When Bible study and meditation marry, their firstborn child is growth Paul’s prayers. Ph.1:9-11. Col.1:9-10 The only way to achieve these goals: study. 1 Pt.2:2-3; 2 Pt.3:18

I. The Crisis

1. Some don’t study as they should  Ho.4:1, 6  “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing” Lack Forgot Destroyed

2. Ignorance leads to other problems 1 Co.2:14-3:4, three men Natural man (2:14) rejects Spiritual man (2:16) knows Carnal man (3:1-4) can’t digest

I. The Crisis II. The Cause (Why some don’t study as they should)

1. Fear Knowledge brings responsibilities, Ja.4:17 May have to change convictions  Jer.36  Mt.13:13-15  Jn.3:19 Learn Ac.9:6; Ph.4:9Do

2. Laziness “A person who won't read has no advantage over one who can't read”  Ec.12:12  Jn.12:48  Hb.5:12-14; Rv.14:13

3. Contentment No hunger or thirst Lack of love 2 Co.3:18 Mirror: Image of Jesus. We reflect it, transform Ja.1:25 Mirror: Image of our flaw. We correct it, obey

4. Commmitments Mk.4:19  Thorns may grow out of legitimate needs  Lk.10:…40, service or Scripture  1 T.4:7-8  Ac.2:42

5. Self-doubt (“I can’t learn”) Pro.2  1-4, conditions  5-22, results: Will understand: Fear of Lord, 5 Knowledge, 5-8 Righteousness, 9-11 Will be delivered: Evil men, Evil woman, Walk in good, 20-22

6. Confusion “Seminary trained TV preachers dis- agree; what hope for me?” Not new: Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, Herodians, Zealots... Ep.3:3-5

I. The Crisis II. The Cure II. The Cause

1. Repent 1. Repent of wrong attitudes 2. Realize 2. Realize importance of task, Je.10:23 3. Resolve 3. Resolve to do better  Gives purpose. Ac.17:11  Keeps mind open. Ac.17:11 TV Music Video games Recreation Classes Assemblies Home studies Memory work

Repent Realize Resolve Routine 4. Routine. Ac.17:11 Respect 5. Respect your subject; love Scripture – 20 minutes a day… Ac.8:27 Request 6. Request help. Ac.8:30…34 Review 7. Review. 2 Pt.1 React 8. React. Ezk.33; Lk.24:32 Relate 9. Relate.