It’s time to draw nigh to God more now than ever before, my fellow brethren! We simply cannot live this Christian life or even conquer our daily responsibilities successfully without the power of His word and the Holy Spirit. So on that note, here are a few helpful tips on how to study the Bible and grow spiritually. Are you ready? Here goes…
- Study
a BOOK of the Bible – Read a whole book like Ephesians,
Philippians, Psalm, James, etc. (and when you read it, have a notebook,
journal, pen, and highlighter ready to take notes of things that jump off
the pages to you…like revelation knowledge!)
- Character
Studies – Study those who have gone through life already, like
Joshua, David, Job, Samuel, Moses, Esther, etc. And don’t just look at the
good ones, but take a look at the ones who messed up, so you’ll learn
“not” to do that! 1 Corinthians 10:11 tells us, “And these events happened
to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us, who live at
the time when this age is drawing to a close.” (NLT)
- Study
the Life of Jesus – Read and study the gospels to see how Jesus
responded to life and people (study His character in order to become more
like Him)
- Topics –
As the Spirit leads you, study certain topics (i.e. contentment, fruit of
the Spirit, obedience, full armor of God, forgiveness, anger, love, joy,
etc.)
- Proverbs –
Read it for wisdom on how to live day-to-day as a wise Christian (idea…read a chapter a day for 31 days each month of the year)
- Read
the Bible all the way through – Read from Genesis to Revelation
(Find a Bible Reading Plan or just start reading)
- Get
a Study Bible – This will help you to understand the Scriptures
better. Also when you study, have a dictionary nearby or Google the
definitions of words in the natural text as well as Greek meanings (for
deeper understanding). A concordance and commentary are also very helpful.
You’ll be amazed at what you will learn!
- Read/Research –
Read and research problem areas in your life and allow God to change you
one step at a time (i.e. submissive wife, obedience to authority, having
godly character, anger, dealing with difficult people, impure thoughts,
etc.)
- Create
a Scripture List – Create a Scripture list with all the
Scriptures that you need for the season you’re in and speak it out loud.
- Read
a Book – Read a book on the subject you want to grow in and take
that book with you everywhere you to go (with a notebook) and finish it.
- Get
the FREE Bible App on your Phone – Listen to the word and have it
at your fingertips. Get you some headphones and listen to the word as
often as you can. Remember, faith cometh by hearing, and by hearing the
word of God.
- Surround
yourself with the Word – Type up, write up, or print up
Scriptures and put them in places where you will be encouraged or
ministered to by them. You can even buy mugs, frames, journals, etc. with
the verses on them. The point is to surround yourself with it.
- Go
to a Bible Study, Create a Book Club or Small Group
Study - If you’re not already plugged into a Bible Study
in your church or community, I highly suggest that you pray and find one
where you can grow with other Christians. You’ll be amazed at your
spiritual growth after you’ve committed to one or spent time in a weekly
fellowship with other like-minded Christians!
- Find
a Conference – Look out for conferences in your
city or near your area. And if the Lord leads you to go, then go and grow!
While you’re at it, bring a friend or invite a group. It’s good
fellowship!
- Allow
the Holy Spirit to Lead You – He will be the one to guide you
into all truth. He will whisper to you what books to read, topics to
study, conferences to attend, and Scriptures to memorize for the season
you’re in. So be sensitive to His prompting and direction. He will only
tell you what our Father in Heaven wants you to do.
I hope and pray that this has helped you in some way. The
Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a
workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Study, sis. Memorize. Meditate on God’s word. Hide it deep down in your heart,
so that you might not sin against God as Psalm 119:11 says. And become the
worthy vessel that He has called you to be in these last days. It’s time to
gird up and sharpen your sword (the word of God), so that you will be ready for
anything that comes your way in 2016!
Remember Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure
unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!