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HOW TO GET A “GRASP” ON YOUR BIBLE

‘All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.’

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)

I. HOW TO HEAR GOD’S WORD

‘Faith comes by hearing the Word of God.’ Romans 10:17

Ways to hear God’s Word

The Bible on CD/DVD
Church services and studies/online
Teaching Series
Radio/TV Ministries

PROBLEM: We forget 95% of what we hear after 72 hours.

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR HEARING

1. Be ready and eager to hear God.

(Jesus) “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” Luke 8:8

“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Psalm 119:103

2. Deal with attitudes that prevent hearing God (Luke 8:4-15)

“Consider carefully how you listen…” Luke 8:18

- A closed mind: Is fear, pride or bitterness preventing me from hearing God?
- A superficial mind: Am I really serious about wanting to hear God speak?
- A preoccupied mind: Am I too busy and concerned with other things to
concentrate on what God has to say?

3. Confess any sin in your life

“...Get rid of all moral filth and humbly accept the Word.” James 1:21

4. Take Notes on what you hear.

“We must pay more careful attention to what we’ve heard, so that we do not drift away.” Hebrews 2:1

5. Act on what you hear.

“Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says!” James 1:22

“Whoever does not simply listen and then forget, but puts it into practice – that person will be blessed in what he does.” James 1:25 (GN)

II. HOW TO READ GOD’S WORD

“Happy is the one who reads this book…and obeys what is written in it!” Rev. 1:3 (GN)

How often should I read God’s Word? Everyday

“The scriptures shall be his constant companion. He must read from it every day of his life so that he will learn to respect the Lord his God by obeying all of His commands.” Deut. 17:19 (LB)

SUGGESTIONS

- Read it systematically
- Read it in different translations (Good News, Living Bible, Phillips, New Living Translation, New International Version etc.)
- Read it aloud quietly to yourself
- Underline or color code key verses
- Choose a reading plan and stick with it

If I read approximately 15 minutes a day, I can read through the Bible once a year.

III. HOW TO STUDY GOD’S WORD

The difference between reading and studying the Bible is that you use a pencil when you study.

“…they accepted the message eagerly and studied the Scriptures everyday…” Acts 17:11 (PH)

The secret to effective Bible study is knowing how to ask the right questions.

“Be a good workman…Know what His word says and means.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)

SUGGESTED RESOURCES

Study Bibles

v Personal Study Bible-The Life Application Bible by Tyndale

v Topical Study Bible-Thompson Chain reference Bible by Kirkbride

v Background Study Bible-New International Version Study Bible by Zondervan

v Doctrine Study Bible-The Disciples Study Bible by Holman

v Personal Reading Bible-The New Living Translation by Tyndale

Bible handbooks:

v Richard’s Complete Handbook by Word

v Haley’s Bible Handbook by Zondervan

v Eerdman’s Bible Handbook by Eerdman’s

Other important study tools:

v The New Bible Dictionary by Eerdman’s

v The Baker Bible Encyclopedia by Baker

v The New Bible Commentary by Eerdman’s

v The Moody Atlas of Bible Lands by Moody

IV. HOW TO MEMORIZE GOD’S WORD

The Benefits of Memorizing Scripture

1. It helps me resist temptation

“I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Ps. 119:11

2. It helps me make wise decisions.

“Your word is a lamp to guide me and a light for my path.” Ps. 119:105

3. It strengthens me when I am under stress.

“Your promises to me are my hope. They give me strength in all my troubles; how they refresh and revive me.” Ps. 119:49 (LB)

4. It comforts me when I’m sad.

“Your words are what sustain me…They bring joy to my sorrowing heart and delight me.” Jer. 15:16 (LB)

5. It helps me witness to unbelievers.

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15

When to memorize a verse…

v During your quiet time

v While exercising

v While waiting/spare moments

v At bedtime (Psalm 63:6)

How to memorize a verse…

v Pick a verse that speaks to you

v Say the reference before and after the verse

v Read the verse aloud many times

v Break the verse into natural phrases

v Emphasize key words when quoting the verse

v Write down the verse on a flash card

v Carry cards with you at all times for review

v Display your verses in prominent places

v Put the verse to music

v Get a partner so you can check each other

Three keys to memorizing: Repetition , Repetition, Repetition

We remember what is important to us.

“The law you gave means more to me than all the money in the world.” Ps. 119:72 (GN)

V. HOW TO MEDITATE ON GOD’S WORD

‘But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. ‘ Psalm 1:2-3 NLT

Meditation is ruminating (focused thinking) about a Bible verse in order to discover how I can apply its truth in my own life.

WHY MEDITATE ON SCRIPTURE?

Meditation is the key to becoming like Christ.

“Your life is shaped by your thoughts.” Proverbs 4:23 (GN)

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2

“As we contemplate the Lord’s glory, we are being transformed into His likeness.” 1 Cor. 3:18

Meditation is the key to answered prayer.

“If you live your life in Me, and my words live in your hearts, you can ask for whatever you like, and it will come true for you.”

John 15:7 (PH)

Meditation is the key to successful living.

“Meditate on (the Word) day and night, so you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8

SIX WAYS TO MEDITATE ON A VERSE

Picture it: Visualize the scene in your mind.
Pronounce it: Say the verse aloud each time emphasizing a different word.
Paraphrase it: Rewrite the verse in your own words.
Personalize it: Replace the pronouns or people in the verse with your own name.
Pray it: Turn the verse into a prayer and say it back to God.
Probe it: Ask the following nine questions: is there any…

Sin to confess?
Promise to claim?
Attitude to change?
Command to obey?
Example to follow?
Prayer to pray?
Error to avoid?
Truth to believe?
Something to thank God for?

VI. HOW TO APPLY GOD’S WORD

‘Do not fool yourselves by just listening to the Word. Instead put it into practice.’ James 1:22

Ask yourself the following questions:

v What did it mean to the original hearers?

v What is the underlying timeless principle?

v Where or how can I practice that principle?

‘Whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.’ Matthew 5:19

Most applications will focus on one of three relationships:

With God

Within myself

With other people

4 marks of a good application project:

It’s personal , It’s practical, It’s possible, It’s provable

‘Now that you know these things-do them! That is the path of blessing.’ John 13:17 LB

Next segment will be “The Habit Of A Daily Quiet Time”