Christian Scholarship

By Mike Riddle, Director of Education for AzOSA and Full time staff at Answers in Genesis

2 Timothy 2:15

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Christian scholarship (study, learning) is not just necessary for church leaders, but to every Christian. As Christians we have a mandate to have ready answers (2 Peter 3:15), to be discerning (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22), teach all nations (Matthew 28:19-20) and be doers of the Word (James 1:22).

If we are going to be effective in proclaiming the Gospel to a nation that has abandoned biblical authority, we must study and rightly know how to handle the Scriptures. There are at least three reasons Christian scholarship is necessary in our endeavors to proclaim the Gospel.

First, it is necessary for evangelism. Without knowledge how can someone believe? A very little knowledge is often sufficient for someone to believe, but some knowledge must be there. If someone is to trust Christ, they must know something about Him. God has provided two sources of knowledge: His Word and His creation (Romans 1:19-20). A “simple faith” is not enough for evangelism. Advocates of a “simple faith” miss the opportunity to build believers into effective Christians. Christian scholarship is important in order that we can tell the whole story of Jesus – Creator and Savior (rightfully handling the Word of God).

Second, it is necessary for a defense of the faith (apologetics). There are people in the church that teach that no defense of the faith is necessary. Christianity that avoids defending the faith is not the Christianity of the New Testament. The writings of Paul are full of argument in defense of the faith. The words of Jesus are full of argument in defense of the truth. Many of the parables of Jesus are argumentative in character. The Bible mandates all Christians to know how to defend their faith (1 Peter 3:15, Jude 3, Col 4:5-6, Titus 1:9). It is ineffective to proclaim a Gospel that people cannot hold to be true. We are living in a time of great conflict against the authority of God’s Word. It is not easy to defend the faith against the forceful attacks from proponents of evolution and the secular media. Therefore, knowledge of the truth is necessary (study to show thyself approved).

Third, it is necessary for building up the church. Paul, the great evangelist, thrived in preaching the Gospel in places where it not been heard. Yet his writings are full of edification and building up those who had already been won. There is a great need in the church today to return to solid instruction. We need teachers whose instruction goes beyond teaching current events and social issues and focuses on Christian doctrine (A workman that needs not be ashamed).

For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. (Hebrews 5:12)