The Beit Midrash form of studying the Scriptures is a wonderful, enlightening method to revelation of the deeper truths Elohim desires for us to see in His Word. However, there is an inherent danger in the wonderment and enthusiasm of learning these deeper truths – Pride.
And pride of course is a sin, as Scripture clearly tells us.
As we study the Scriptures we must do so not only for a greater intellectual comprehension and a desire to know the truth, but also for spiritual maturity, proper application and, most importantly, out of a heart-felt desire to become more Messiah-like in our walk with the Master. For out of all the wonderful examples He set for us, never once did He exhibit pride or prideful ways.
If our group is to have an overriding objective, perhaps it should be something like this:
To build a community in which the ways of Elohim can be lived out, as Yeshua
came to model
Paul tells us in Phil. 2:3-5, Do nothing out of self ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Yeshua.
Essentially, we need to remember the following guidelines, both within and outside of our Beit Midrash settings:
All believers serve one Lord and Master, one Messiah, under one faith (Eph. 4:3-6)
We each receive, and wrestle with, the revelation of our Hebraic roots at different times, and in different way
It is through love, understanding, compassion and availability that we will be most effective in sharing Scriptural truths; not through dogmatism or use of demeaning labels, which serve only to divide and repulse
Beit Midrash (though an ancient, Hebraic model Elohim is restoring) is quite foreign to most believers. It brings to the forefront tremendous revelations, but also opens up opportunities for disagreement
Differing perspectives can be healthy in a learning environment; they actually nurture growth – so long as they are dealt with correctly
It is not the place of any of us, individually or collectively, to pass judgment on where another is in their walk
We can only change ourselves. Whereas, the Holy Spirit can change us all; but it will be in His time and manner, and with infinitely more wisdom than we possess
The dynamic of Beit Midrash varies with size of the study group. As the number of participants grows, vying for time to share becomes more constrained. Be considerate of the desire of others to share and ask questions – don’t dominate time or subject matter.
Having stated the above, it is not being suggested that certain topics found in the Scriptures are simply to be off limits. That, of course, would defeat the entire purpose and richness of Beit Midrash. Instead, we must learn to be sensitive as we discuss and uncover the wealth of insights and truths the Scriptures have to offer, realizing that, not unlike an onion, there are sometimes ‘stingingly’ difficult doctrines and traditions to peel away from our deeply ingrained understandings. Elohim’s truth must always be our ultimate goal, and that is found in His providentially inspired Word. It is the Word of Elohim that must be viewed as the standard for living the redeemed life He intended, and therefore the final authority to which we should all aspire. Each of us is a work in progress, at differing stages.
How do we openly discuss and Beit Midrash without offending others, where growth is the goal?
Excerpting out of Leaves From The Olive Tree, by Dr. Howard Morgan, and specifically from the chapter on Beit Midrash, the following observations are made, based upon countless experiences:
“The Beit Midrash operates according to some basic principles, which if applied consistently will make
your experience very positive and spiritually enriching. The first and most basic principle is that of
respect for your fellow students and their points of view. You must show respect in tone and attitude
for each other. Respect does not mean agreement, but it does mean that you conduct yourself in a
particular way that keeps the atmosphere free from opportunities for the enemy to come in and affect
peoples thoughts and feelings. We don’t want to make people feel bad, we want to continually
encourage more study. …This is a place where we get some wonderfully difficult opportunities to
grow into the image of Jesus.
Dealing with disagreements in a positive way is very important for spiritual growth, for attaining a greater knowledge of the Word of God and for building unity…A Beit Midrash study principle that is very helpful is this: When disagreements arise, record all the points of view. Then have everyone in your study group investigate each one of them (do I smell homework?). After you have all completed this assignment, you bring together the results of your research and discuss the matter further. The issue is resolved when each is convinced in his own mind what the fruits of his own, and others’ study have revealed.
We do more than agree to disagree – we go one step further. We agree that both of us only know in part, and that we should continue to study and pray for further revelation. Who knows who will be the vessel, or by what manner the Lord will bring us into more understanding. This attitude can make our walk with the Lord and with our brethren very exciting. You give God great opportunities to instruct you, and create very enriching spiritual relationships with brothers and sisters, when you conduct yourself in this manner. No longer are you at odds with your brethren over “doctrinal differences,” but together you become fellow “explorers” and “investigators” of the Word and the ways of the Lord. Unity can actually come out of diversity because you now see each other as a source of spiritual nutrition, exciting catalysts that provoke deeper study and greater insights into the Word of the Lord. Instead of Satan getting the victory and causing separation, Jesus gets the victory and creates unity in His body.”
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