This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Joshua 1:8 KJV
This is maybe the most common scripture that speaks about meditating on God's Word. Jesus said "haven't you read...."? He expects us to read the scriptures to gain deep insights. Studying the Bible is a command for a victorious Christian life. Our text encourages us to always study/meditate on the Word on a regular.
Jesus responded, “Haven’t you ever read what King David and his men did when they were hungry?
Matthew 12:3 TPT
If God places so much emphasis on His Word and He commands that we study the Word, how come we Christians find it a tad difficult studying the word?
There are different ways to study the Bible and what we will do tonight is run through almost all of them. Then we will major on how to study the Word as a foundation of faith and answered prayers
I'll run through a few reasons why people dont study the Bible
1.
They don’t know how to study the bible. This is because either they’ve not been taught or they’re not self-taught. Job 33;33 , Ps 27;11. Most of us dont study the Bible because we've not been taught
And that's the reason for tonight's teaching. To equip people with knowledge on how to study the Word
2.
Lack of hunger. People will study if they have the hunger. A lot of us have hunger for praise and worship (which isn’t bad) but it can’t replace bible study. Hunger for church activities, food, spouse, business etc. In fact, quite a number of us will prefer to be on social media than read our Bible, true?
It's because we dont have hunger for the Word
3.
It’s not a priority. We do't see studying the Word as a priority
4.
Hindering Spirits 2 cor 2;11
5.
Bible reading goals. Most of us have set goals in life. When we want to marry, the type of career we want etc. But until we set Bible reading Goals, we might find it hard to read the Bible. Dr Mike Murdock has a Bible reading goal of 40 chapters per day. Wow. Late Myles Munroe reads through the Bible twice every year
I once heard Rev. George Adegboye say he has read the bible from cover to cover over 200 times. And i'm sure none of us are as busy as any of these men. In fact that;s why i didn't include being busy amongst the reasons why people don't study the bible. We are never too busy for what we prioritize
So let me dish out a few facts about the Bible and show you why its so easy through the Bible. The bible consists of two parts; the old and new testaments or covenants. With 69 books and 1189 chapters broken down into 31,173 verses, the bible has an estimated 800, 000 words.
It takes roughly 58 hours to read the bible with the inner voice and 71 hours to read at pulpit rate.
This means that it takes less than 3 days to read through the entire bible. If you read an hour a day, you’ll read through in just about 3 months. The gospels are a total 89 chapters and if you read 3 chapters a day, you’re done in a month. In fact if you read the Bible for one hour everyday, you'll read it from cover to cover 4 times in a year
SO, WHAT'S YOUR EXCUSE FOR NOT READING THE BIBLE? I'll try to move very fast because there's so much to cover
When should we study the Bible?
1. Study when you are physically alert. (Some in the early morning, others late at night).
2. Study when you are not interrupted.
3. Study when you can focus on the Scriptures.
4. Study a little each day (forget about spending all day in the Word).
5. Study immediately before teaching (like taking an exam, study all semester, but review before the exam).
Why should we study the Bible as Christians?
The study of the Bible is foundational to our growth as a Christian. Therefore, every Christian should plan to study the Bible, similar to the way one eats food to grow physically. Actually, several parallels may be drawn between good eating habits and a healthy approach to Bible study.
Five Simple Steps to Studying the Bible
1: Observation
Observation is the first and most important step in how to study the Bible. As you read the Bible text, you need to look carefully at what is said, and how it is said. Look for:
a) Terms, not words. Words can have many meanings, but terms are words used in a specific way in a specific context. (For instance, the word trunk could apply to a tree, a car, or a storage box. However, when you read, “That tree has a very large trunk,” you know exactly what the word means, which makes it a term.)
b) Cause-and-effect: “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things”
c) Literary form. The Bible is literature, and the three main types of literature in the Bible are discourse (the epistles), prose (Old Testament history), and poetry (the Psalms). Considering the type of literature makes a great deal of difference when you read and interpret the Scriptures.
d) Atmosphere. The author had a particular reason or burden for writing each passage, chapter, and book. Be sure you notice the mood or tone or urgency of the writing.
e) Emphasis. The amount of space or the number of chapters or verses devoted to a specific topic will reveal the importance of that topic (for example, note the emphasis of Romans 9 and Psalms 119).
f) Repetition. This is another way an author demonstrates that something is important. One reading of 1 Corinthians 13, where the author uses the word “love” nine times in only 13 verses, communicates to us that love is the focal point of these 13 verses.
g) Comparisons and contrasts. For example, “You have heard that it was said…but I say to you…” (Matthew 5:21).
After you've started observing as you Study the Word, the next thing you do is ask a couple of questions for deeper insights
2. Ask the Who? What? Where? When?
Who are the people in this passage? What is happening in this passage? Where is this story taking place? When in time (of day, of the year, in history) is it?
Asking these four “Wh” questions can help you notice terms and identify atmosphere. The answers will also enable you to use your imagination to recreate the scene you’re reading about.
As you answer the “Wh” questions and imagine the event, you’ll probably come up with some questions of your own.
Asking those additional questions for understanding will help to build a bridge between observation (the first step) and interpretation (the second step) of the Bible study process.
4.Interpretation
Interpretation is discovering the meaning of a passage, the author’s main thought or idea. Answering the questions that arise during observation will help you in the process of interpretation. Five clues (called “the five C’s”) can help you determine the author’s main point(s):
a. Context. You can answer 75 percent of your questions about a passage when you read the text. Reading the text involves looking at the near context (the verse immediately before and after) as well as the far context (the paragraph or the chapter that precedes and/or follows the passage you’re studying).
b. Cross-references. Let Scripture interpret Scripture. That is, let other passages in the Bible shed light on the passage you are looking at. At the same time, be careful not to assume that the same word or phrase in two different passages means the same thing.
c. Culture. The Bible was written long ago, so when we interpret it, we need to understand it from the writers’ cultural context.
d. Conclusion. Having answered your questions for understanding by means of context, cross-reference, and culture, you can make a preliminary statement of the passage’s meaning. Remember that if your passage consists of more than one paragraph, the author may be presenting more than one thought or idea.
e. Consultation. Reading books known as commentaries, which are written by Bible scholars, can help you interpret Scripture.
5. Application
The Bible says we shouldn't be just hearers but also doers of the Word
Application is why we study the Bible. We want our lives to change; we want to be obedient to God and to grow more like Jesus Christ. After we have observed a passage and interpreted or understood it to the best of our ability, we must then apply its truth to our own life.
You’ll want to ask the following questions of every passage of Scripture you study:
● How does the truth revealed here affect my relationship with God?
● How does this truth affect my relationship with others?
● How does this truth affect me?
● How does this truth affect my response to the enemy, Satan?
The application step is not completed by simply answering these questions; the key is putting into practice what God has taught you in your study. Although at any given moment you cannot be consciously applying everything you’re learning in Bible study, you can be consciously applying something. And when you work on applying a truth to your life, God will bless your efforts by, as noted earlier, conforming you to the image of Jesus Christ.
Techniques to studying the Bible
1. Random
This is the lazy man approach to studying the bible. It entails opening a random passage from the scriptures and reading. I’ve outlined four points by which this method can be maximized.
1. What is the POINT of the passage?
2. Where is this thought found in PARALLEL passage?
3. What are the PROBLEMS in this passage?
4. What are some PRACTICAL applications for this passage?
2. Studying a Biography
This is perhaps the most interesting mode of studying the scriptures as it has to do with people, history and stories. There are 2,930 people mentioned in the Bible, and we can learn valuable lessons from studying their lives. Pick someone you would like to study, and using a concordance, a topical Bible or a proper-name index found in the back of some Bibles, look up every mention of that person.
The Psalmist wrote, "I cling to Your testimonies" (Ps. 119:31) and considered them his counselors (Ps. 119:24). Understanding this principle, Paul repeatedly called upon those he reached for Christ to follow the example of the Christian life he modeled for them in his own life (II Thess. 3:7, 9; I Cor. 11:1; Phil. 4:9).
Phil 4:9
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
1Cor 11:1
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
2 Thess 3 : 7-9 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.
3. Chapter and Verse
When you study individual chapters and verses, look closely at the text. Sometimes it helps to compare different translations, or look up words in a Bible dictionary. Ask yourself:
•
What is the principal subject of the chapter?
•
What is a key verse? Consider memorizing it.
•
What other portions of scripture buttresses this chapter or key verses
•
Who are the principal characters?
•
Is there any example to follow or to avoid?
Each chapter has a theme. Be sure to understand the theme of each chapter while reading Examples of scriptures and themes
•
The Creation of the World in Genesis 1
•
The Fall of Humanity in Genesis 3
•
The Lord as Our Shepherd in Psalm 23
•
The New Birth in John 3
•
The Nature of Love in 1 Corinthians 13
•
The Nature of Faith in Hebrews 11
4. Book Study
We can discover many truths from in-depth study of a specific book within the Bible. Each of the sixty-six books of the Bible has a particular emphasis and/or theme. When the prophet first preached his sermons or an apostle first wrote a letter, they were trying to communicate a specific thought or theme. These themes are best understood in the context of the whole content of the book. When we study the Bible by book, we learn the major lessons of the Scripture in the manner that the human authors of Scripture intended to teach them.
Examples of scriptures and themes
•
God is Love = John
•
Prayer = James
•
Worship, praise and prayer = Psalms
•
Love poems = Songs of Solomon
5. Topical Study
We can also study the Bible by focusing on what it says about specific topics. What is God's take on anxiety, prayer, sexual purity or trust?
Using a topical Bible or a concordance, look up all the references to a specific topic. Ask yourself these questions:
•
What is a working definition of the topic?
•
How do all the verses relate together?
•
What have you learned about the topic and what does it tell you about God?
•
Which of these verses would be good to memorize?
6. Storyline/ Parables
Storylines and parables like character study is often very interesting. I mean who won’t be happy reading about the 17-year-old lad who brings down an 8 ft tall giant. Or the Christmas story or even the lady who became a queen by winning a beauty pageant and later on went to save her people.
Since all Scripture is inspired and profitable, then it includes biblical narratives. Reminding his readers about the experiences of Israel in the wilderness, Paul wrote, "Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted" (1 Cor. 10:6).
How to study Storylines and Parables
a.
Determine the climate, history, geography, businesses and living conditions where the story took place.
b.
Determine main characteristics of the people in the story.
c.
Determine the people who acted and those who reacted.
d.
Look behind the words of the conversation to the meaning of their messages.
e.
Determine the positive principles in the story that can be applied and the negative principles to be avoided.
f.
What contextual conditions/promises applied only to the characters of the story and what universal principle can be applied to your today
The bible consists of two parts; the old and new testaments or covenants. With 69 books and 1189
chapters broken down into 31,173 verses, the bible has an estimated 800, 000 words. It takes roughly 58 hours to read the bible with the inner voice and 71 hours to read at pulpit rate. This means that it takes less than 3 days to read through the entire bible. If you read an hour a day, you’ll read through in just about 3 months. The gospels are a total 89 chapters and if you read 3 chapters a day, you’re done in a month. So why don’t people study the bible?
The Word, Transformation and Answered Prayers
It's best to read through the Word over and over again. The convener of Word Alive understands this and that's why she said we should start reading the new testament again.
You see, you get fresh insights and new revelations every time you read the scriptures. Now here’s the best part; somehow what you’ve read is embedded in your mind especially if it’s repetitive. Everything we read, hear and watch is somewhat embedded in us
Faith comes by hearing/reading the Word of God
Roms 10:17
Roms 12:2
...but be transformed by the renewing of your mind
The word of God renews our minds everytime we read it
That's why Josh 1:8 commands us to meditate daily
Jesus says the Words are Spirit and Life.
We draw life daily when we study daily
How are we transformed by the word
1. It jacks up our faith
Rom 10:17
2. There's a supply of the Spirit and Life of God.
3. It gives joy
Ps 119:111
Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.
4. The Word gives us wisdom
Ps 119:130
The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple
5. It gives peace unspeakable
Ps 119:165
Those who love Your law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble”
6. The Word guides us in our daily lives and decision making
Ps 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Studying the Word to get Answers to Prayers
Step 1: ASK
A-Ask in accordance with the scriptures. Search out scriptures in line with your specific requests. If you study the Word on a regular, scriptures will readily pop into your mind as you pray. You can also use a concordance or even use Google. Search out scriptures and ask God for that which you desire in prayer.
Example:
Remi is praying for husband. So she will go into the Bible to search out scriptures that speak about marriage.
a) He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.” – Proverbs 18:22
b) Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price [is] far above rubies
Proverbs 31:10
“A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.” – Proverbs 12:4
Prayer: Dear father, I'm your daughter of noble character, I ask that you bring a son of yours who understands that your daughter is worth far above rubies and will love me as Christ loves the church
Step 2.
S-SEEK
Seek out more of God's promise in His Word concerning what you're asking. Remember that faith is the substance of what is not seen. That substance is the tangible Word of God. Hold fast to your profession of faith as seen in the Word and fashion your confession with the promise you found.
Now, the Word is on your inside. The seeking at this stage is done with the help of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit helps you to search out an answer to your prayer in scripture. Either while you read the Word, you see the exact passage that speaks to the situation or He will bring to your remembrance a specific scripture that speaks to the situation.
This will be your profession of faith and you will hinge your confession based on this scriptures.
Example:
So Remi is reading the Bible and sees this passage (in a new light)
1 Sam 16:11-12
11. So he asked Jesse, "Are these all the sons you have?" "There is still the youngest," Jesse answered. "He is tending the sheep." Samuel said, "Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives." 12. So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, "Rise and anoint him; this is the one."
At this point she realises it's non of her toasters but a certain fine boy who's is a pastor (a sherperd)
Please note: Your enlist the help of the Holy Spirit by speaking in tongues over your prayer request.
Step 3
K-Knock consistently with tongues and thanksgiving. Remember the angel told Daniel (Dan 10:12-14)that God answered his prayers the very day he prayed but the Prince of Persia blocked his answered prayers for 21 days. Daniel's persistence in the place of prayer delivered the answers. So likewise we must keep knocking with tongues and thanksgiving over that which we've asked the father for till we get it.
Example
Remi sees this and hinges her hope on this scripture. See, at this point she realises she's seen the answer to her prayer. It's all based on the fact that she's an ardent student of the Word
So her confession goes thus:
Father, I think you because you've prepared me for your son who's a shepherd over your people. I thank you because you'll bring him speedily without haste because two are better than one and I am the help suitable for him in ministry.
Then she continues in tongues and worship over this prayer: ... untill it's manifestation.
