“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
The Bible is the most important book on Planet earth, for it contains the Word of God. It is God’s manual for living the successful and glorious life, hence if there’s any book that deserves careful and undivided attention, it’s the Bible. Your Bible-study time shouldn’t be shared with any other activity because it’s too important. Most importantly, when you study the Bible don’t merely leaf through like you would a newspaper, neither should you read through like an express train. You should read your Bible as slowly and meticulously as possible. Don’t speed-read.
This is why Paul counseled Timothy to “study”, rather than just “read.” Studying the Bible ought to be a diligent and painstaking endeavour which when carried out under the auspices of the Holy Spirit refreshes, enlightens and energizes your spirit. When you speed-read the Bible you could miss out certain essential details that the Spirit of God seeks to communicate to your spirit.
The Bible is replete with so many wonderful treasures, and as you go through it, it’s possible to miss something because your mind is set on getting something else out of the particular verses you’re reading. But when you slowly and meticulously ponder over each word, each line and each verse, it’ll be easier for the Holy Spirit to arrest your attention and illuminate your spirit with amazing revelations. Also, get a Bible dictionary to look up the meaning of unfamiliar words, as this will equally aid your study of the Word.
Remember, the Bible is not a story-book or a history journal, so don’t breeze through it every day. Give it careful consideration; analyze every word, phrase, verse and thought through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Keep a pen and pad close by to write down the thoughts that’ll come to your spirit as you diligently study the Word.
Most importantly, meditate on the Word as you study, and let it soak into your spirit; confess it over and over again until it gains the ascendancy in your mind. This is the right way to study your Bible and position yourself for the victorious life.
Prayer
Dear Holy Spirit, I thank you for enlightening the eyes of my understanding and granting me the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of you as I spend time today to diligently study the Word. Thank you for revealing your Word to my spirit, to inspire, energize and programme me for the great life of success, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study: 2 Timothy 3:16: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness”
Psalm 119:9: “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word”
(Taken by permission from Christ Embassy Church , aka Believer’s LoveWorld Ministries , Lagos, Nigeria. www.ChristEmbassy.org )
