The Big Idea
Know, therefore, that you must be concerned not only about hearing, but also about learning and retaining it {Scripture} in memory, and do not think that it is optional with you or of no great importance, but that it is God’s commandment, who will require of you how you have heard, learned, and honored His Word. - The Large Catechism, from the Third Commandment
You should diligently learn the Word of God and by no means imagine that you know it. - What Luther Says, Vol 1. p. 79
That the Holy Scriptures cannot be penetrated by study and talent is most certain. Therefore first duty is to begin to pray, and to pray to this effect that if it please God to accomplish something for His glory - not for yours or any other person’s - He very graciously grant you a true understanding of His words. For no master of the divine words exists except the Author of these words, as He says: “They shall be all taught of God” (John 6:45). You must, therefore, completely despair of your own industry and ability and rely solely on the inspiration of the Spirit. - What Luther Says, Vol 1. p. 77.
For a number of years I have now annually read through the Bible twice. If the Bible were a large, mighty tree and all its words were little branches, I have tapped at all the branches, eager to know what was there and what it had to offer. - What Luther Says, Vol 1. p. 83