STEP FOUR – Exercise #1: Read the Bible
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The Bible
The Bible is the greatest book ever written over a period of 1500 years by 40 different authors. It testifies to and perfectly reflects what God has said and who Jesus is. Jesus’ entire life revolved around God’s Word and therefore it should be the centre of our lives.
John 8:31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,
32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Just as your natural body needs food to live and grow, so does your spiritual life need spiritual food (the Word) to grow and mature by regularly partaking of it. Spending time in God’s Word will help you to deal with life’s circumstances and difficulties. It will cultivate a relationship with Jesus, and the Holy Spirit will use the scriptures as your source of guidance and strength.
Meditating on God’s Word will help you to discern the will of God. David understood this when he wrote in Psalm 143:8 “Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.”
How to read and study the Bible
You cannot possibly know God’s will if you do not read the Bible. In Matthew 4:4 Jesus says that “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” God wants us to read His Word because it is the only way that we will be able to have a strong spiritual life. Also read Psalms 119:9-16; Romans 10:17.
Why do you think you need to read the Bible?___________________________________________________
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A formula that will be helpful to you when you read the Bible is – O.I.A:
OBSERVATION – What does it say? (Who, what, where, when, why, how)
INTERPRETATION – What does it mean?
APPLICATION – How does it apply to you?
(Let’s use this method in reading John 2:1-10)
Memorizing and Meditating scriptures
In addition to the habit of daily Bible reading, memorizing and meditating scripture will help you grow the most as a Christian.
Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Memorizing put’s God Word in your head and meditating puts it in your heart. The Holy Spirit will bring those verses you’ve learned to mind when you need it in situations that require it. Memorizing and meditating on scriptures will also help you to overcome sin.
Psalm 119:9 How can a young man ____________________________? By guarding it according to your
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10 With my whole heart I seek you; ______________________________ from your commandments!
11 I have ___________________________ in my heart, that I might _________________________________.
Memorizing Scripture also helps us win others to Christ. 1 Peter 3:15 says, “Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”
Knowing scripture by heart will help you to meditate on it and it will give you direction for your daily life at any moment. Most of all, you should memorize Scripture because God commands it. “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.” (Deut. 6:6).
How much of your quiet time do you spend in the Word ?________________________________________
Today, what Scriptures did He bring to mind, to guide you through the day? _______________________
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What questions do you have? Please write them down:
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