18 September 2022 AM – 1Peter 2:2 – Study – Scott Childs
Introduction: “This Book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this Book.” – Unknown
Transition: This morning, first, I am going to give you Eight Tips to Improve Your Bible study, and then we will practice together.
1. Eight Tips to Improve Your Bible Study
a. Ask God to Increase Your Desire
1) A child of God ought to desire to hear from Him.
a) (1 Peter 2:2) “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:“
b) If you lack a desire to study God’s Word, something is wrong between you and God.
(1) It could be that you do not truly know the Lord.
(2) Perhaps there is sin between you and God.
2) Laziness points to a lack of interest
a) If you are lazy about Bible study, you do not know God well enough. Ask God for a greater desire to get to know Him and His plan for your life.
b) The things we enjoy, we do with a passion. Studying the Bible is very enjoyable once you learn how.
b. Pray for God’s Help
1) Ask God for understanding. (Psalms 119:18) “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.“
2) If you are discouraged, ask God for motivation.
c. Make it a Priority
1) Busy people need to prioritise Bible Time
a) If you broke your leg and the specialist said that you must have 30 minutes of therapy every day for six weeks, or you may never walk again, you would make the time to do it.
b) If you have time to watch even a half hour of TV each day, you have time to read your Bible. Give God that half hour instead of the TV. Bible study takes discipline, but if it is a priority, you will not forget it.
2) Give Bible time first place in your day
a) Go to bed earlier and set your alarm a half hour (minimum) earlier than usual.
b) The motto one godly mother had for her children was, “No Bible, no breakfast.”
c) If you read the Bible before you do any other mental work, you will be less distracted.
d. Choose a Consistent Time
1) Choose a time that fits your schedule
a) I believe that first thing in the morning is best.
b) I realise, some people are not morning people. If that is you, then set a time that works for you.
2) Be consistent every day.
a) Daily Bible study is as important spiritually as daily food is physically. Seldom do we skip food.
b) Consistency is vital. Thus, choose a time that seldom conflicts with anything else.
c) If something interrupts your time, reschedule if possible or write a BIG note “Remember Bible Time”, and fit it in another slot.
e. Establish a Place to Study
1) It must be a suitable place to study.
a) It should be quiet, well lit and comfortable.
b) It is best where you have access to study tools.
2) Use that place every day.
f. Locate a Plan
1) Random reading will not work well.
a) Most people do not eat only peas one day, only steak the next, and only oatmeal the next. Good health requires a balanced died and variety.
b) Random Bible study is also unhealthy.
2) Choose a schedule that works for you.
a) A book study for a month may be good.
b) I find that a multiple book schedule gives needed variety and sufficient food for spiritual health.
g. Follow a Quality Pattern
1) Read (or listen and follow)
a) Focus on what you read.
b) Observe details and ask questions.
2) Look for God on every page.
a) If His name is mentioned, how was he described? What kind of God is He? What is He like?
b) If His actions are present, what do they tell you about His character? How did he respond?
c) What warnings or promises did God give?
d) What instructions or commands did God mention?
e) What life principles can you find from how God handled situations in other people’s lives? Example: God gave Gehazi leprosy for lying, coveting riches.
3) Mark your Bible
a) Mark helpful verses.
b) Use coloured pencils, NOT markers or pens.
c) Add notes with a mechanical pencil, not a pen.
4) Study
a) Isolate one verse for each day’s focus. Study details.
b) Look up key words (Bible software or app if possible). Bible dictionaries can be helpful (Unger’s).
c) Note the context (verses either side).
d) Look up cross-references (i.e., similar verses).
e) Read a commentary for added thoughts (Barnes, Poole, Ironside, Ryrie). Be careful, not all are good.
5) Write
a) Write a summary of what you learned and what God wants you to do as a result.
b) Use a diary, exercise book, or notes in Bible software or app to record your findings.
h. Practice What You learn
1) Meditate on what you wrote down.
a) Throughout the day, seek to recall what you learned. Chew on it and talk to God about it.
b) Memorise the verse if you can. Try writing it on a card to carry with you.
2) Seek to apply what you learned to your life.
a) The more you do this, the more you will grow.
b) Tell someone what you learned. This will help you as well as the person with whom you shared it.
2. Practice
a. 2 Kings 12:1-3 (Read, Look, Mark, Study, Write)
1) What do we find here about God?
2) What is the context? Kings of Judah. Father killed in battle. Reared secretly by Jehoiada. Athaliah executed. High places.
