In just 3 weeks, after I return from the islands, classes will begin again. There will be nothing like being back with my students again. Not even surfing can compare with it. Why? Because we will gather around the word of God that has been revealed from heaven to earth. God is no longer giving us his inspired word. Inspiration is finished. But illumination goes on and on and on. No, it doesn't come naturally. No one is born with an innate ability to understand the Scriptures. We're all in the process of getting to know how to handle the Bible accurately and responsibly. These are disciplines that must be developed and perfected.
I've spent my life continuing to study them. And in my Greek classes I get to share what I'm learning with eager students of God's word. We must learn the steps involved in going from observation to interpretation and finally to application.
Don't miss this last step. We learn Greek, yes, to accurately interpret the New Testament. But how does all this apply to where I live and work? What does it have to say about the decisions I'm facing or the relationships I'm struggling with? What about when I get sick and I'm not getting well? I don't know how many times in my Christian life I've said to the Lord in prayer, "Lord help me. Help me to understand this passage of Scripture. Direct me into an understanding of what you have written. Then help me to use these truths to grow up spiritually.
Is there an inner zeal that drives you to the text over and over again? Fact is, we have an infinite text. We will never exhaust it. I can tell you that my passion for the word of God has never abated in 50 years of teaching. It's the most exciting part of my life. But God does not reveal his truth to lazy souls. Every minute spent in serious Bible study is worth it.