Oftentimes religious circles are known for extreme control of the people, situations and environment around them. Control then becomes the issue of the hour. Studying the Scriptures without letting the Holy Spirit teach us puts us in control. He always takes us to Jesus. Going to the One the Scriptures point to puts Him in control. In other words, when the Bible is an end unto itself, it gives us a measure of learning, but no personal transformation.
Religious environments can often exert significant control over individuals and their surroundings, which can stifle genuine spiritual growth. When we study the Scriptures without the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we risk taking charge ourselves instead of allowing Him to direct us toward Jesus. This creates a scenario where control becomes a central issue, leading to a lack of authentic connection with the faith we seek.
By focusing solely on the Bible as an endpoint, we may accumulate knowledge but miss out on true transformation. The Scriptures are meant to lead us to Jesus, who brings about personal change and deeper understanding. Without acknowledging the Holy Spirit in our study, we remain stuck in mere learning without experiencing the transformative power of the faith.
