Text: Proverbs 1:5
Most people understand the importance of learning, but not everyone goes about learning the same way. There is a right and wrong WAY to learn. There are right and wrong THINGS to learn. In this lesson, we will consider what the Scriptures teach about LEARNING; particularly, learning that is of a religious nature and pertains to spiritual things.
Learning the Wrong Way
- Learning just for the sake of learning (Acts 17:17-21, 32) – it is possible to continue learning, but never come to know the truth (2 Timothy 3:7); our learning must have a direction toward the truth of God’s word
- Learning what is wrong – we must be careful what we listen to (Colossians 2:8; Romans 16:17) and not be led away from Christ; however, we can learn what is wrong in order to prepare for it (Acts 20:29-31), defend the truth (Philippians 1:16), or attack error (2 Corinthians 10:5)
- Learning that leads to arrogance (1 Corinthians 8:1) – we should seek to build up others with our knowledge, not put them down; God made His word simple enough for all to understand (Ephesians 3:4), yet many reject it because they value worldly wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:26-27); Jesus, Paul, and John were “uneducated” (John 7:14-15; Acts 4:13), but they could teach the truth
Learning the Right Way
- Right material – some continue to learn but not come to know the truth (2 Timothy 3:7) because they are not learning the right things; to know the truth, we must focus on the truth (Psalm 119:97), not something new and different (Jeremiah 6:16); be content to remain within the confines of God’s word (2 John 9)
- Right teachers – some teachers will lead us away from the truth (Romans 16:17); we need teachers/preachers who teach the truth (Hebrews 13:7); God expects His word to spread through teaching (Romans 10:14; Acts 8:30-31)
- Right attitude – we must be humble in our approach to the Scriptures (James 1:21); we must recognize that even if we are righteous or wise, we have room to grow (Proverbs 1:5; 9:9)
- Right motive – we must have a desire to do the will of God (John 7:17), not a desire to establish our own righteousness (Romans 10:1-4; cf. Mark 7:9-13); we must be doers of the word (James 1:22)
Conclusion
- Learning is important – but we must go about it the right way
- With the right material, teachers, attitude, and motive, we will be able to learn the truth and please God
