Much Study Wearies the Flesh

Ecclesiastes 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

One might think that people who spend a great deal of time studying would not be as weary as one who spends the majority of his time performing physical labour. Perhaps this is true at times, but the Bible indicates that “much study is a weariness of the flesh” (Ecclesiastes 12:12). This is specifically true when it comes to Bible study. Interestingly, man’s flesh can sit for hours reading a novel or watching television, but studying the scripture manifests a weariness of the flesh rather quickly. The eyes begin to feel the burden of remaining open and the mouth begins to yawn. Why? Because the flesh is wearied by study and the Devil uses our natural tendencies against us.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

(For children): Cleaning your room may be hard work, but it is necessary. Don’t you love to hear dad and mom say, “Good job”?  2 Timothy 2:15 tells us to study God’s word as a “workman that needeth not to be ashamed.” Would the Lord be pleased with your Bible study?

(For everyone): Why does your flesh not appreciate God’s command to study? How does your flesh war against God’s Spirit in this endeavour? Do you put your flesh in submission and study?

(For everyone): What can we learn from the fact that our flesh grows so weary when we try to read and study God’s word? What should this drive us to do?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

Ask the Lord to give you victory over your flesh.

Ask God to help you faithfully obey His commands.

SONG

O Lord, ’Tis Matter of High Praise

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