Become A Diligent Student of The Bible
My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart. [Proverbs 4:20-21]
As we are all fully aware, we live in a world full of distractions, challenges, and busyness. As single women, we are responsible for everything in our lives and, some days honestly it can be overwhelming. This is the reason we must stay grounded in the Word.
As believers, we’re called not only to profess our faith but to live it out daily. Now, more than ever, the importance of being grounded in the Word of God cannot be overstated.
I know some people say, I wish there was a guidebook for our lives. Well girlfriend there is, that is exactly what the Bible is. It is God’s love letter written for us from the beginning to the end to bring us into a relationship with HIM. The Bible isn’t just a book; its words are inspired by God almighty Himself. Written down and preserved for us to gain wisdom, guidance, direction, and so much more.
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]
It’s not just for the pastor, teacher, or evangelist – it’s for all of us. Do you realize that everything you need is in God’s Word?
You don’t need to call up a girlfriend every time you have an issue. There is no need to complain at a luncheon about all you are going through. No need to run to a therapist for sure. And most importantly, there is no reason to cry out to God and beg him to help you. You have been given everything you need – OPEN YOUR BIBLE AND READ IT!!!
In this message, let’s go on a treasure hunt! Because that is what the Bible is – it’s a treasure trove of great promises!!! We’ll explore why becoming a diligent student of the Bible is crucial for every believer and I will also provide some resources to equip you for your daily study.
CONSISTENCY IS KEY
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. [Joshua 1:8]
To fully benefit from God’s Word, consistency is key. This is something that I emphasize in almost every single podcast or post. That we MUST be reading and meditating on the scriptures daily. Listening to a half-baked sermon on Sunday with possibly one or two scriptures read, is not enough for you to be transformed by the Word of God. As believers, we are to be transforming our minds through the Word of God. To do this we need to be consistent to where we are immersed within the Word. We are to be so filled with the Word that it just overflows out of us onto others!! 😊
Just as we nourish our bodies with regular meals, our spirits require consistent nourishment from the Word of God. Without this regular intake, our spiritual health can suffer.
Not only will your spiritual health suffer, but you will easily be deceived or blinded by things that are happening in this world IF you are not studying the Word.
MAINTAINING YOUR FIRE
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. [Hebrews 4:12-13]
Now you can do what you want, because I’m just here as a mouthpiece for God, you are not accountable to me – but ONLY to Him. He sees what you do, when you do it, or if you don’t do anything. If you have lost your passion for God, it might be because you are not spending time with Him.
The way to ignite and maintain your fire for God is by yourselves in Scripture. This is what I love about scriptures they confirm themselves! Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the Word is alive and powerful; how can that alone not fire you up? This is not an ordinary book, it’s sharper than a two-edged sword!! Which will cut between your soul and spirit, which is a really good thing – if you open and read the book 😊
Throughout the Bible, you can encounter the living God!! Jesus is in every book of the bible, which is absolutely amazing. Most importantly, you will find that God’s love permeates throughout all the books! It’s a powerful, life-transforming book that we have been given the privilege to read and understand! This is how your relationship with God is developed and nurtured, if you are not reading His love letter; you are neglecting the most important relationship in your life.
STANDING FIRM
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. [1 Corinthians 16:13]
In this crazy, messed up, confused, and deceived world; you must be standing on the Word of God; which will always remain an unshakeable foundation. This world is filled with shifting sands with ever-changing values, and life principles. So, you must know what the foundational biblical principles and the truths from the Word of God are in order to navigate life’s challenges with boldness and conviction.
We have to stand firm because people are scared, deceived, full of fear, and don’t know which way to turn. The world does NOT have the answer. Hollywood does not have the answer. The government, for sure, does not have the answer. We have the solution and the answer to whatever they may be going through.
By anchoring ourselves in Scripture, we equip ourselves to stand firm in the face of adversity and temptation. The ONLY way that you can commit to standing firm is by being in the Word daily.
DISCOVERING GOD’S PROMISES
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. [2 Peter 1:3-4]
The Bible is a treasure trove of promises waiting to be discovered. Do you realize that there are over 8,000 promises of God???? Seriously! Most of these promises were made just for you and me! It’s just so amazing, from assurances of God’s love and provision to His faithfulness and mercy, every page is filled with reminders of His goodness.
Holy smokies we are so blessed. Here’s your homework to do right after you listen to this podcast; find at least 10 promises that you can stand on! Write them down and post them somewhere that you will see them every single day. Speak these promises over your life!! 😊
LIVING THE LIFE GOD INTENDED
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. [Ephesians 5:15-20]
If you don’t know what is in the Bible, you won’t know how to live the life God wants you to live.
Ultimately, knowing the Word of God is essential for living the life He intends for us. It’s also how we can stand firm during opposition and confusion. Scripture is how we gain insight into God’s character, His will, and His purposes. Without this understanding, we risk living aimlessly, without direction or purpose. But by becoming diligent students of the Bible, we align ourselves with God’s plans and open ourselves to His abundant blessings and promises. Yes and Amen 😊
RESOURCES AND TIPS FOR STUDY
TIME BLOCKING: One thing that I’ve mentioned in several messages is blocking out time on your calendar. This means physically blocking out time for your Holy Appointment – your time with God.
I meet with the Lord very early in the morning, but you choose a time that will work best for you. You are meeting with God Almighty, so show up for your appointment!!! 😊 You don’t want to miss what He has for you.
READING PLAN: Have a reading plan, so that you are not wasting time trying to figure out what you are going to read. Your goal every year should be to read through the entire Bible. Every single time we read a scripture there should be new revelations!
Here is the plan that we are using to read through the Bible during our first year at Charis Bible College. You are welcome to use this or find something that will work specifically for you. While reading, don’t just read it as you are reading it for an assignment. Read and stop and meditate when something speaks to you, or you don’t understand it. Do some research and ask God for wisdom and understanding. Be in prayer and have a dialogue with the Lord while you are reading HIS Words.
SPECIAL LOCATION: have a designated space where you will meet with the Lord daily. This is where your bibles, notebooks, journals, pens, highlighters, and anything you may need stay. If you don’t have a place where you can keep everything, have a special bag so all your things are in one place and bring that bag with you! Then you just show up for your appointment and you are prepared and ready to jump into the Word for the day!! That way you are not looking around and again wasting time.
BIBLE GATEWAY: I like to use the bible gateway software, so that I can easily look up different translations. If you sign up for a free account, you can color code passages and make notes. My preference right now is the New Living Translation. Another translation that I like is called the passion translation. Sometimes a different translation will give insight that you might not see at first.
BIBLE STUDY MADE SIMPLE: If you would like further guidance on how to study the bible here is a great resource from Ted Shuttlesworth, one the pastors/evangelists that I like to listen to.
PRAY AND SEEK WISDOM: again, we are not reading the Bible as a duty or a command, we are reading to obtain guidance and wisdom from the Lord. But also, this is how we learn about who God is, what he has promised us, and how we are to live as believers. This is how we learn to discern the Lord’s voice, what God wants us to do, and what direction to take. Most importantly this is how we develop and nurture our personal relationship with the Lord. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. [James 1:5]
In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.
The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins.
So, dear (brothers and) sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. [2 Peter 1:5-11]