I have read several places that in the public worship of God, the Puritans viewed the preaching of the word to be an especially effective means of grace. It is the Word of God expounded and explained so that the congregation understands what the scriptures teach.
I often learn much more from reading theological books (not a sermon in the strictest sense, but similar in some aspects), then I do from strictly reading scripture. I am the first to admit that my Scripture reading is often lacking and in place is a theological work by a puritan or reformed scholar on a theological topic or passage of scripture.
What kind of balance should I look for in my reading? Obviously, the end goal is to understand scripture itself, but I often learn more scripture (even memorization etc.) from theological works than from scripture (and I'm not sure that is a good thing).
In today's day and age, where countless books/sermons etc. etc. are readily available to the common man, what is our duty in private study?
WLC
Question 155: How is the Word made effectual to salvation?
Answer: The Spirit of God makes the reading, but especially the preaching of the Word, an effectual means of enlightening, convincing, and humbling sinners; of driving them out of themselves, and drawing them unto Christ; of conforming them to his image, and subduing them to his will; of strengthening them against temptations and corruptions; of building them up in grace, and establishing their hearts in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation.
I often learn much more from reading theological books (not a sermon in the strictest sense, but similar in some aspects), then I do from strictly reading scripture. I am the first to admit that my Scripture reading is often lacking and in place is a theological work by a puritan or reformed scholar on a theological topic or passage of scripture.
What kind of balance should I look for in my reading? Obviously, the end goal is to understand scripture itself, but I often learn more scripture (even memorization etc.) from theological works than from scripture (and I'm not sure that is a good thing).
In today's day and age, where countless books/sermons etc. etc. are readily available to the common man, what is our duty in private study?