"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
If we're going to grow into mature followers of Christ we need to study the scriptures. In fact the scriptures tell us to "desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby." (1 Peter 2:2 NKJV) It is through the study of the scripture that we get direction and guidance for our lives as well as learn about the God who created us and the purpose that He has for each of our lives. How should we study? Below is a three simple step process to studying the scriptures. There are many different types of study but the one below would be basic and easy. 1.) Observation- After you have selected a verse that you want to study. Simply read and observe the verse. At this point you don't want to try to figure out what the verse is saying, that will come later in interpretation. Read and reread the verse. Observe what's going on, note names, and places. Observe the details. 2.) Interpretation- In this step you're trying to discover what the verse means. For this step you may need other study tools, background commentaries, exposition commentaries, bible dictionaries and a good study bible will be helpful in this step. All these tools can be found online. Ask the question, in light of the context of the scripture, what does it mean? Many times we get through this step and think that we're done. We not only need to know what the text means but we also need to know how it applies to us. That brings us to our final step. 3.) Application- In this step we're trying to discover how does this biblical truth apply to our lives. We don't just want to learn what the scripture is saying. It's good to have information, but if we want transformation to take place in our lives and if we want to grow spiritually, application is key. Transformation doesn't come by information it comes by application of information. I hope this simple method has given you a place to start. It's best that you take some time each day and spend some time in study in order to foster spiritual growth. As you continue to study my prayer is that you cultivate an intimate relationship with God and discover who He made you to be and begin to live a life of purpose. God Bless ad Choose Life!
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AuthorHusband, Father, Red-Letter Christian, Preacher of the Gospel. Archives
June 2021
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