Understanding By The Books (Pastor Sunday Erebholo)

UNDERSTANDING BY THE BOOKS Pastor Sunday Anchor Scriptures: Daniel 9:2–3 | Daniel 9:17 | 2 Timothy 4:13 | John 5:39 Message Summary Daniel said, “I understood by the books.” Although Daniel was spiritually gifted, accomplished, respected, and used mightily by God, he never stopped studying God’s Word. Through the Scriptures, Daniel discovered that Israel’s captivity had a God-appointed time limit. What he learned from the Word did not simply increase his knowledge—it drove him to prayer. The same principle applies to us. God has given us His Word so that we can understand His promises, our identity in Christ, our spiritual inheritance, and His purposes for His people. But knowing what the Bible says is not enough. What we discover in Scripture should produce a response. Knowledge without love can produce pride. But revelation received with humility should create concern for others and move us toward intercession. Instead of simply saying, “I know more,” the question becomes, “How can what God has shown me help someone else experience freedom?” Daniel also demonstrates a mature prayer life. His prayer moved beyond himself, his personal comfort, and his personal needs. He prayed for God’s people, God’s sanctuary, God’s reputation, and God’s glory. He recognized what he could do—and what only God could do. The challenge is for us to grow beyond prayers that are centered only on “me, mine, and my needs.” Scripture should enlarge our understanding, enlarge our concern, and ultimately enlarge our prayer life. We must study until we understand, understand until we are burdened, and allow that burden to drive us to prayer.