Profiting from the word - Pink - I

Required reading
Profiting from the Word by A. W. Pink (available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example) - Read Chapter 1, 'The Scriptures and Sin'. 

My notes and thoughts
Today we begin A. W. Pink's work, 'Profiting from the word'. 

Initially Pink opens the chapter outlining bad reasons for reading the Bible: literary pride, respectability, popularity, curiosity, sectarian pride and to argue successfully.  Pink then suggests seven ways that reading the Scriptures can profit a man: when it (i) convicts him of sin; (ii) makes him sorrow over sin; (iii) leads to confession of sin; (iv) produces in him a deeper hatred of sin; (v) causes a forsaking of sin; (vi) fortifies against sin; and (vii) causes him to practise the opposite of sin.

Pink finishes the chapter with a brilliant series of questions to convict the reader: 'Has your study of the Bible made you more humble, or more proud - proud of the knowledge you have acquired?  Has it raised you in the esteem of your fellow men, or has it led you to take a lower place before God?  Has it produced in you a deeper abhorrence and loathing of self, or has it made you more complacent?  Has it caused those you mingle with, or perhaps teach, to say, I wish I had your knowledge of the Bible; or does it cause you to pray, Lord give me the faith, the grace, the holiness Thou has granted my friend, or teacher?' 

Particularly challenging words for anyone involved in ministry.  It doesn't take long to surpass the knowledge of Scripture of most of those sheep under your care and with that comes pride and a desire to continue studying Scripture to exalt yourself even more.  Pink does well to remind us to study Scripture to know more of your sin, not to increase your sin. 

Now it's your turn

Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.