Going through seminary, students are taught to study the Bible and uphold its doctrines about God while also being encouraged not to neglect their devotional times with God. Yet during my own devotional time I, and probably many others, often ask, “Is this approach the best way to grow spiritually, or is there a better way? What could I do differently? Should I incorporate my studies with my devotions?”
Each week, I ask a different scholar two questions about how he or she spends time with the Lord and continues to love him with all their mind, strength, and heart. While no one method or style is “the only way,” we can draw on one another’s experiences.
This week, I have asked Dr. Patrick Schreiner if he would share his thoughts with us.
1. How do you spend your devotional time with the Lord?
My pattern has changed based on my season of life, but currently I wake up early before the kids are up and spend 20-30 minutes in the word and prayer. I usually try to work through the Old Testament a few times a year as I am constantly teaching the New Testament. Throughout many of my work days I am also studying the Scriptures and I don’t find there to be much distinction between scholarly and devotional time. Certainly, some topics lend themselves more to worship and practical application, but usually I walk away encouraged no matter what I am studying.
2. How do you practically seek to deepen your love for Christ?
The main way I practically seek to deepen my love for Christ is by fellowship with the body of saints in my local church. We do this Sunday morning and we also have small groups. There is nothing better than being with other believers to spur you onto love and good works.
Patrick Schreiner is Assistant Professor of New Testament Language and Literature at Western Seminary. He has written The Body of Jesus, The Kingdom of God and the Glory of the Cross, and his forthcoming Matthew, Disciple and Scribe.
Other Scholars’ Devotions
- Andrew Abernethy
- Michael Bird
- Craig Blomberg
- Darrell Bock
- Denny Burk
- Andrew Das
- Stephen Dempster
- Jason DeRouchie
- Kyle Dunham
- James Edwards
- David Firth
- Stephen Fowl
- Norman Geisler
- Ben Gladd
- Joel Green
- Sigurd Grindheim
- Jim Hamilton
- Matthew Harmon
- Charles Lee Irons
- Dru Johnson (a fan favorite)
- Dru Johnson Redux (extended edition)
- Craig Keener
- Edward (Mickey) Klink
- Tremper Longman
- Ernest Lucas
- Ken Magnuson
- David Moffitt
- Jonathan Moo
- Amy Peeler
- Nicholas Perrin
- Tom Schreiner
- Brandon Smith
- Douglas Stuart
- Frank Thielman
- Bruce Ware
- Rikk Watts
- Trevin Wax
- Cynthia Long Westfall
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