In my first years of walking with the Lord, I was blessed to have authors like Luther, John Murray, and the Puritans pushed my way. Reading good authors is extremely helpful because it helps you to develop a framework for understanding the scriptures.

Also, the Lord led me (and I don't use that phrase lightly; looking back, I don't think I'd trust just about anything else that was sold in that bookstore) to some excellent studies that gently led me through several books of the Bible and helped me understand how to interpret scripture with scripture. Some modern examples would include using the Spirit of the Reformation study Bible and series like "The Gospel According to the Old Testament" put out by P&R Publishing.

I find that the real growth comes by seeking God's word directly from the source (the Bible). You will grow in your understanding by reading the authors, but you will grow in maturity by reading the Bible (and will know quickly if someone is saying something in error).

That said, I'm not sure I'd lump sermons into other writings, assuming that it is good, expository preaching. This was the primary way that the early church had of hearing and understanding God's word. Lately, I've been listening to an excellent series on Isaiah with my Bible open just as if I were listening to a sermon in church. This might give you a half-way-in-between that could be useful as you learn to study God's word.

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JWithnell
Member Bethel OPC
Virginia