Darold Edwards

How important is it to learn to be a self-feeder of God’s Word? This would certainly challenge and require a person to involve themselves in a diligent pursuit, study, and meditation of the content of the Bible; which anyone so disposed would find to be a magnificent undertaking for personal character development as well as assisting others in such a like pursuit.

In a recent discussion with an acquaintance, we were discussing the burdens many parishioners place on the pastors due to the lack of knowledge of Biblical content for counsel and direction among the people of the general congregations. So they run to the pastors with ever little problem when some simple appropriate Bible application would solve the whole mess. Neglecting to study and meditate on God’s word robs them of the Biblical substance and content that would allow them to solve their own dilemmas. In fact such diligent study and meditation would have a strong tendency to alleviate a major portion of the troubles that arise due to the lack of study and meditation; thus knowledge. [Hosea 4:6], “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law “Word” of thy God, I will also forget thy children”.

Habitual neglect of what once should have been studied and learned as a self-feeder will eventually have the same effect as initial rejection to begin with; But God. At least it was important to have studied it for this is what the Holy Spirit can use to remind us of the essentials of life, provided we [Psalms 1: 2-3], Delight in the law of the Lord; and in his law we meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; and his leaf shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper”. As important and essential as God’s word is, it is imperative that it be at the forefront of our thoughts for guidance and instruction on an hourly and daily basis, “lest we give the devil advantage”, [2 Corinthians 2:11]. This happens often, simply because we are ignorant of his devices through neglect of being “self-feeders”.  

[John 14: 26], “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you”. The Holy Spirit can teach us through our times of study and meditation to add to this Bible content that is so much needed by us all; beginners as well as old timers. Due to the great amount there is to learn in all areas of life and living, we are all students with Christ being the foundation this life and the length of our days, [Deuteronomy 30: 19-20], “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice and that thou mayest cleave unto him, for he is thy life and the length of thy days”.

Therefore, [Job 22:21-22], “Acquaint now thyself with God, and be at peace: thereby good shall come to thee. Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart”. Switching churches just because “I’m just not getting fed there” is not an excuse when you’ve got the Bible; whole counsel of God at your fingertips. It’s up to you to, [2 Timothy 2: 15], “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”. Neither  the pastor, nor a Sunday school teacher, or anyone else, can do your listening, studying, learning, or applying for you. The Holy Spirit may well use these people as instruments of “teaching you all things” but it’s still up to you to do your own learning. The more value you assign to the word of God, the more you will apply yourself to it. You will only pursue what you see value in. Unfortunately, this is usually controlled more by emotions and feelings than it is by sound reasoning, intelligent thought and common sense. This is why so many people find themselves in such deep trouble. [Proverbs 1: 7], “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction”. Ve grow to soon old, un to late schmart. [Psalms 119:9], “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word”.