I am often asked how I study my Bible so I thought I would post here for all to have these tips.
I break it down into four areas and I will give you the quick version of all four.
BE STILL . ABIDE . ADORE. APPLY
BE STILL- Starting with prayer, asking God to meet me on the pages of His Word and give me understanding. Read the text and than read it again. Taking time to really slow down and write out the verse or verses. Then take the time to meditate on His Word before rushing on ahead.
ABIDE- This is where I spend the majority of my time. This is where I journal, observe and interpret the text. Some of the things I look for here are as follows-
*Who wrote this and who was it written to?
*When was it written?
*Why was it written?
*What are the main focus of this passage.
* What transition words are there the point of the meaning ? (therefore, likewise, so, but, etc.)
*Does the passage speak to believers and or our new identity in Christ.
More but I wont bore you.
ADORE- This is where I recognize and write down What I learned about God and His Character in the passage. hank God for who He is and allow my heart to just marvel in awe of His character. I ask what attributes are seen here and then I pray those attributes will be revealed in my own life.
APPLY- Scripture is meant to transform us, so we must not stop studying His Word until we have taken the time to recognize how what we learn about God changes our lives .
*How does the text remind us of our Fallen condition.
*How does what we learn about God change our heart and attitudes toward our situations and circumstances?
*What practical things can we do in light of this passage?
*Use verbs and action words to make your applications such as: choose, confess, commit, encourage, memorize,
praise, pray, pursue, surrender, stop, think and wait .
Know this is a shortened list and there is much more we can look for and ask ourselves.
"All scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." 2 Timothy 3:16
In Christ Alone,
Cindy