KNOWING ISN’T ENOUGH

For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of Yahweh and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and judgment in Israel.

Ezra 7:10

This verse begins by showing us Ezra’s priority – the law of Yahweh. But once that is established, it goes on to give us Ezra’s practice – studying God’s Word so that he could live it and teach it to others. There’s a natural progression here. No one can live something, let alone teach it, unless he first knows it. This means that if you want to have an impact in the lives of others, you must first study God’s Law. Or stated more directly, the only way to be used by God is to first know God and His Word.

But just studying isn’t enough – you must also practice it. This is what James meant when he wrote “What use is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?” (2:14) James is saying that your works prove the quality of your studying. The whole purpose of studying is to change behavior. So if studying God’s Word doesn’t lead to a change in your life, one can rightfully question whether you have truly studied God’s Word.

Finally, Ezra wanted to pass along what he had been learning and living. The transformation that God’s Word had brought about in his life was so real that he wanted others to experience it. David felt the same way after receiving forgiveness for his sins. “I will give you insight and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you” (Psalm 32:8).

Today, think of ways in which God’s Word has changed your life. Find someone and tell them about those wonderful changes.

Philip Moeller