools, perhaps in our day the Study Bible is the resource that is most often misused. For example, many who have taught the Bible have felt the frustration when, instead of meditating on the passage of Scripture being taught, several in the group were busy reading and then sharing from the study notes at the bottom of the page!

Perhaps some might respond, "But at least these people are trying to understand what the Scriptures say." Indeed, their motives may be pure, but excessive reliance on study notes actually removes them from what a Study Bible intends to promote: The study of the Bible! James tells us to receive and live out the Word of God (James 1:21-22), not what somebody else says about the Bible. The Lord has given the church teachers (Ephesians 4:11), but we should follow the example of the Bereans who not only listened eagerly to Paul's preaching, but were known for "examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so" (emphasis mine).

Maybe you are not convinced that you can really understand Scripture apart from the significant aid of others. Perhaps you have been led astray by certain preachers or writers who seem to imply that you have to be an expert in Hebrew or Greek (the original languages of the Old and New Testaments) in order to "really comprehend the Bible." Yes, a knowledge of the original languages is quite valuable, but it is not required.

Peter does admit that "some things" in Paul's writings are hard to understand (2 Peter 3:16). Commentaries, Study Bibles, and conversations with other believers are a valuable tool when we come across these places in Scripture. But Peter didn't say everything is hard to understand! In fact, with a careful and contemplative reading of a verse or passage and its surrounding context, and with the help of the Holy Spirit (see 1 John 2:27), we can grasp what God is saying. Probably our larger struggle is living out what we clearly see.

Does this mean you should throw away your Study Bible? No, but consider three ways to guard against misusing this tool:

1. Don't use a Study Bible as your primary Bible. Regular Bible reading, group study, and personal study should be out of a Bible without study notes. This eliminates the temptation to look away from what God has said.
2. Before you pull your Study Bible(s) off the shelf, force yourself to think hard about the text of Scripture alone. The person who "looks intently" at God's Word and lives it out is "blessed in what he does" (James 1:25). You may even want to purchase a Bible with wide margins in order to write down your thoughts, or maybe a notebook or journal.
3. When you struggle to figure out what a verse or passage means, ask the Lord for help. You'll be amazed at what He helps you comprehend. If you still don't understand what you are reading, ask Him again and meditate longer. How often do we skip this vital step of depending upon the Lord? Who is more resourceful, a biblical scholar or God?

Consider your Bible study methods: Do you spend more time focusing on the text of the Bible, or the words of non-inspired writers who are seeking to explain the Bible? When we are overly dependent on study notes, a subtle shift takes place from living "on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4) to living "by the words of Bible teachers."

As I write, I'm aware of another Study Bible soon to be unveiled. It has been endorsed by a large number of well-known pastors and ministry leaders, and it includes over 20,000 notes, over 50 articles, and over 200 color charts. I'll probably buy one. More, and even better, Study Bibles will surely follow. There is no doubt that they will shed much light on the text of Scripture. But we must beware: They may also distract us from the very thing they are intended to illuminate.

Copyright © 2008 Steve Burchett
 www.CCWtoday.org

Check out the blog of Jim Elliff and staff at www.CCWblog.org

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Which AV? Posted On: 10/14/08 07:32:45 PM Age 40, NH Which revised AV do you speak of? 1613, 1629, 1638, 1744, 1762, or 1769? Or is the 1611 the pure word? http://www.bible.ca/b-kjv-only.htm http://members.aol.com/pilgrimpub/revision.htm and don't forget the usage of, "God forbid!" when that is certainly not what the original language says. Although I adore the KJV, it certainly isn't the best or most accurate of translations. Grace and Peace, Jim Nice work. Posted On: 10/08/08 09:39:19 AM Age 36, CO Definitely think you are right.... thanks for this. Who do You say that I am? Posted On: 10/08/08 07:28:46 AM Age 48, MO This is very good and true. Hence my concern with those Christians that get off on tangents of; "I am a Calvinist" or "I follow Rick Warren." Thus says the Lord should be good enough, if we would take the time to read His Words and ask His Spirit to reveal His Truth to us. John Cult Tactics in the Church Posted On: 10/08/08 06:40:48 AM Age 48, ID While I agree with the three points made on how to approach Scripture, I must disagree with the whining I have heard from preachers about people using their Bible’s during the sermon. This sounds like the lame excuse I heard in a Catholic Church, that, “We give the people the Scriptures in the bulletin if they want to read the text, but we don’t want them distracted and going off on their own, but to listen to what is being said.” It has always been, and always will be the refuge of those preachers who are not sure that they are right! I understand that we should “listen” to the preacher to get all of what is said, but to demand 100% attention to them is tantamount to brainwashing. It is the same as the WatchTower demanding that you only read their literature! It assumes that we are too stupid to think through things for ourselves, or that we cannot “listen” and think at the same time. Keep in mind that what the preacher says is just as biased as the notes in a Study Bible, so what’s the difference besides one demands that you only listen to them? Must we subtly force our brand of bias on others? Do we deeply feel that our “truth” cannot hold its own in a world of competition? Apparently not! I have over 300 commentaries which I rarely use. I mainly use Study Bibles for cross-references and linguistic information. This does not mean that I don’t listen, or that I rely on notes instead of the text and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Perhaps if the preacher actually gave the people some meat, they would not be compelled to search for it during the sermon! Good Advice; Consider also... Posted On: 10/07/08 01:09:14 PM Age 48, AL I would have to agree in principal with what is said. It is good advice in general, but I would temper that with the statement that since the study notes are not Scripture, they should not be addressed in that manner. As always, we should be discerning in whatever commentary, study Bible notes, etc. we may use to assist in our understanding of Scripture. In many cases, a simple plain reading of Scripture is sufficient to understand the passage, particularly in the context in which it occurs. At other times it is helpful to have some commentary or study assistance to understand a bit more historical context or comparative information. I use study Bibles as my main source, but don't view the study notes that often since I am concentrating on the Scripture. Thus, your advice about not using a study Bible as your main Bible is irrelevant. It still contains God's word, whether it has additional study notes or not. I have in fact observed errors or clear misrepresentations of Scripture in the study notes. That is why we should understand what they are NOT - God's Word. Thanks for the article; as I indicated good general advice. Struggling with the text Posted On: 10/07/08 12:25:05 PM Age 34, CANADA I think what Jim wrote is an excellent reminder and admonition to be fed from the Lord. I have felt the same prodding from the Lord to struggle with the text and ask Him for wisdom to understand it. Jesus affirms the same when He says, "But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. ... Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ." (Matt 23:8,10). The teachers and leaders that God provides for the benefit of the church are not intended to replace the individual need to "chew" on God's word and to do the work of studying to show oneself approved. Their job is to serve the body by bringing us back when we stray and stimulating us to partake of God's Word together. Its a bit like eating pre-digested food. Sometimes its necessary, like when we are sick (have strayed) or are new to the faith and need more guidance, but a normal, healthy Christian should be chewing and digesting his own food straight from the source. It requires more work, but this work is not wasted; it helps one grow in their knowledge of how to handle God's Word and discern right from wrong. Correct.... Posted On: 10/07/08 11:18:30 AM Age 39, FL ...about us needing to meditate on Scripture, memorize passages, and so forth. Also, there are additions, subtractions, and changes in plenty of Bibles...yet the uninformed mass of Christians out there aren't aware of this. God strictly prohibited such apostasy, and I for one found out about these 'Bibles' and got rid of one I had. The Authorized King James or the Geneva are essential to following God's correct Word, otherwise we will be misled. The diabolical one has his hands all over the place, yet Christians that bring up this information out of love get called 'divisive'. "Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft." Bonafide Christians need to be able to give up their blankies so to speak, if you find out something you're reading is not correct....let it go! Don't hold on to it because you have become accustomed to it, your soul is at stake. Insightful Posted On: 10/07/08 05:01:45 AM Age 44, CO Very good advise. I've ordered an ESV study bible so this post is very timely. Having been saved by Christ just a couple years now this will be my first study bible. I do rely on puritan commentaries via the web though. Lately Grace Gems seems to be the most uplifting and serves as a kind of catalyst for reading of scripture as does this site and others like it. In that regard I feel the ESV study bible will be an asset in addition to the resources I've listed. The three ways in which you listed to guard against abuse of a study bible pertain to other "study methods" as well and are spot on - Cliff