| From the TeachingtheWord Bible Knowledgebase |
Part seven (final) of this series. Read part six.
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Editor's Note: In this installment from Arthur Pink's Profiting From the Word we present the closing paragraphs of chapter two, in which he speaks of the truly supernatural effects of careful study of the Word on the believer's understanding of, and attitude toward, our loving and all-wise God. Pink draws contrasts between the attitudes of the natural man and those of the regenerated spiritual man who understands and rests in God's providences and goodness. Once again, how pointedly these things speak to believers in these times of great turmoil, when it would seem that the forces of Satan are winning the day. On the authority of God's Word we may be certain that they are not! - Dr. Paul Elliott
Larger Submission to God's Providences
It is natural to murmur when things go wrong; it is supernatural to hold our peace (Leviticus 10:3). It is natural to be disappointed when our plans miscarry; it is supernatural to bow to His appointments. It is natural to want our own way; it is supernatural to say, "not my will, but Thine be done" (Luke 22:42). It is natural to rebel when a loved one is taken from us by death; it is supernatural to say from the heart: "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21).
As God is truly made our Portion, we learn to admire His wisdom and to know He does all things well. Thus the heart is kept in "perfect peace" as the mind is stayed on Him (Isaiah 26:3). Here, then, is another sure test: if your Bible study is teaching you that God's way is best, and causing you to submit unrepiningly [without complaint, unhappiness, or discontent] to all His dispensations, if you are enabled to give thanks for all things (Ephesians 5:20), then are you profiting indeed.
More Fervent Praise for God's Goodness
Praise is the outflow of a heart which finds its satisfaction in God. The language of such a one is, "I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth" (Psalm 34:1). What abundant cause have God's people for praising Him! Loved with an everlasting love, made sons and heirs, all things working together for their good, their every need supplied, an eternity of bliss assured them - their harps of gladness ought never to be silent. Nor will they be while they enjoy fellowship with Him who is "altogether lovely."
The more we are "increasing in the knowledge of God" (Colossians 1:10), the more shall we adore Him. But it is only as the word dwells in us richly that we are filled with spiritual songs (Colossians 3:16) and make melody in our hearts to the Lord. The more our souls are drawn out in true worship, the more we are found thanking and praising our great God, the clearer evidence we give that our study of His word is profiting us.
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