Study My Bible…Really?

Janelle Webber   -   September 9, 2017

The end of August is synonymous with back to school. This one event affects a vast majority of the population. Children, teens, young adults, teachers, parents – everyone jolted from the ease of summer to the demands of the school year. There are a whirlwind of activities that surround this event. Once the flutter of initial activity begins to lull there is one thing that remains. The delight of studying. It does not subside or end if success is in the student’s future. 

“Study hard!” “Don’t forget to study.” These are just a couple pieces of advice we give students.

The same could be said to all of us. This is especially true when looking at the most important book on the bookshelf. This book is more than just classroom material but instead something we consider a way of life. Do you see the Bible like this? If so, you too need to study.

How can the Bible be studied effectively so it is not just academic but a personal and applicable to our lives?

Options include:

  • read to receive inspiration
  • examine with a group
  • listen to a podcast
  • take in a video series
  • read, researched, and review
  • read Scripture, Observe the culture and activities, Apply to life, bath in Pray (SOAP)

So many ways, so little time! Each approach may be of benefit to you or maybe just one is in your wheelhouse. Test them out and see what’s best for you and your way of learning.

Read to Receive Inspiration:

This is just what it says – jumping into reading, pondering, mediating on Scripture anywhere in the Bible. Then listen, gain insight, and be inspired.  You may need to be patient. Some hear the voice of God sharing his insight… others often have to wait. Mediate on what you have read. What resonates could be the inspiration God has for you.

Investigate with a Group:

When we have a difficult topic to master at school, in college, or at work, we often try to get with others as a group. Investigating the  Bible is no different. Its okay to not understand and to lean on insight from others. Gather some people together and read. You can then discuss what it means, how it makes you feel, how it applies, and why it’s important. Need a Connect Group? For more information, call the church office at 410-551-6654 or go on line at http://severnrun.com/connectgroups/.

Listen to a Podcast:

Although this may seem high tech to some, its not difficult to tap into and learn from podcasts. There are many great speakers that produce podcasts to educate on the the Bible. Google “Bible study podcasts” and you will get a plethora of choices. Well liked Biblically based teachers include Chuck Swindoll, Max Lucado, Andy Stanley, Ravi Zacharias, and Frances Chan, to name just a few. (If you are unsure about the Biblical beliefs of a podcaster, see if you can find a statement of their faith on their website or in the podcast description.)

Take in a Video Series:

Many women (and some men too!) love Beth Moore. Woman love her energy and excitement and most importantly her love for God and women. She brings excitement and energy to any space she enters whether physically or via technology. She and others teach using video series along with the study guides available for purchase on line or on dvd. Other Bible teachers include Pricilla Shrier, and Anne Graham Lotz. You can find these resources (and more) at lifeway.com.

Read, Research, Review: 

The Bible is comprised of 166 books and two separate testaments. Where does one begin? The book of John is an often recommended starting place. This book is John’s account of the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. After reading each chapter, take the time to consult with various resources such as study guides or internet searches that speak to the meaning of the passage. Go back and read again, determine from the text and your research what it means to you and applies to your life.

SOAP:

This is another approach to reading Scripture a section at a time. While you read, Observe the culture of the time and activities of the chapter. Move to Apply the principles of the text to your life. Finally bathe in Prayer what you have learned and how you will apply it each day. Additional reading on this approach available at www.soapstudy.com. Want to go deeper with this method? Read “The Devine Mentor” by Wayne Cordeiro.

All these sound great but one thing is missing…YOU!  What’s most important is that your study is an intentional and planned out process. Good intentions are only as good as the plan behind them.

It may be necessary to:

  • Set aside time
  • Put on your calendar
  • Give up an activity (TV or device time)
  • Get up earlier
  • Go to bed later
  • Ask another to hold you accountable
  • Be patient!

This is a process. What works for one person may not work for another. God is faithful and will reward you regardless of which method you try or decide to use. Study his word. Take notes. Open your heart. Stretch your mind. See what happens.

JW