In the Word

August 28, 2008

Whether a new or returning student, I share these passages of Scripture for our meditation as we begin a new academic year together. I pray these truths sink deeply into our hearts making us live as a Gospel-saturated community. - Rev. Greg Hobaugh, Dean of Students

Romans 5:1-5 tells of what our Triune God has been shaping in us, and what has brought us to this point in our Christian walk.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,  through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Proverbs 24:13-14 reminds us of the way of wisdom. And while learning is not the same as aquiring wisdom, the wise do seek to learn, in humility, and in the fear of the LORD.

Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste. Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

John 15:4-5 are critical verse for anyone involved with a seminary. If we do not see ourselves as dependent upon Christ Jesus and remaining closely to him - especially in seminary - we will not bear spiritual fruit.

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Ecclesiastes 12:12-13 As our library can testify, there will always be more books, more ideas, more theories than you will ever be able to read or master. Do not allow the deluge of literature to replace personal holiness and daily obedience as you study and are transformed by the eternal Word of God.

Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.  Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole of man.

Finally, Ephesians 2:8-10 encourages us that all of our lives - our salvation in Christ, our preparation in seminary, and our ministry after seminary - are by his grace and by his decree.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.