Submitting to God means submitting to His Word. To know what He says, we have to read His Word. To really understand, we need to study His Word. This is the Fourth Step in Submitting to God: Studying His Word.
Opening the Bible can be overwhelming. The language, culture, and even the genre is not what we are used to.
We are fortunate today to have translations that are written closer to the way we speak and tools to help us understand better.
Questions for discussion:
- What does the Bible say about studying God’s Word?
- Why should Christians study the Word of God?
- How do you study the Word of God and meditate on it?
- What are benefits of studying God’s Word?
- What are methods of studying God’s Word?
- How do you prepare to receive God’s Word?
- How to practice God’s Word?
What does the Bible say about studying God’s Word?
2 Timothy 2:15 NIV “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the Word of truth.”
The Lord wants us to live in His way so we can be a true witness of Jesus Christ. To be able to do that, we need to know His Word so we don’t misinterpret its meaning. Our opinion is not important. We need to study to learn what the verse is actually saying.
Why should Christians study the Word of God?
2 Timothy 3:15-17 NIV “and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
The scriptures help us::
- Reading scripture leads to salvation and a better understanding of our faith.
- The Word teaches what we need, rebukes our sin, and trains us in God’s way.
- So we can have everything we need to walk in the Lord.
How do you study the Word of God and meditate on it?
Joshua 1:8 NIV “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
What is the definition of meditate?
Webster’s Dictionary: “To engage in contemplation or reflection.“
In Joshua 1:8 NIV, God tells us to contemplate or reflect day and night on His Word. Why? Because it becomes natural for us to follow His instructions.
God’s Word should be so ingrained in our lives that when we need it, we know where to go and what to do.
Read and reflect on scripture enough that you know what it really is saying.
What are some benefits of studying God’s Word?
1. God’s Word shows us the way to go as we walk with Him.
Psalm 119:105 NIV “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
2. The Bible helps keep us from sinning.
3. God’s Word helps us in our witnessing to others.
1 Peter 3:15 NIV “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”
4. Knowing God’s Word sets us free. We have God’s Comfort during stressful times in life.
John 8:31-32 NIV “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
5. Learning from Jesus Christ in His Word gives us rest that we cannot receive any other way.
Matthew 11;29 NIV “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
What are methods of studying God’s Word?
There are different types of methods of studying the Bible. Barbough Publishing
- Expositional Method– This one studies the Bible verse by verse using observation, interpretation, and application. It helps reveal the thoughts of the author to find a better understanding of the verses.
- Survey Method– More interested in studying the books as a whole to learn about general information rather than individual verses.
- Topical Method-The interest here is a particular topic in the Bible we want to learn more about. Example: Trust. Looking at a concordance can help find the information we need.
- Biographical Method-When we want to study about a character from the Bible we’ll use this method. The concordance can also help with this study by looking at verses that refer to a character.
- Word Study Method-Terms we do not understand and want to learn more about. Again, a concordance can help in this study.
- Devotional Method-Less technical and focused more on inspiration and encouragement. Usually contains a verse, prayer and brief message. This is a good one to meditate on God’s Word during the day.
How do you prepare to receive God’s Word?
Psalm 119:15 NIV “I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.”
Psalm 119:97 NIV “Oh, how I love your law I meditate on it all day long.”
Psalm 119 is a beautiful chapter about the attributes of God’s Word. To prepare to read God’s Word we should:
- Pray first to make sure you are in fellowship with God. Confess any sin you have not taken to the Lord.
- Ask yourself: Do I love God’s Word? This helps get your mind ready.
- Prepare to really look or meditate on what you are reading. Who’s talking? Who are they talking to? What are they talking about?
- Consider what you are reading. What can you learn from it?
How do you practice God’s Word?
James 1:22-23 NIV “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”
The best way to practice God’s Word is to read, study and then do it. If you don’t follow through, studying is in vain.
Conclusion
Studying God’s Word is a big step in submitting to Him. How do you know what to do, if you don’t listen to Him?
God talks to us in several ways, but His Word is the primary way to hear Him. To submit to Him, we need to study the Bible.
If you have any questions, please feel free to comment below.
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