Strategy for studying
Last time we were in this series, we discussed the different groups that are trying for our attention and how we need to work at keeping the Lord as our only focus. Today, I want to quickly go over something many fail to recognize in their own Bible study; and what you and I need to make sure is part of our Bible study understanding.
God’s Word is pure and active!
This simple statement should resound in our study. When we take the first step in our Bible study, knowing that God’s Word is perfect and applicable in our lives and in the moment, we are truly taking the right first step. Let’s examine three sections of Scripture to help us understand this first step in our Bible study. Proverbs 30:5 “Every word of God [is] pure; He [is] a shield to those who put their trust in Him.” As we stated before, His Word is perfect. God’s Word will protect us, and we can trust it; it will not be in vain. As we study, this needs to be part of the mentality of our work.
Our next principle builds off of the first. If we are His, and as Jesus says throughout the Gospels and letters to the Churches, if we have ears to hear and eyes to see, we can trust that His Word is for us. Psalm 34:22 “The LORD redeems the soul of His servants, And none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.” No religion has what God has with us. Christianity is the only claim that establishes itself as the authentic, genuine solution to having a relationship with God. No one comes to the Father except through His Son, Jesus Christ. This includes a richer understanding of His Word.
Once we have these two foundations down, we can go to our last. Here we can examine what others might claim is an error in God’s Word, or is a typo, or is something insignificant, but in reality, to the trained eye, it is a clue of hidden treasure deliberately provided to the astute child of God who wants to search out the hidden reward left by God. Proverbs 25:2 “[It is] the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings [is] to search out a matter.” I can tell you that I have found hidden gems in God’s Word that have brought me to my knees in tears, seeing God's calculation, intention, and desire to reveal His LOVE to us. These moments of intimacy with the Lord would not have happened if I hadn't taken this three-step foundational approach to my studies. What some call a quick read, to the astute child of God, it is an adventure waiting for our discovery provided by the God who cares deeply for us. He designed us to be in relationship with Him, and one way is by being good Bible students. You do not have to be in Seminary to be an expert, only a passionate saint with a desire for an intimate relationship with an ever loving, all knowing, all powerful, and all present Father.
How lucky are we to have such an opportunity to study at His feet and learn? Do not squander the moments, He is waiting!
Seek the truth and encourage one another,
JL