Closer walk with thee through the Bible

Ps19:7-11 “7 The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether. 10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward.”

Jesus says to sanctify them by the word (Jn17:17)

So to be useful for the Kingdom we need to study the word of God

Why Study the Word? - It has the power of “preservation.”

You need it for there are problems with out it (turn to Hos4:6)

Hos4:6 “6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.”

Unless it is passed on the young cannot stay pure (ref Ps119:9)

Hey the elders are to exhort, are charged with protected the flock (Act20:28-32) - for us it is the men leaders (expand)

One step toward backsliding is to neglect God’s word

Why Study - It possesses the power of “salvation” and “condemnation.”

When we receive the word properly (for it is implanted) it can save souls (Jm1:21)

One day we will be judged by it (turn to and read Jn12:48)

Jn12:48 “48 “He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day.”

Will the word save, or will it judge us, better know it, and apply it for it can make an eternal differance.

Why study is often neglected

They take the preachers word

Don’t take my word, be a good Berean (Act17:11)

Even preachers can be wrong (Act18:24-26) Apollos; elegant speaker but wrong

John said test the spirits (1Jn4:1-2) be able to see false apostles (2Cor11:13-15)

Just don’t get anything out of it, it is outdated

Well, maybe don’t read it enough, or don’t know a good way to go about it

Maybe have a poor translation they cannot understand very well.

And honestly many simply made little effort to understand it.

Here is the biggest one “I just don’t have the time”

Jesus said seek the kingdom first (quote Mt6:33)

Mt6:33Mt6:33

“33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” - - - all these things can be “time”

all these things you give up you won’t even miss, you may at first but soon you won’t mis them at all.

Others that are studying are “busy” too, but make time to study.

Don’t be a fool, there really is no excuse for not studying God’s word. Coming to church is not studying God’s word, that is for, hole on

Act2:42Act2:42 “42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

Devoting to the hearing, to fellowshiping, Lord’s supper and to prayer. It is not to study. Study is at home on your time. Our bible studies on Weds, or Sunday morning are great, but is to suppliment your personal studies

Methods of study

Planned - Bible class, bible study groups, great! but that should not be your only method.

There is the subject method, such as the promises of Jesus, looking for all passages dealing with the promises of Jesus using all resources at your disposal looking up every scripture and noting those down and what you learned.

Book Method - my favorite (daily)

Ineffective is just open the bible

The planned, the subject, the book all help you get a better understanding of the bible in depth of the bible

Here are some suggestions

Set a regular time -Be is morning, noon or night

Begin with prayer (turn to; read Ps119:18)

Ps119:18Ps119:18 “18 Open my eyes, that I may behold Wonderful things from Your law.”

Ask God for understanding (look up a few verses to (vv. 5-6)

Ps119:5-6Ps119:5-6 “5 Oh that my ways may be established To keep Your statutes! 6 Then I shall not be ashamed When I look upon all Your commandments.”

Then when done, end with prayer (go down a few verses and read

Ps119:10-11Ps119:10-11 “10 With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments. 11 Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.”

Find a translation that suits you; I’m not talking about a paraphrase, but a translation (expand)

Use a dictionary; a bible dictionary is best to look up words

Use a concordance - both of these resources are available on line if you have access, if not see me you are welcome to use them in my office anytime or are available on line through Faithlife if you are a member of our group

Bible Commentaries (only after you read, study a passage first) there are many out there, all from man’s perspective so you need to keep that in mind, but they can help you gain some insight. Again, I have many in my office.

Wrapping it all up

Studying is important, it takes you from the milk of the word to the meat of the word

It grows you as a Christian or can save your very soul.

The scripture tells us to hide it in your heart so not to sin against you, being God. So we are commanded to do it.

Jesus says to seek Him first, we do that through the word and prayer.

(Insert invitation slide here previously used; wrapped in righteousness) - give the invitation (Prayer slide) (Exit slide)

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