The Spiritual Discipline Of Study

I suppose it is no secret that my life has been transformed by the practice of Christian Spiritual Disciplines.  The real-life, sometimes messy, and inconvenient habit of giving our mind, body, and soul to the things of God reaps rewards that are otherwise unattainable.  I am a self-confessed nerd so the idea of study and research is delightful.   I hope that after engaging with this post you will feel the same way! 

While the Evangelical church, of which I am a member, has got plenty of things wrong.  The emphasis on Bible Study, however, will be a lasting legacy. The great thing about meditating and learning from the Word of God is that it is interactive.  There are many, many methods to choose from, make sure to take into account your learning style when you are choosing how to practice the spiritual discipline of study.  

The Spiritual Discipline Of Study

• The act of study is the devotion of time and attention to acquiring knowledge on a subject, which includes a detailed investigation and analysis.  In essence, a great definition of this would be Philippians 4:8.  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

• I encourage you to forget your time in school and your association with the practice of study.   As the wise Richard Foster wrote; “The content of our study consists in all those things that lead to the glory of God. For the Christian, our study focuses primarily upon two great ​“books”: Scripture and ​“the book of nature.” With regard to Scripture, we begin by quieting ourselves until we can be attentive to the Word in Scripture. Then: We read. We reflect. We absorb. We allow Scripture to read us. We apply Scripture to our living. With regard to nature, the process is much the same, except that our ​“reading” comes by way of observing and listening. Then: We reflect. We absorb. We allow nature to read us. We apply the lessons of nature to our living”. 

• You may be asking yourself but how do I practically engage in the practice of study?  First off, pray about it. Ask God to direct you to the right Bible Study.  Here are a few methods to consider…S.O.A.P. Study of the Bible, Study a Book of the Bible, Topical, Biographical, or Inductive.  Do you know how you learn best?  Are you an auditory, kinesthetic, or visual learner?  Me, I have benefitted from all the methods but my favorite and the way I learn best is through Inductive Bible Study. 

• Before starting your Bible study you may find it helpful to practice two minutes of silence with God.  Begin your study with prayer, asking Jesus to illuminate the Scriptures. Then honestly, just follow the normal steps of studying well. Concentrate, ponder, understand and reflect.

• I find having Bible Study tools and resources very helpful.  One of my favorite online resources is biblegateway.com which offers 56 translations of the Bible, multiple Commentary, Dictionaries, Concordance, and Bible Encyclopedias.  I am more of a paper person so I have my own hard copies and I wouldn’t be without my Hebrew Bible The Koren Jerusalem Tanakh (Hebrew and English Edition)

The word discipline has disappeared from our minds,

our mouths, our pulpits, and our culture. We hardly know

what discipline means in modern American society. And yet,

there is no other way to attain godliness;

discipline is the path to godliness.

– Jay Adams 

• There is freedom in how often you study your Bible.  There is no mandatory set amount of time, whatever you can give to it will enrich your life and make it better.  Set yourself a goal, once a week, a half an hour a day or more?  It’s up to you!  If you need accountability, why not join a woman’s Bible study at your church, you can do double and fellowship at the same time.  One word of advice, don’t make Bible study all about you, approach it with the mindset of knowing your Savior more intimately.  

• Ask lots of questions, and embrace your curiosity! Here are some sample questions you may want to consider…

1. What is the main subject of this passage?
2. Who is being talked about in this passage? Who is speaking? Who is acting?
3. What does this passage teach me about the Lord Jesus Christ?
4. Does this passage portray any sin for me to confess?
5. Does this passage contain any command for me to obey?
6. Is there any promise for me to claim?
7. Is there any instruction for me to follow?

• A newer form of Bible study is Bible Journaling, some may split hairs and say it is not actually studying the Bible but I disagree.  I think it can be especially helpful for the kinesthetic or visual learner. Bible journaling is a creative devotional practice. Specifically, it’s the practice of responding to the Biblical text in a creative way in the pages of a specially made Bible with space for art, prayers, or notes.  Check out my favorite Bible Journals. The Tyndale NLT Inspire Bible: Journaling Bible with Over 400 Illustrations to Color, and the ESV Journaling Bible which features 2-inch ruled margins for writing observations, reflections, prayers, praises, and journal entries!
  
  

GO DEEPER 

YOUR TURN…

What are your tips and tricks for studying the Bible? Please drop your comments below.

Blessings,

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