What I’ve learned so far in Seminary

This first semester at SEBTS has been filled with both blessing and challenge. But let’s cut to the chase, here’s what I’ve learned: I am broken and in need of repair. If I had to boil everything I’ve learned here so far down to one thing that would be it.

Although I have come face to face with this reality many times before coming to Southeastern, I have experienced this reality on a much deeper level over the past six months. There have been many times when I have just felt overwhelmed by how messed up I am in light of who God is and what Christ has done for me. For a while I wasn’t sure why this truth was hitting me so hard at this particular moment in life. However, just today I realized that it is because I have never spent so much time studying God and His Word before. If we spend time reading the Bible and accurately learning who God is, we (or at least I) can’t help being devastated by the miserable, broken state I am in on my own.

Last semester I took Hebrew, Old Testament, Biblical Counseling, and Hermeneutics but what I learned most deeply is that I need the gospel. Every day, all the time I need to be reminded that God loves me, died to save me, and has a purpose for my life.

1 Timothy 1:12-17 (NIV)

¹² I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. ¹³ Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. ¹⁴ The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

¹⁵ Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. ¹⁶ But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. ¹⁷ Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Much Love,
Sarah