Fairway to Faith: Insights on Studying God’s Word
by Mike Killebrew
Editor’s Note: Mike shared this immediately after e2’s golf outing, at the end of the day on August 16.
I've now golfed a total of four times, today was my fourth attempt. I'm TERRIBLE at golf, but WOW, what a GREAT day! I'm starting to understand the widespread appeal. We just had our second annual golf outing and fundraiser for e2: effective elders, and after a short weather delay this morning, we enjoyed a marvelous day of golf. In my case, I had a good day trying to golf. Ha, ha! Thankfully, it was a scramble, and I was on a four-man team that still did well despite my inexperience and lack of skill. Our team was made up of myself, my two brothers, and one of my brother's friends, Kyle Hilgendorf. Kyle made all the difference for our team score! He is the lead elder at one of our partner churches, Venture Christian Church, in Carmel, IN, and he is a very talented golfer.
Now, when I say I'm terrible, I'm not sure that word is strong enough. I'm an exceptionally bad novice golfer. I don't hold the clubs right, my stance needs work, my swing is all wrong, and I lift my head up in my swing. My ball slices, hooks, shanks, and duffs—and that's only if I make contact! There were plenty of whiffs. My golf clubs were given to me, and there's a garage sale sticker on the bag that says $5.99—no joke! I left the tag on it because those golf clubs describe my golf game perfectly.
When I say Kyle is talented, I'm not sure that word is strong enough. He is an expert, and he expertly helped our team. With nearly every swing the ball went exactly where he intended it to go. Additionally, he coached the rest of us, and I learned more about golf just watching his swing and listening to his coaching than in all my previous experiences combined. He was an invaluable resource for our team today! I was grateful for his insights on the course along with practical helps.
While I was busy learning about golf, I was also thinking about how important it is to use all the resources available when studying Scripture. I'm grateful for all the expertise I have available to me. Theologians, commentaries, Bible dictionaries, a library of books, subscriptions to digital libraries, podcasts, and online access to expert commentary are all resources we have at our fingertips.
I remember as a teenager reading a short little book, written by John R. W. Stott, called You Can Trust the Bible. When reading about the uniqueness of God’s Word because of its dual authorship, I began to understand that it is unlike any other book. It was penned by men but inspired by God. A few simple lines from this book explained this, and it completely changed the way I approach Scripture. Here is what he said:
The double authorship of the Bible will affect the way we read it. Because it is the word of men, we shall study it like every other book, using our minds, investigating its words and syntax, its historical origins, and its literary compositions. But because it is also the Word of God, we shall study it like no other book, on our knees, humbly, crying to God for illumination and for the ministry of the Holy Spirit, without whom we can never understand His Word.
Through the context of that phrase "dual authorship," here are some potentially helpful ways to approach the study of God’s Word:
Pray for Understanding
Before diving into Scripture, begin with prayer. Ask God to open your heart and mind to understand His Word. As John Stott emphasized, we should approach the Bible "on our knees," relying on the Holy Spirit to illuminate the truths contained within.
Use Reliable Resources
Just like I benefited from Kyle's golf expertise, we can greatly benefit from the expertise of biblical scholars and theologians. Utilize commentaries, Bible dictionaries, and other trustworthy resources to gain a deeper understanding of the context, language, and meaning behind the Scriptures. Remember, though, that these tools are supplementary to the Bible itself, not replacements for it.
Study Context
Understanding the context of a passage is crucial. Who was the author? Who was the audience? What was the historical and cultural background? By studying Scripture in its proper context, we can avoid misinterpretations and gain a fuller understanding of God's message.
Apply What You Learn
James 1:22 reminds us to "be doers of the word, and not hearers only." Studying Scripture should lead to life transformation. Consider how the passages you study can impact your daily life, decisions, and relationships. Let God's Word guide your actions.
Study with Others
Studying the Bible with others can provide new insights and perspectives. Engaging in discussions with fellow believers can help you see things you might have missed on your own. It also provides accountability, helping you stay consistent in your study.
Be Patient and Persistent
Just like learning to golf takes time, so does growing in your understanding of Scripture. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t grasp everything right away. Keep studying, praying, and trusting that God will reveal truth, His truth, to you in His perfect timing.
As I reflect on my day of golf and the lessons learned both on the course and in my spiritual journey, I'm reminded of the importance of patience, persistence, and humility in both endeavors. Just as the game of golf takes time, practice, and the right guidance, so too does deepening our understanding of Scripture. We may not get it right the first time or even the hundredth time, but with the right resources and a heart open to God's leading, we can grow in our knowledge and love for His Word.
The key is to approach Scripture with the same eagerness and willingness to learn that we would bring to any new challenge. Whether it’s perfecting a golf swing or uncovering the truths of the Bible, the journey is one of continual growth and discovery. So, let’s commit to studying God’s Word with the same dedication we might apply to any passion or hobby, knowing that the rewards are far greater than any scorecard or accomplishment.
May we all be diligent students of Scripture, relying on the Holy Spirit, leaning on the wisdom of others, and always seeking to apply what we learn to our lives. Just as golf requires us to keep our eye on the ball, may we keep All Eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.
