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The purpose of studying the Bible is for you to
be able to change into the person God has created you to be. The
Scriptures’ aim is to replace your old destructive habits
of thought with new life giving habits. The apostle Paul tells us
“we are changed through the renewal of the mind” (Rom.
12:2).
Many Christians stay stuck in their growth simply because
they don’t study the Word. They may be faithful in church
attendance and do all their religious duties, but they remain unchanged.
They still live in fear, controlled by the anxieties of life. They
may sing with gusto, serve in the church, and live as obedient as
they know; yet they aren’t any different than someone who
is not a Christian.
What’s the difference? Jesus made it unmistakably clear that
the knowledge of the truth will set us free. “You will know
the truth, and the truth will make your free” (John 8:32).
Good feelings will not free us. Ecstatic experiences will not free
us. Getting “high on Jesus” will not free us. Without
knowledge of the truth, we will not be free.
This principle is true in every area of life. It is true in biology
and math. It is true in athletics, marriage, and driving a car.
But it is especially true in connection to spiritual life.
What is Study?
Study is an action where the mind is moved in a direction to
learn something new, through observation, understanding, and application.
Study involves four steps.
1. Repetition - saying or doing something over
and over again. Repetition without even understanding what is being
repeated does affect the inner mind (that is why it is so important
to pay close attention to all that we watch, and listen to).
2. Concentration - focusing all your attention
on what is being studied.
3. Comprehension - understanding and defining what
you are repeating and concentrating on.
4. Reflection - brings things to focus on how God
sees them.
Questions
on Bible Study
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