GETTING YOUR BIBLE INTO YOUR HEART
1. Bible Study Methods:
A. II Timothy 2:15 "STUDY" to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman
that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth."
"STUDY" (Greek) earnestness; zeal, to hasten to do a thing, to exert
oneself; endeavour; give diligence.
"STUDY" (Dictionary) careful attention to, and critical examination
and investigation of any subject, event, etc.; to apply ones mind to
think attentively; try to learn or understand by reading, thinking, etc.
B. Acts 17:11 "They received the Word with all readiness of mind, and
SEARCHED the scriptures daily…"
"SEARCHED" (Greek) from a legal term used among the Greeks denoting the
preliminary investigation for gathering evidence for the information of
the judges. It means to examine, investigate, enquire.
"SEARCH" (Dictionary) to go over or look through for the purpose of
finding something; examine; to examine closely and carefully; test
and try; probe.
There is a great deal of difference between "studying" God's Word and
"reading" Gods Word.
There are definite Scriptural principles on how to study, but there are
many different methods.
It is very important to define our specific problems and or goals and then
to aim our Bible study in that particular direction. No Matter what our
problems might be, God's Word has the answer. Many of us fail to solve our
problems because we don't do what the Word tells us to do.
"SUBJECT METHOD" one such Bible study method which helps us to overcome
specific problems in any one area of our lives.
A problem well defined is half solved. This is the first step in solving
any problem.
The Bible is an immensely practical book. Our Father gave it to us to
show us how to deal with the everyday problems that we have to face.
Therefore, once we have chosen our subject, we begin by selecting verses
of Scripture pertaining to it.
11. MEDITATION:
A. 1 Timothy 4:15 "MEDITATE" upon these things, give thyself wholly
to them; that thy profiting may appear to all."
B. Joshua 1:8
C. Psalms: 1:2-3
"MEDITATE" (Hebrew) murmur, ponder, imagine, mutter, speak, study
talk, utter.
When we "study", we feed ourselves with spiritual food. When we "meditate",
we digest this spiritual food. It is necessary to "study" God's Word to get
it into our minds. It is necessary to "meditate" God's Word to get it into
our hearts.
Why meditate? You retain 80-100% of what you meditate on.
"MEDITATE ACROSTIC":
M – MEMORIZE the verse.
E – EMPHASIZE key words.
D – DEFINE words. (Use dictionary, Bible dictionary, different translations, Vine's, Strong's)
I – INDIVIDUALIZE (personalize) the verse.
T – THINK about the verse.
A – APPLY the verse. Be a doer of the Word.
T – TELL others.
E – ENJOY the Lord. Practice the presence of the Lord.
Meditation is the "bridge" between studying God's Word and acting on God's Word.
Joshua 1:8 says, "…MEDITATE…, that thou mayest observe TO DO according to all
that is written therein:…"
HOW TO START;
1. Place all verses on 3×5 cards.
2. Take one Scripture per day to meditate on. Otherwise we'll give ourselves
"spiritual indigestion" by trying to meditate on too many Scriptures.
3. Invest in books and [media] dealing with the area of study.
Victory in the area comes according to the time and heart put into our study and
meditation.