Habits #6: Studying Scripture
WHY STUDY THE BIBLE?
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight to life. Psalm 19:7-8
1. To understand God’s CHARACTER
One of the easiest ways to know about God’s character is to study Jesus. When you study Jesus, you study God. Go right to His word, and you find out about His character. The Father and I are one. I and the Father are one . . . If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. John 10:30
2. To know God’s WAYS
It’s nice to know His character but what about His ways? Because His ways and His character are connected, studying the Bible reveals His ways as well. Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105
3. To hear God’s VOICE
In the silence of the moment with you and God’s word you can sense His presence; He puts an impression on your heart. Wouldn’t the God who created you, who loves you, who pursues you, who’s constantly thinking about you, wouldn’t He want to communicate to you? Yes! 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 straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
4. To deepen your FAITH
You can’t have a deep faith without a constant diet of God’s word. God provides wisdom in His word that’s accessible and will strengthen us if we allow it to. And we are confident in the Lord that you are practicing the things we commanded you, and that you always will. May the Lord bring you into an ever deeper understanding of the love of God and the endurance that comes from Christ. 2 Thessalonians 3:4-5
5. To change your LIFE
The Bible is not a dead book full of something mysterious that I can’t fully understand. God uses His written word that thousands of years later can speak right to you in this moment. It’s His living power. For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are. Hebrews 4:12
HOW STUDYING THE BIBLE CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE
But if you keep looking steadily into God’s perfect law—the law that sets you free—and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. James 1:25
STUDY + OBEY = REWARD
ACTION STEPS
Read God’s word. Write about what you’ve read. Make observations. Ask questions, “What’s confusing? What does the text mean?” Examine. Apply.
