Bible Scholars vs. Bible Fans

...Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. – 1Co 8:1.

What are the chances that a person who holds a Doctorate in “Religion and Critical New Testament Studies” will turn out to be a saved Believer? Very unlikely, (at least from my observations). It seems the more knowledgeable some people get about the Bible, the more atheistic they become. Yet some other persons study the same scriptures and become great blessings to themselves and to their generation.

I have categorised these two different types of Bible students into “Bible Scholars” and “Bible Fans”.

A “Bible Scholar” is one who studies the Bible for the sake of knowledge acquisition and mental stimulation. They are voracious and avid studiers of everything Scripture. They may be fluent in Koine Greek, ancient Hebrew and Aramaic, are up to date on Middle Eastern archaeological finds and are versed in all the various ancient manuscripts.

If you want to preach to a “Word Scholar”, the moment you mention “John 3:16”, they’ll quickly analyse mentally all that they know about that verse. This is because they’re already familiar with its historical setting, literary context and grammatical features. They’re also aware of the choice of words used by the author, the text genre, and parallel passages.

They probably have written dissertations on the Eschatological and Christological implications of John 3:16 and as true students of Church history, are conversant with what the writings of the Church fathers – Tertullian, Augustine, Kempis , Luther, Calvin, Wesley, down even to the Reverend Billy Graham – have to say on this most popular verse of scripture...

In short, a “Word Scholar” knows everything about everything and you have nothing to tell them.

A “Word Fan”, on the other hand, may possess all of the above knowledge, yet at your mention of “John 3:16” they get excited at what you have to say about that favourite verse. The fact that you’re not likely going to say anything is irrelevant to them; as long as it’s the Word of God, they want to hear it over and over again.

Knowledge does puff up (1Co 8:1), and Rom 1:22 speaks of those who Professing themselves to be wise, become fools. But God says “The meek will he teach His way” (Psa 25:9).

Which would you rather be then, a “Word Scholar”, or a “Word Fan”?

AMEN.

More Blessings await you today; you’ll not miss them in Jesus’ Name.

GREG ELKAN