How can we avoid Herod's confusion by studying Scripture more diligently? Herod’s Puzzled Question “ ‘I beheaded John,’ Herod said, ‘but who is this of whom I hear such things?’ And he kept trying to see Jesus.” (Luke 9:9) Why Was Herod Confused? • He relied on rumors and court gossip instead of God’s written revelation. • His conscience was dulled by sin (Mark 6:18-20). • He treated spiritual matters as political intel, not eternal truth. The Cure: Diligent Scripture Study • Start With a Heart Committed to Truth – “If you seek it like silver … you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.” (Proverbs 2:4-5) – Approach the Bible intending to obey, not merely to investigate (John 7:17). • Follow a Consistent Plan – Daily time in the Word keeps truth fresh (Joshua 1:8). – A reading schedule or book-by-book method guards against selective picking. • Compare Scripture With Scripture – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) – Let clear passages explain the hard ones; trace themes across both Testaments. • Welcome the Whole Counsel of God – Herod heard only fragments; the Bereans “examined the Scriptures daily to see if these teachings were true” (Acts 17:11). – Reading law, prophets, psalms, Gospels, and epistles rounds out understanding. • Ask the Author for Insight – “The Helper, the Holy Spirit … will teach you all things.” (John 14:26) – Pray for illumination before and while reading (Psalm 119:18). • Put What You Learn Into Practice – “Prove yourselves doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (James 1:22) – Obedience sharpens spiritual perception; disobedience clouds it (Hebrews 5:14). Fruit of Diligent Study • Clarity about Jesus’ identity and mission (John 20:31). • Discernment amid conflicting voices (1 John 4:1). • Bold, informed witness: “Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you.” (1 Peter 3:15) • A guarded heart, spared from the confusion that plagued Herod (Hosea 4:6). |
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