I was talking to a friend today who was trying to convince me that it was important to read commentaries (books, articles, etc.) to make sure my interpretation of scripture was "correct". He'd sent an article regarding the role of women in the church, written by a man for whom he has great respect. It did not sinc with my understanding of the 'proof text' scripture this man used.

So I made the blanket statement that I see no use in reading every man's opinion of scripture when scripture does a perfect job of interpreting and commenting upon itself. Later I realized that statement could be misinterpreted to mean I'd interpret scripture my very own way and come up with my very own doctrine, so there. Not what I meant!

My relationship with Jesus is personal. I have a responsibility/obligation because of that relationship to get to know Him myself! That means reading and studying the Word, going back to the original language(s), listening to the Holy Spirit teach me. I need to know that I believe what I believe because I've studied scripture and found the truth there. If I am fully convinced what I have learned is truth, I must live it before the Lord. Before the Lord I stand or fall. I am His.

I do understand the importance of edifying and being edified by my brethren in Christ. After I've studied, I can see benefit in talking with other Christians or reading commentaries or books or articles. I would at least have a good foundation and be able to measure their opinions against scripture I've already studied. Without that foundation I'd be like a volleyball, tossed up by every different opinion. There are people whose opinions I greatly respect: Kay Arthur, Beth Moore, Bailey Smith, Charles Spurgeon, Oswald Chambers, to name a few. But they are just people. They had to read scripture, just like me, and listen to the Holy Spirit teach them, just like me. And they had to depend on the rest of the body of Christ to exercise their spiritual gifts to build up the body, just like me.