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Grow in Grace: Bible Study

We are going to spend a few weeks thinking about means God uses to help us grow in our relationship with Him.  I’m talking about Bible study today, and specifically that study which we do individually.  I realize I run the risk of inducing guilty groans, like the kind I might get if I ask how often you exercise a week. If we’re being honest, many of us probably don’t get as much personal Bible reading time as we know we need.

God speaks through His Word.  Thus, a great way to have God speak to you is to go to the one place you can be absolutely sure He is speaking to you.  For example,  I know that the wisdom of God in the book of Proverbs is always God’s wise words to me.  I don’t have to wonder if it’s true.  I can’t always say that about a Christian devotional book, even one written by the very best author I know. But God’s Word is always reliable, always true, and always trustworthy.

I realize for many people it may seem daunting to read your Bible daily.  If you are attending our Foundations class on Leviticus, you are learning that there is gold for the people of God in what can feel like a difficult book to read.  I doubt you would have found that gold without competent help.  Be as realistic about Bible reading as you are about other healthy habits that take work and consistency over time.  You may never run a marathon, but you might be able to walk a mile three times a week.  You might not start by reading the Bible every single day, but you can pick three days a week to consistently be in the Word.  You might not start with Leviticus, but you could start with a shorter New Testament book, and let that whet your appetite for more.  Eventually you will hunger for every book in the Bible with the habits and disciplines you develop over time.

Here are some suggestions:

First, take advantage of what’s available to you:  Join a small group and study the Bible in community.  Gather together around God’s Word, and work that into a personal time of studying the Bible.  If that’s all you can do right now, that is a great first step.

Second, have some quality reference tools to assist you.  An extremely helpful resource is the ESV Study Bible.  The helps in that Bible are terrific: great introductions to each book of the Bible, and useful maps and commentaries all throughout to help you dig deeper.  A one-volume commentary such as the New International Bible Commentary may be helpful. Tag or I can recommend further resources if you would like to have a more extensive library of tools.

I use tools all the time in both my personal study and my sermon preparation.  I think you will find these helpful.  When you get stumped, call or email one of your pastors.  We love talking with you about The Lord and His Word!

Third, commit to a workable plan.  I use the “read through the Bible in a year” plan by the Navigators ministry.  Here are some other ideas on how to work your way through the Bible:

a)      One Psalm, one Proverb chapter, and one New Testament chapter a day

b)      Same as “a”, but add a chapter in the Old Testament starting with Genesis

c)      Read one book of the Bible slowly and carefully, more for understanding than for   survey.  Read through it again for deeper meditation.

d)      Read through the New Testament.

e)      Read through the Gospels slowly.

Fourth, consider a buddy system for some accountability and encouragement.  Check in with a trusted friend or family member regularly about your plan and how it is working.

Fifth, memorize a few short passages every week.  Purchase the Topical Memory System from the Navigators, or the Fighter Verses from Desiring God.  Involve others in your home in the effort.  That way, over time, you are carrying the Bible in your heart wherever you go.

I could go on and on about the advantages of personal Bible study.  Here is just one:

In our sermon series, we are in the section of John’s gospel about the Good Shepherd (John 10). We learn that the sheep of God hear His voice and know the difference between His voice and false ones.  Reading, studying and meditating upon the God’s Word will teach you to discern His voice from the voices of those who twist the Word of God for vile purposes.  Knowing His Word will protect you and help you grow in grace.

Can we help you in starting a practice of personal Bible study?  Let us know!

In Him,

Don

PS:  Hey I just came across this new tool from Desiring God.  It is a way to have a great Bible teacher demonstrate how he studies the Bible.  This isn't just to convey information to you, but to equip and empower you to study the Bible for yourself!  Give it a try and let me know if it helps you.

Don Ward

Senior Pastor

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