“Reading For Others”

By Curt Wildy

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15

For the Christian, when is Bible reading most dangerous? I believe it is when we are reading for others. By this I do not mean reading out loud as part of a study or worship service. Nor do I mean reading for those who, through infirmity, cannot read for themselves. By reading for others I mean reading with a constant eye of teaching, even edifying, others. When the norm becomes reading with the intent to write about what you read, discuss it, share it, you have already entered into dangerous ground.

The primary reason for reading God’s word is to be filled with godly awe and fear concerning Him and to learn humbly at His feet. If we are not reading with a single-eyed desire to receive His encouragements, exhortations, reproofs, and rebukes, we are truly missing the point. We must read to be taught of God and to grow mightily in His grace. We must read to praise Him rather than to teach others why they should praise Him. How can we know what to do, and do it, if we are not constantly reading with the question in mind – Lord, what would you have me to do?

This message is aimed at a very foolish Christian, one who is prone to forget the lessons taught him (you may know who he is, his initials are C.W.) but others may want a reminder as well. May God grant us all (that is, all who are His) grace to read quietly and diligently, with the intent of hearing with ears to hear and being obedient to what we hear. May the Lord teach us that which we most need to learn from Him in our (constant) hour of need.

To God be the glory forever,

Curt