Encouraging Personal Scripture Study Over Analogies and Examples
Encouraging Personal Scripture Study
The practice of personal Scripture study is deeply rooted in biblical teachings and Christian tradition. The Psalmist expresses a desire to understand and reflect on God's word, saying "Inclinabo in parabolam aurem meam ; aperiam in psalterio propositionem meam" — "I will incline my ear to a parable; I will open my dark saying upon the harp" [5]. This emphasis on personal engagement with Scripture is echoed in various Christian traditions.
Diligence in seeking God and understanding His word is a recurring theme in the Bible. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, diligence is required by God in seeking Him, obeying Him, and striving after perfection [2]. This diligence involves not just reading Scripture but also applying its teachings to one's life. For instance, self-examination is encouraged as a means of assessing one's spiritual state and making necessary adjustments [1].
The importance of personal Scripture study is underscored by the example of early Christian practices. The practice of reading Scripture was adopted from the Jewish synagogue and became a central part of Christian worship. As noted by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown in their commentary on 1 Timothy 4:13, the reading of Scripture was a regular feature of public congregational gatherings, with the New Testament writings being read alongside the Old Testament [6].
Moreover, personal Scripture study is not just about individual devotion but also about communal edification. The Reformed tradition, as represented by Calvin's commentary on Genesis, highlights the importance of exemplary figures like Sarah, who demonstrated remarkable faith and courage. Calvin notes that her example should stimulate men to imitate her faith [9].
The Methodist/Wesleyan tradition, as seen in Adam Clarke's commentary on Galatians 6:4, emphasizes the need for individuals to examine their own work and conduct in light of Christ's example. Clarke argues that believers should not compare themselves with others but rather with the word and example of Christ [7].
In the Presbyterian tradition, Jamieson, Fausset & Brown's commentary on 1 Corinthians 10:15 encourages believers to exercise their own judgment in understanding Scripture and its application. They argue that the ability to judge for oneself is a responsibility that cannot be divested, and that the weakness of private judgment is not an argument against its use, but rather against its abuse [8].
The biblical basis for personal Scripture study is further reinforced by various cross-references provided in the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge. For example, Ephesians 1:7 is cross-referenced with numerous Old and New Testament passages that highlight the theme of redemption and forgiveness [3]. Similarly, Titus 3:6 is linked to passages that discuss the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the gift of salvation [4].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Examination — Enjoined -- 2Co 13:5. Necessary before the communion -- 1Co 11:28. Cause of difficulty in -- Jer 17:9. Should be engaged in With holy awe. -- Ps 4:4. With diligent search. -- Ps 77:6; La 3:40. With prayer for divine searching. -- Ps 26:2; 139:23,24. With purpose of amendment. -- Ps 119:59; La 3:40. Advantages of -- 1Co 11:31; Ga 6:4; 1Jo 3:20-22.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ephesians 1:7 cross-references: Exodus 34:7, Job 33:24, Psalms 32:1, Psalms 86:5, Psalms 130:4, Psalms 130:7, Isaiah 43:25, Isaiah 55:6, Jeremiah 31:34, Daniel 9:9, Daniel 9:19, Daniel 9:24, Jonah 4:2, Micah 7:18, Zechariah 9:11, Zechariah 13:1, Zechariah 13:7, Matthew 20:28, Matthew 26:28, Mark 14:24, Luke 1:77, Luke 7:40, Luke 7:47, Luke 24:47, John 20:23, Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19, Acts 10:43, Acts 13:38, Acts 20:28, Romans 2:4, Romans 3:24, Romans 4:6, Romans 9:23, 1 Corinthians 1:30, 2 Corinthians 8:9, Ephesians 1:6, Ephesians 2:4, Ephesians 2:7, Ephesians 3:8, Ephesians 3:16, Philippians 4:19”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Titus 3:6 cross-references: Proverbs 1:23, Isaiah 32:15, Isaiah 44:3, Ezekiel 36:25, Joel 2:28, John 1:16, John 4:10, John 7:37, John 14:16, John 16:7, Acts 2:33, Acts 10:45, Romans 5:5, Romans 8:2, Ephesians 3:8, Ephesians 4:2, Titus 1:4”
- Psalms “Inclinabo in parabolam aurem meam ; aperiam in psalterio propositionem meam. -- Psalms 48:5”
- 1 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Timothy 4:13: Till I come--when Timothy's commission would be superseded for the time by the presence of the apostle himself (Ti1 1:3; Ti1 3:14). reading--especially in the public congregation. The practice of reading Scripture was transferred from the Jewish synagogue to the Christian Church (Luk 4:16-20; Act 13:15; Act 15:21; Co2 3:14). The New Testament Gospel and Epistles being recognized as inspired by those who had the gift of discerning spirits, were from the first, according as they were written, read along with the Old Testament in the Church (Th1 5:21”
- Galatians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Galatians 6:4: Prove his own work - Let him examine himself and his conduct by the words and example of Christ; and if he find that they bear this touchstone, then he shall have rejoicing in himself alone, feeling that he resembles his Lord and Master, and not in another - not derive his consolation from comparing himself with another who may be weaker, or less instructed than himself. The only rule for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ. He should not compare himself with others; they are not his standard. Christ hath ”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 10:15: Appeal to their own powers of judgment to weigh the force of the argument that follows: namely, that as the partaking of the Lord's Supper involves a partaking of the Lord Himself, and the partaking of the Jewish sacrificial meats involved a partaking of the altar of God, and, as the heathens sacrifice to devils, to partake of an idol feast is to have fellowship with devils. We cannot divest ourselves of the responsibility of "judging" for ourselves. The weakness of private judgment is not an argument against its use, but its abuse. We should t”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 1 (Gen 1-23), section 3.3: rendered evident by convincing proofs, that she carried a more than masculine mind in woman’s breast. And I wish that at length even men may be put to shame, and that useful emulation may stimulate them to imitate her example. For she conducted herself with such peculiar modesty, that scarcely any one would have supposed her capable of thus enduring the most violent attacks, and, at the same time, of courageously repelling them. Besides, how keenly God exercised her with internal conflicts but few persons are witnesses, of whom, ho”