Danger of Overfamiliarity with the Bible

"Tungkol saan ang message sermon mamaya? Ah, alam ko na pala 'yon."

"Exhortation na naman tungkol sa Giving? Alam ko na 'to e."

"Ito ba yung lesson sa Sunday School class? Alam ko na yan."

"Eto pala yung lesson sa devotion ko bukas. Alam ko na 'to."

Sometimes, we become too familiar with the Bible and its teachings that we tend to say, "Alam ko na 'yan" (I know that already).  The danger of overfamiliarity with the Bible is that it causes Christians to be less observant, less analytic, and less evaluative of the Scriptures that they read, missing out on the more important lessons of the Word. People often think that what they know of a certain verse or passage is the entirety of the message that is there for the taking. What we sometimes fail to realize is that the Word of God is so rich that a single verse may take on several different meanings depending on your circumstance, the working of the Holy Spirit, and the revelation of God. (Now, before we look at an example, let me clarify that the "several meanings" mentioned is not the interpretation or hermeneutics of Scriptures, but the practical application of Scriptures to one's life). Take for example:

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

John 3:16

*In the hands of a soul winner, it is the Evangelistic Message - God's plan of Salvation.

*In the hands of an offering/giving exhorter, it is a Challenge for Giving - we give because God gave.

*In the hands of a lost soul, it is Hope - there is God's gift of life.

*In the hands of a discouraged fellow, it is God's Perfect Love - God so loved the world.

*In the hands of doubters, it is Assurance - God made a promise.

The point is, when we read the Scriptures, we should always be eager and enthusiastic to always learn more of what God is trying to say to us. The treasures of God's Word are very profound and precious (Psalms 19:7-10), that we ought to learn how to study the Scriptures diligently (2 Timothy 2:15).

Beware of the dangers of overfamiliarity with the Bible.

God bless!

- MSVMatienzo (2015)