It’s that time of year when school is starting back up for teachers and students (from Pre-K through College). The emotional response to that statement is so widely (and wildly) diverse, especially among students. So, what will you learn this year? What do you need to learn? The complaint too often is, “When will I ever use this in real life?” Let me give you some things to learn that you will definitely use, and they will have a real impact on a real life in heaven!
Learn that one plus one equals two. Sounds pretty basic, right? It will come in handy when you’re studying the Bible and read verses that tie two components together to bring about a result. Jesus told the rich young ruler, “Sell what you have [ONE] and [PLUS] give to the poor [ONE], and you will [EQUALS] have treasure in heaven [RESULT]” (Matt. 19:21). It is obvious that the result (heaven) would never be achievable without both components (sell AND give) being done. The same exact structure is found in Mark 16:16. “He who believes [ONE] and [PLUS] is baptized [ONE] will [EQUALS] be saved [RESULT].” It is obvious that the result (be saved) would never be achievable without both components (believe AND baptized) being done. One plus one equals two!
Learn that words have meaning. Not too complicated, right? It will come in handy when you’re studying the Bible and trying to understand God’s perspective and God’s will (which may, and likely will be, different than man’s perspective and man’s will). Every word of the Bible was specifically chosen by God, and they need to be defined as He used them. Jesus taught, “Whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery” (Matt. 19:9). The word “adultery” has a meaning—“unlawful intercourse with the spouse of another.” But wait! If a woman gets divorced, doesn’t that mean she is not married anymore? If someone else marries her (after she is divorced), how can he be committing a sin “with the spouse of another”? Here we learn, by the meaning of the word, that God still considers her to be married to the first spouse (regardless of what civil law has done). Words have meaning!
Learn the significance of the word “the.” Seriously easy, right? It will come in handy when you’re studying the Bible and knowing that the definite article “the” identifies a definite, unique or particular person, place or thing (and not just “any” person, place or thing). Jesus spoke of “the way that leads to life” (Matt. 7:14), which specifies that there is only one. In like manner, the Lord specifies “the gospel” (Gal. 1:7), “the faith” (Gal. 1:23), “the truth” (Gal. 3:1), “the doctrine” (1 Tim. 4:16), “the way” (2 Pet. 2:21), “the body” (Col. 1:18), “the church” (Eph. 5:23), etc. When God uses the definitive article, He means only one! Learn “the”!
So much to learn, but don’t overlook the basics!