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 what in what you have learned. Give it a try and see how it fits. Test your conclusions in your walk of faith and, in this way, come to know the truth in a comprehensive way.
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. Knowledge, particularly head knowledge, can lead to arrogance (1 Cor. 8:1) if not accompanied by the kind of reverence and awe that provides a basic, foundational awareness of both the majesty of God and our own accountability before Him. He is God and we are the sheep of His pasture. (Ps. 100:3) He is Deity and we are but frail human beings beset with weaknesses. He is Creator and Sustainer and we are but the work of His hands.
Fruitful Bible study, as previously described, is how we come to know the truth. It involves both head and life knowledge. Ongoing spiritual freedom is secured in Christ only as we walk in the light of His word (1 Jn. 1:7). We have been set free to serve the true and living God (1 Th. 1:9) — set free to serve Him from the heart, according to His pattern rather than our own capricious will (Rm. 6:17) — set free to serve the God of heaven who has spoken to us through His inspired word, the Bible. By all means, let us open the Book, drink freely of its precepts, set our hearts on things above (Col. 3:2) and prove to be God-glorifying disciples who bear much fruit. (Jn. 15:8) This is how we engage in a fruitful study of God’s word.
— Glen Elliott —