As you are well aware, this magazine is dedicated to helping those who really desire it to receive a true education. The foundation of such an education is to grow in our relationship with God, our Creator. Last issue we covered how to pray, which is our means of talking to God. Now we are going to learn how God talks to us. This article will show you how to listen to God by studying His inspired word, the Holy Bible. As with any good education there is study involved. So grab your sword, the Bible (Hebrews 4:12). We also suggest having a pen and paper so you can write out the verses and any extra notes or thoughts you might have. Now, let’s begin.
Why Study?
1. Does man really need guidance from God? Can’t he reason out for himself how to properly lead his own life? Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 14:12.
Mankind has proven throughout history that, apart from God, he doesn’t know how to live. He has been unable to discover for himself the way to true happiness, abundance and world peace.
2. What’s the main problem with man? Jeremiah 17:9. The “heart” that verse speaks of is the human mind without God’s influence—a state the Bible refers to as “carnal.” What’s wrong with allowing yourself to be governed by your carnal mind? Romans 8:6-8.
3. For what purpose did God give His Word to us? 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
Notice the words “reproof” and “correction.” Most people don’t like the idea of taking reproof (rebuke) or correction. Do you? Will you let God, through His Word, show you where and how to change? After you read a scripture or a passage, ask yourself, How does this apply to me? Do I need to change my life to follow what God is telling me here?
4. Is there an attitude God is looking for in us as we seek Him through Bible study? Isaiah 66:2; 1 Peter 5:5.
We can’t seek God with a “take me just as I am” attitude and expect results. God looks for humility—our knowing that we don’t have the answers of ourselves. Then we will “tremble at His Word,” meaning we will respect what He tells us enough to act upon it and turn away from our mistakes. See also Isaiah 57:15. God will actually dwell with the humble!
5. What did the Prophet Jeremiah do when he needed help, understanding and guidance? Who was his source? Psalm 119:9-11, 17-18.
To truly understand your studies of the Bible, you must act on the lesson in the last issue and pray first for understanding. Throughout the psalms, you will see the wonderful relationship between the psalmists and God. In your future studies, the psalms can help you to see how to develop that same deep relationship with your Creator.
6. When it came to seeking God, was Jeremiah halfhearted? Psalm 119:10.
7. What are the rewards of seeking God’s understanding through His Word? Proverbs 3:13-18.
This is the bottom line. You will never receive these blessings without seeking after God’s wisdom. Bible study is the chief way to do that. Although the idea of doing more study outside of school may not be exactly exciting now, that is the way to achieve success: peace, happiness and abundance. If you lack the motivation to study, ask God to help you find it! (Luke 11:9-10).
8. Though we understand that the Bible is God’s Word, it seems that there are as many different interpretations of the Bible as there are religions and churches. Should we rely on our own or any other man’s interpretation of the Bible? Proverbs 3:5; 2 Peter 1:20.
Let the Bible interpret itself! As Herbert W. Armstrong so often stated, it is like a jigsaw puzzle, “here a little, and there a little” (Isaiah 28:10). Avoid taking scriptures out of context or using only one scripture to prove a point. We must read numerous scriptures on a given subject to gain a clear picture of what a specific verse or passage means.
9. Amidst all that confusion, how can we get God’s interpretation and not that of the many men who claim to understand the Bible? 1 Thessalonians 5:21.
Study to prove God’s Word. Look into the history of the world and see if God has brought His prophecies to pass. Look into world events today and see whether God’s predictions have come true.
God speaks to us through His Bible, nurturing us, helping us to grow. We should never approach Bible study with an attitude of disproving Him. Test and prove God’s Word through obedience.
God promises blessings for heeding His commands and taking correction. Obey and put those promises to the test. See if God lives up to His promises. (Read Malachi 3:10 as an example.)
And then, once you prove something good, hold fast to it! Never let it go! Build your life around the foundational truths you learn in your Bible study.
The Basics
In conclusion, here are a few helpful hints to make sure you get the most out of Bible study.
1. Study consistently and frequently.
As with any education, consistent study is essential for you to really advance. This, of course, takes self-discipline. So the first thing to do is set a regular study schedule into your everyday routine. Have it be a time when you are alert, when it can be something you will truly anticipate.
2. Study by subject.
Start off simple. Pick one subject or one book of the Bible, and study it thoroughly. Some Bible handbooks will give you historical background on books of the Bible. This can provide you with valuable information so you can understand what was going on in history as the events of whatever book you are reading unfold. One great resource is Strong’s Concordance. It will give you deeper understanding into the meaning of words that are translated from their original Greek or Hebrew into English.
Be careful what translation you read (see “Which Bible for You?”). Some translations are less accurate than the King James. For instance, the New International has mistranslations in many cases and even leaves a few scriptures completely out.
3. Develop a system to mark your Bible.
Colored pencils work very well for this. For instance, you might mark promises in green, personal correction in yellow, and doctrine in orange. In addition, you can find good indelible fine-point ink pens that will allow you to write notes in your margin to remind you of details and instruction that apply to the noted verses.
4. Meditate and review.
After learning lessons, it does not take long to forget. How can you make God’s word come alive and really penetrate your heart and consciousness? Meditation is key. Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2; Psalm 77:12. You have to think about what you study for it to really sink in. (We’ll cover meditation in more detail in next issue’s “Know Your Bible.”)
Just think! The world’s best-selling book is the inspired Word of God. Far too many allow it to sit on the shelf and collect dust. Don’t miss out on being educated by your Creator! Nothing is more exciting than fulfilling His purpose in your life—to be a member of His family—by seeking Him, talking to Him and then letting Him reply. Take the time, ask for the discipline from God, and begin a regimen of Bible study today.