Bible Reading Like An Apostle: Reading for the Purpose of Adoration
In the previous posts of this series, I briefly discussed how we should follow the apostles' example in reading the Bible for the purpose of application, allusion, allegory, and argument. In this final post, I hope to give a brief discussion of reading the Bible, like an apostle, for the purpose of adoration.
The apostle Paul was very clear that every aspect of life should be conducted for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31), and this would certainly begin with our reading of Scripture. The apostles modeled reading the Bible for the glory of God- using the Scriptures as a pattern to shape their adoration of Him- throughout their writings. Specifically, the apostles read the Scriptures with a focus on the adoration of God in the person and work of Jesus Christ. So we read the Apostle Paul drawing upon 2 Samuel 22:50, Psalm 18:49, Deuteronomy 32:43, Psalm 117:1, and Isaiah 11:10 to praise God for His work of mercy among the nations through "the root of Jesse," our Lord Jesus Christ, as recorded in Romans 15:8-12,
8 Now I say that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God, to confirm the promises to the fathers, 9 and so that Gentiles may glorify God for His mercy. As it is written: Therefore I will praise You among the Gentiles, and I will sing psalms to Your name. 10 Again it says: Rejoice, you Gentiles, with His people! 11 And again: Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; all the peoples should praise Him! 12 And again, Isaiah says: The root of Jesse will appear, the One who rises to rule the Gentiles; in Him the Gentiles will hope. (HCSB)
Likewise, Peter draws upon Isaiah 53 in adoration of Christ for suffering on our behalf, as we read in 1 Peter 2:22-25,
22 He did not commit sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth; 23 when reviled, He did not revile in return; when suffering, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to the One who judges justly. 24 He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness; by His wounding you have been healed. 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but you have now returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls. (HCSB)
We should follow the example of the apostles, reading our Bibles so that we may learn to adore God as He deserves.
The apostle Paul was very clear that every aspect of life should be conducted for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31), and this would certainly begin with our reading of Scripture. The apostles modeled reading the Bible for the glory of God- using the Scriptures as a pattern to shape their adoration of Him- throughout their writings. Specifically, the apostles read the Scriptures with a focus on the adoration of God in the person and work of Jesus Christ. So we read the Apostle Paul drawing upon 2 Samuel 22:50, Psalm 18:49, Deuteronomy 32:43, Psalm 117:1, and Isaiah 11:10 to praise God for His work of mercy among the nations through "the root of Jesse," our Lord Jesus Christ, as recorded in Romans 15:8-12,
8 Now I say that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God, to confirm the promises to the fathers, 9 and so that Gentiles may glorify God for His mercy. As it is written: Therefore I will praise You among the Gentiles, and I will sing psalms to Your name. 10 Again it says: Rejoice, you Gentiles, with His people! 11 And again: Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; all the peoples should praise Him! 12 And again, Isaiah says: The root of Jesse will appear, the One who rises to rule the Gentiles; in Him the Gentiles will hope. (HCSB)
Likewise, Peter draws upon Isaiah 53 in adoration of Christ for suffering on our behalf, as we read in 1 Peter 2:22-25,
22 He did not commit sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth; 23 when reviled, He did not revile in return; when suffering, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to the One who judges justly. 24 He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness; by His wounding you have been healed. 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but you have now returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls. (HCSB)
We should follow the example of the apostles, reading our Bibles so that we may learn to adore God as He deserves.
Labels: Bible study
posted by Andrew Lindsey | 10:50 AM
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