“Do yourself a favor and learn all you can; then remember what you learn, and you will prosper”. (Proverbs 19:8)

This week I finished reading the book of Genesis. I’ve read this book many times before. Yet each time I learn something new. This is just one of the many reasons I love to study Scripture, as each time I do, I recognize I’ve only scratched the surface of yet another rich, complex layer of biblical truth. And this only leads to the realization of how very much there is to learn, not just about the Bible, but truly every area of life. At times I eagerly lean into learning. Other times I am hesitant or resistant, especially concerning things I consider overly challenging. However, I do acknowledge the critical necessity of continual learning, which is why I am committed to learning for life.

The Bible Speaks

Not surprisingly, the Bible speaks of the importance of lifelong learning with many verses that support this topic. Most notably is the great commandment, which Jesus said included loving God, not only with our heart and soul, but also with our mind. Loving God with our mind means loving Him with our thoughts and intellect. It also means thinking clearly and truthfully about who He is and what He has done.

Pastor and author RC Sproul explains it like this, “To love God with our minds is to hold Him in high esteem, to think about Him with reverence and with adoration. [And] the more we love [Him] with our minds, the more we’ll be driven…to worship Him.”

Jesus, a Student and Teacher

Jesus was a student before He was a teacher. Yes, He was God, but He was also fully human. This means He had to learn everything just like we do. And this would have included the Scriptures that He Himself said pointed to Him. (John 5:39)

In fact, at the age of 12, in His zeal to learn, Jesus separated Himself from His family on their way home from Jerusalem to return to the Temple. “Three days later [his frantic parents,] finally discovered him in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions” (Luke 2:46 NLT).

Throughout His life, Jesus continued to learn, yet not only through the study of Scripture. Instead, “he learned obedience from the things he suffered” (Hebrews 5:8 NLT).

Jesus was also a teacher, extending an open invitation for everyone to learn from Him (Matthew 11:29). In fact, He transformed every place He was, be it from a mountainside, a boat, an upper room, a temple and even from the cross, into a teaching platform to train His disciples and all who were listening, on the truth of God’s Word.

Disciples of Jesus are Learners

The word discipulus in Latin, where we derive our English word disciple, means learner.

In biblical times and still today, disciples of Jesus are individuals who commit themselves to learning and applying Scriptural truths and principles. In speaking on discipleship, Pastor Les Ray said, “A true disciple has the attitude: ‘I can always be taught, and I am willing to learn.’”

The following are four primary ways we, as disciples of Jesus can learn.

  • First, we can and must learn from Scripture. In fact, the Bible says, “Everything written in the Scriptures was written to teach us….” (Romans 15:4 GNT)
  • Next, we can learn from others, as “[p]eople learn from one another, just as iron sharpens iron,” (Proverbs 27:17 GNT).
  • Additionally, we can learn from mistakes as God uses them to teach, strengthen, train, prepare and equip us for greater service in His Kingdom. (Psalm 37:23 & Psalm 45:14)
  • And finally, we can learn from trials, as God works through them to strengthen our faith, and teach us endurance. (James 1:2-4, Romans 5: 3-5)

In Closing

As believers we are called to a life of vibrancy and fruitfulness, not stagnancy or dormancy.

Since even Jesus committed Himself to lifelong learning, shouldn’t we, as His followers, do the same?” In truth, no believer has or ever will reach the pinnacle of knowledge in his lifetime with no need for further learning. And because of this we must each commit to “[continually] grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…”(2 Peter 3:18 GNT).

Pray

Jesus, you are my greatest example for all things that pertain to life and godliness, (2 Peter 1:3). Thank you for modeling for me what authentic learning looks like, and for inviting me to learn from you. I am honored, privileged and extremely grateful to be taught of you. Please empower me to be a lifelong learner of your Word. Amen

Extend grace to others by sharing this post with a friend.


Question of the Week

Why do you think the commitment to lifelong learning is critical, especially as a follower of Jesus?

Share your response HERE!