Spiritual Growth - Studying the Word

This is part three of a three part series as a follow up from the message “Obedience to the Word Results in Growth” that I taught at The Embassy on October 13.

Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.

1 Peter 2:1-3

Spiritual Growth – Studying the Word

It’s interesting that in the passage above Peter doesn’t say to study the Word, memorize the Word, read the Word, or anything else like that.  He says long for it.  Desire it. Crave it, like a hungry baby craves its mother’s milk.  Spiritual growth does not result from changing your behavior.  Spiritual growth results from changing your desires.  If your desire is for sin your behavior will be sinful.  If your desire is God, you will still sin, but generally you will want the things of God and the spiritual disciplines like prayer and study will not be viewed as chores to check off a list, but the great privilege that they are.  Today I finish up this brief series with a look at the effective study of God’s Word.

Set aside a daily time for study or reading.

As with prayer, it’s important to set aside a time each day for study.  This should be a time where you’ll be free from distractions and mentally alert.  If you’re not a morning person don’t read first thing in the morning.  If you find yourself falling asleep at night when you read, find an earlier time.

Choose a method that’s comfortable for you.

You can read straight through the Bible.  You can read one book and then skip around to another book.  You can study a book in-depth.  Whatever works for you is what you should do.  Don’t limit yourself to your favorite parts though.  Try to learn the whole Bible.

Make the effort to learn the background and context of the sections of the Bible and the individual books.

The truth contained in the Bible is timeless.  The actual books of the Bible were written in ancient culture.  God can certainly speak to you through the Scriptures without any outside resources, but learning the background and the context will make much of what you read easier to understand and help prevent misinterpretation.  A good study Bible will have background notes on the books of the Bible and offer some interpretive help for most verses.  Commentaries and New Testament/Old Testament Surveys are also an excellent source of information.  Keep in mind though that commentaries and study notes are written by men and are not infallible words of God. 

Before you read, pray.

Pray for God to open your mind and your heart to His truth.  Pray for wisdom and understanding.  Ask God to be your divine teacher. 

When you read, ask questions.

It’s a good idea to keep a journal or notepad with you when reading and write down questions you may have. Here’s an example from Romans 1:1

Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God

Who is Paul? Why should I trust what he says?  Why is he a bond-servant of Christ Jesus?  What does it mean to be a bond-servant of Christ Jesus? Who is Jesus?  Who/what/when/where/why/how was Paul called?  What is an apostle?  How do I know that Paul is an apostle?  Who/what/when/where/why/how was Paul set apart?  What is the gospel?

Obviously you don’t have to go that in-depth with everything you read, but don’t just read. 

Don't ask yourself, "What does this passage mean to me?"  The Bible is not about you; the Bible reveals God's plan for the redemption of His people through Jesus Christ.  Ask yourself what the Bible is revealing about God and His plan for the redemption of His people through Jesus.  

Answer the questions you have asked.

If you don’t know what the Bible says about your questions, consult a resource or ask someone you trust.  The answers to all of the above questions are found in Scripture.  Don’t feel overwhelmed if you don’t know where to find them.  Studying God’s Word is like studying anything else.  It takes time.

Summarize what you have read and apply the truth you have learned to your life.

In writing or in your mind summarize what you’ve read and make application.  James tells us to “prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (James 1:22).  If you don’t take what you’re learning and apply it to your life your study is meaningless.

Some resources.

How to Read the Biblefor All Its Worth – This is a valuable (though not perfect) book that is easy to read.  It will give you background information on the sections of the Bible and gives advice for interpreting the books in each section.

Free Bible Commentary – This is a free internet resource that provides in-depth commentary on every New Testament book and many Old Testament books.  The author provides background information on each book and verse-by-verse commentary.  The resources are available in numerous languages!