Strategy for studying
I cannot remember the last time I wrote about Bible study techniques. Over the next couple of weeks, we will study simple lessons to help you in your study time with the Lord. What I am going to show is what I do in my own life, with those that I disciple, and what was taught to me many years ago. Some of what I am going to show you, I came up with on my own, while other parts I have morphed from others. With that said, I am excited to jump into this small series as we dive into simple techniques.
This week is our intro, so I will keep it short and sweet. When doing your Bible study, it is paramount that we reduce the distractions in our lives. Typically, this means your phone, TV, and/or family. You need to get away from all of them. Moses was commanded by the Lord to get up in the morning and come to the mountain to spend time with God. Moses prepared what he needed so that when he woke up, he could go immediately. Prepare what you need so you're not distracted by the noise of life.
Exodus 34:1-5“And the LORD said to Moses, “Cut two tablets of stone like the first [ones,] and I will write on [these] tablets the words that were on the first tablets which you broke. 2 “So be ready in the morning, and come up in the morning to Mount Sinai, and present yourself to Me there on the top of the mountain. 3 “And no man shall come up with you, and let no man be seen throughout all the mountain; let neither flocks nor herds feed before that mountain.” 4 So he cut two tablets of stone like the first [ones.] Then Moses rose early in the morning and went up Mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him; and he took in his hand the two tablets of stone. 5 Now the LORD descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD.” I personally think a Bible study is best first thing in the morning. Scripture supports this, but I will admit Scripture also supports having study time throughout the day. I don't think this is a hill to die on, but it's one I would tell everyone who asks for advice. We must be able to ignore the noise and seek His voice. Examine how both are trying to get your attention.
Proverbs 9:13-18“A foolish woman is clamorous; [She is] simple, and knows nothing. 14 For she sits at the door of her house, On a seat [by] the highest places of the city, 15 To call to those who pass by, Who go straight on their way: 16 “Whoever [is] simple, let him turn in here”; And [as for] him who lacks understanding, she says to him, 17 “Stolen water is sweet, And bread [eaten] in secret is pleasant.” 18 But he does not know that the dead [are] there, [That] her guests [are] in the depths of hell.”
Proverbs 9:1-6 “Wisdom has built her house, She has hewn out her seven pillars; 2 She has slaughtered her meat, She has mixed her wine, She has also furnished her table. 3 She has sent out her maidens, She cries out from the highest places of the city, 4 “Whoever [is] simple, let him turn in here!” [As for] him who lacks understanding, she says to him, 5 “Come, eat of my bread And drink of the wine I have mixed. 6 Forsake foolishness and live, And go in the way of understanding.”
Let’s start first with the foolish woman! She is actively trying to get people’s attention. She is not lazy in her attempt to lead them to the depths of hell. She sits at the doorpost and yells. How strange is it that she is at her doorpost. Thus, if we are not at her doorpost, we shouldn’t be able to hear her? If we close her out and move along, we should be able to ignore the noise of the foolish woman. I find this unique in that Wisdom has to do more work! Ironically, she has hewn out seven pillars; she has prepared her food, mixed her wine, and furnished her table. Wisdom is working with her disciples and is declaring the truth even if that hurts the people who are acting foolish. Wisdom tells them to forsake foolishness and live!
One requires work; the other requires only to have the opportunity to raise their voice at us. So, when we do our Bible study, we need to be careful to stay in a place that keeps us in check and ready to focus on God’s Word.
Seek the truth and encourage one another,
JL