Later this week, I get to start leading a bible study for a group of people I don’t really know. Some may be Christians, and some may not, so deciding on a place to start was not too difficult (a gospel), but figuring out the format and how to go about it has been a little more challenging. Honestly, walking with anyone through the Word is something that I look forward to, because it is not up to me to make sure they learn everything I want them to, as just being in the Word does that on its own. Simply spending time reading through the Word has the power to instruct and transform, just as it has time and time again in my own life. So, maybe it’s a little selfish, but I hope to grow through this process as much as I desire others to do so as well. In what ways has the Word of God been most transformative in your life?
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4
You have likely heard the phrase, ‘seven days without the Word makes one weak.’ It’s not much different than what happens with regular physical exercise. If you have ever been confined to bed for several days, you realize that if you don’t keep active on a regular basis, you can lose strength and endurance fairly quickly. I have noticed the difference in my own life when I am keeping in the Word daily, versus when I go for extended periods without feeding on it. So, the key is to develop a discipline and good daily habits that keep you regularly in the Word. If it is a struggle for you, as it has been for me at times, often accountability to another person or group that you meet with (e.g. a Bible study) to discuss is often helpful in refining this practice. I recall, as a fairly new Christian how hungry I was to delve into the Word and talk about it with fellow believers. What system have you used to keep in the word regularly?
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
Another thing I appreciate about being in God’s Word is that it never really gets old. I’ve read through the same book of the bible several times, and each time, God reveals new things to me that I have not noted as much before. There are often new ways that you can relate and apply it to your life and more to be learned than in several lifetimes. Whether just looking up a verse that you already know and dwelling on that, or reading new material and discovering the context in which it was written or new things about it can help you expand your understanding of God’s redemptive work in the world today and throughout history. Using other commentaries or study guides to help you gain other perspectives is also a good way to grasp additional insights. Maybe you have heard verses misused to suit a particular agenda that takes away from the original intent. Having a solid foundation can also allow you to help others grow and develop a hunger for being in the Word as well. The best way to teach is to lead by example, right?
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Whatever way you get in the Word, whether tried and true for you, or something new, each time is a new adventure. If you haven’t done it, plan to read through the entire bible sometime. Not to brag to your friends about it, but just to expose yourself to the entire expanse of what new things you can learn. I’m nearing the end of going through Ecclesiastes with a Sunday School group, and it has been as exciting for me now as the first time I went through it, years ago when I was in College. One thing you can ask of the Lord each day is to reveal the truths found in His Word to you. I’m sure this is a prayer He never gets tired of answering. May you be blessed and be a blessing to others as you continue to learn and grow in the Word each day of your life!
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105
Yours in Christ,
Clark
