Study Tips for the Traveler
This Sunday we concluded our sermon series on “Approaching the Bible.” As a top-off for the series I wanted to provide a few tips that may be helpful for you as you approach your Bible daily. These thoughts are random and are ways that have assisted me in my ventures in the Word.
Prayer. The Bible is the Word of God – it is living, active and sharper than any two edged sword. It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit. (Heb 4:12) That simply means that it will look as much at you as you do it. God’s word is alive. However, to experience the transforming power of His word, we must approach it prayerfully. I suggest taking a moment or two to relax and pray to God asking the Spirit of God to reveal what is necessary for you to know. See: John 14:26, 16:15.
Ask Questions. The best investigators ask questions. Sherlock Holmes was great at asking the proper question about the situation. As investigators of God’s word we too must ask questions about the text. Remember, this is an ancient text and while the principles it presents are fully applicable to our lives today, to fully understand the applications we must understand how the text was presented in the day it was written or spoken. Does that mean you need to be a scholar? Not really. Rather, you need to be willing to put some effort into trying to understand the text. Here’s what I recommend. a) Ask the 5 “whiskies” and a “hotel” – i.e. who, what, where, when, why and how. These will help you get moving in the right direction. b) Ask spiritual questions such as, ” are there any sins to avoid?” or “Does this explain a condition of God or of humans?”
Write down what you learn. Deut 17:18-20 talks about the requirements for a king. The new king was to write down the words of God and copy them. Why? Probably so that the kinetic memory could assist the king and so that every word of God would be reviewed. We too should take that command seriously. When you learn something about God – write it down. The most spiritual people I have known are those who write when they hear. They document, journal, take notes, etc. They realize that half of learning means writing.
Talk about what you learn. Discussing what you have learned will help you internalize what you have learned and through your discussions with others you will gain different perspectives. Psalms 71:15-17 (NIV) “My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone. Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.” We should all heed the example of the Psalmist – tell about God’s wonders. Whether we realize it or not, this will assist our walk with Him.
I have many more thoughts but don’t want to burden you with them here. I do hope and pray your ventures in the Word of God are exciting! Remember, we are just travelers here making our way to the Father. I pray your week is blessed!
In Christ, pastor bill.
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