When you have prayerfully studied and have become convinced of the meaning and proper application of a particular passage of Scripture, having taken into careful consideration both its context and historical setting, walk around in it for a while and give it a try. See how it fits. Test your conclusions in your walk of faith and, in this way, come to know the truth.

But, in this, there is also a much-needed warning. In your pursuit of truth, make sure that you do not leave the safe harbor of humility, for knowledge can lead to arrogance if unaccompanied by reverence and awe—a basic, foundational awareness of both the majesty of God and our own accountability before Him—that He is God and we the sheep of His pasture—that He is Deity and we but frail human beings beset with weakness—that He is Creator and Sustainer and we the work of His hands.

This is how we come to know the truth. This is also how we continue to be set free from the bondage of sin—set free to serve the true and living God—set free to serve Him from the heart, according to His pattern rather than our own—set free to serve the God of heaven who has spoken to us, revealing Himself to us through His inspired word. By all means, let us open the Book, drink deeply of its precepts, and set our hearts on things above. This is how we must engage in a fruitful study of God’s word!