DAILY ENCOUNTER

HOW TO STUDY THE WORD II

"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts." Jeremiah 15:16

Glory to God! Yesterday, we began discussing how to study the Word, and we learnt that we can study the Word by scheduling a definite time for it every day and by studying specific subjects such as faith, healing, prosperity, prayer, wisdom, love, and many others. Today, we want to take it further by considering other practical ways we can study and enjoy the Word of God. From our opening scripture, Jeremiah said, when he found the Word, “I did eat them.” Jeremiah did not merely find the Word; he received it, consumed it, and allowed it to become a part of him. This is how we should approach the Scriptures. We should not read merely to complete chapters or meet a reading target. We should read to receive God's Word into our hearts and allow it to produce transformation in our lives. One way to study and enjoy the Word is by reading through the Bible chronologically, from Genesis to Revelation. This allows us to journey through the great stories, prophecies, and revelations contained in Scripture. When reading the Word, avoid hastiness; do not rush simply because you want to complete the Bible. Take time to enjoy the different experiences recorded in the Scriptures. Observe the lives of people such as Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, Ruth, Esther, Daniel, and many others. Pay attention to their relationships with God and responses to different circumstances. Ask yourself: What is God teaching me through this passage of the Bible? What principle can I learn? What should I imitate? What should I avoid? How can I apply this lesson to my own life? Sometimes, a lesson that appears simple when you first read it may become very important to you at another season of your life.

Another way to study the Word is by taking up a particular book of the Bible and studying it intentionally. This does not necessarily have to follow the chronological order from Genesis to Revelation. You can choose a book as you are led by the Spirit of God. For example, you may decide to spend some time studying Psalms or you may study Proverbs to gain practical wisdom for everyday living. You may study the four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, to learn more about the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. You can also study the Epistles to gain a deeper understanding of the Christian faith, our identity in Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit, the Church, Christian conduct, spiritual growth, and our relationship with God and one another. The ultimate purpose of Bible study is transformation. Knowledge without application does not produce the life God desires for us. We must take what we learn from the Scriptures and allow it to influence our thoughts, attitudes, decisions, words, and relationships. When the Word becomes more than something we read and becomes something we continually receive, meditate upon, and practise, it will produce lasting transformation in us. Study the Word. Enjoy the Word. Meditate on the Word. Practise the Word. Let the Word transform your life. Hallelujah!!!

FURTHER STUDY

James 1:22; Psalm 1:2–3; Luke 24:45

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

  1. When I study the Word, am I simply trying to complete a reading plan, or am I taking time to understand, meditate on, and receive what God is teaching me?
  2. What truth have I recently learnt from the Word, and what specific change can I make in my thoughts, decisions, words, or actions because of it?

PRAYERS
Father, open my understanding as I study Your Word. Help me to receive it, meditate on it, and live by it every day in Jesus's name

Comments

  1. Thy word are a rejoicing into me. Glory to God πŸ™Œ

    ReplyDelete
  2. The holy spirit help us to understand the word

    ReplyDelete
  3. Father give me the grace to delight in your word, apply it and be transformed by your wordsπŸ™

    ReplyDelete
  4. The purpose of studying the bible is for transformation
    That your life be transformed through the word of God πŸ™

    ReplyDelete

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