Did you start a “read the Bible through in one year plan” on January 1? Have you kept it up? Perhaps nothing honors God more than a thorough examination of His word. What I mean by that is when we take the Bible as the word of God, it honors Him by placing Him in His rightful place – as Lord of our lives.
Now, sometimes we study at the Bible. I am not talking about that. I am not talking about extra Biblical research: not history books, not commentaries, and those types of materials. Those are interesting, but the Bible, all by itself, is good enough. I am not talking about just reading the Bible. That is a great start – and if you are not reading your Bible daily, let me encourage you to begin today doing so.
Hosea says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you …” (4:6). We too can be destroyed spiritually if we do not know God’s word. Revelation 20:12 says we will all stand before God’s throne and be judged. In John 12:48, Jesus warned that His word would judge. So it is imperative that we study to know and apply God’s word. Psalm 1 says the blessed man is the one who meditates on God’s law day and night. The Hebrew word there describes what one did with dough. They work it and knead it. They spend some time with it.
The inspired Paul maybe put it best in 2 Timothy 2:15. “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” A chapter later he says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (3:16-17).
So, what should we do? Here are some suggestions.
- Read. I said it was not the only thing to do, but I also said it was a good start. We need to read the passage.
- Ask some questions.
- Why is he saying this?
- Why say this here?
- Why say it after said that?
- Why say this here, and then say that next?
- Why does he use these words in order to convey this point as opposed to some other words that could have been used?
- Determine application. What are the lessons for my life from this passage?
In other words, what does the passage say, what does it mean, and what am I going to do about it? If we begin to look at the Bible in that way, then we will become better Bible students.
Finally, figure out something that works for you and your schedule.
- Read one chapter of Proverbs.
- Morning Bible studies.
- Evening bible devos.
- Listen to sermons.
- Listening to the Bible on cd/apps.
- Set an alarm.
- Be consistent.
Whatever you do, make 2019 one to grow closer to the Lord by resolving to study God’s word!
Corey Sawyers