The Divine Curriculum: Learning as a Pathway to God
A fundamental aspect of the Christian life: learning. To "learn" is not merely to amass information, but to progress, to grow intellectually, morally, and in the very fabric of our character. The Bible, our sacred text, speaks profoundly about the nature and necessity of learning. It illuminates the divine curriculum, the path God has set before us for our growth and sanctification.
I. The Nature of Learning in Scripture
Scripture recognizes that learning implies teaching, an exchange of knowledge and wisdom. It acknowledges both the state of learning and the deficiency of it. The Bible makes it clear that learning is not optional; it is a divine mandate, a necessary component of our spiritual journey. And, praise God, learning is possible because He has provided the means for us to attain it.
• Psalm 119:33: "Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end." This verse is a heartfelt plea for divine instruction, a recognition that we cannot navigate the path of righteousness without God's guidance.
• Romans 15:14: "And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another." This speaks of the potential for believers to grow in knowledge and become teachers themselves.
• 2 Peter 3:16: "As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction." This warns us of the dangers of ignorance and the need for careful, guided study of Scripture.
• Colossians 1:10: "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God." This highlights the connection between learning and living a life that pleases God.
• Ephesians 3:4: "Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ." This emphasizes that the scriptures can lead to understanding of the mysteries of Christ.
II. Learning of Jesus Christ
At the heart of our learning is Jesus Christ Himself. We are called to learn of Him, to draw from His wisdom and example.
• Matthew 11:29: "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." Jesus invites us to learn His way, a way of humility and gentleness, a way that leads to true rest.
• John 6:44-45: "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh to me." This passage emphasizes that true learning comes from God the Father, leading us to Jesus.
III. The Specifics of Learning
Scripture also provides specific areas of learning that are essential for our spiritual growth:
• Learning the Meaning: Matthew 9:13, “But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” teaches us to learn the heart of God, his desire for mercy.
• Learning Doctrine: Romans 16:17-18 warns us to be aware of false doctrine, and to learn and follow sound doctrine.
• Learning for All: 1 Corinthians 14:31, 35 teaches us that all may learn, and be comforted, and that order is needed in those learning environments.
• Learning Piety at Home: 1 Timothy 5:4 teaches us to learn piety in our homes, and to honor our parents.
• Learning Obedience: Hebrews 5:8-9 reminds us that even Jesus learned obedience through suffering.
• Continuing in Learning: 2 Timothy 3:14 encourages us to continue in the things we have learned and been assured of.
IV. Conclusion: The Importance of Diligent Learning
As 2 Peter 3:16 warns, the unlearned and unstable can twist the scriptures to their own destruction. Therefore, we must approach learning with humility, diligence, and a sincere desire to understand God's truth. We are to be lifelong learners, constantly growing in our knowledge of God and His Word.
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Let us embrace the divine curriculum, allowing God to teach us, to shape us, and to mold us into the image of His Son. Let us strive to learn of Jesus, to learn His ways, and to grow in the knowledge that leads to eternal life. Amen.
