Studying God’s Word takes time, and we need to be patient, waiting on the Lord to reveal Himself as the reward of our diligence in studying His Word. Today’s excerpt from The Joy and Rejoicing of My Heart is found on pages 79 and 80:

“Good students of the Bible are not in a hurry. They are willing to read, meditate, mull, and otherwise pore over the focus of their studies again and again and again. They jot down thoughts, make outlines, create diagrams, and read and re-read texts to make sure they’ve covered the ground of their topic from every imaginable perspective. Imagine yourself persisting in your reading and review like someone with a metal detector, combing a beach or historic battlefield. Stay at it until you hear a ‘ping’!

“At the same time, our study will find us looking for other Scriptures to shed light on our focus. A good study Bible can help here, as can a concordance, a Bible dictionary, and a good memory. Because the Spirit speaks throughout the Word, we would expect Him to return to the same ideas again and again, and we’ll want to hear His views on our chosen focus from as many places in the Word as possible. Make note of Scriptures that have a bearing on your study, and plan to meditate on these at some point.

“You’ll want to see how others have thought about the topic of your study. Commentaries can help here, but keep in mind there are different kinds, and make sure you have chosen some by scholars writing from within the tradition of orthodox theology. You might also find some help on the Internet, if you know reliable teachers whose writings you can consult. Studying with a group of friends, to get their input, is also a good idea.

“Finally, you need to state the conclusions of your study in your own words – an outline, a journal entry, or a summary you can talk through with others. And you should determine specific applications from your study that will aid your own growth in the Lord.”

For reflection or discussion
1. Of late, what has been the focus of your study of Scripture? What are you learning?

2. What would you like to share with someone else from your study of God’s Word?

Jesus said we should be like one whose treasure consists of things old and new. Surely we can see how this applies to our study of God’s Word. Both Testaments are rich with divine revelation to help us grow closer to Jesus and become more like Him. Make sure your study of Scripture has you bringing out gems from each. Share today’s podcast with a friend, then get together to share what you’ve been learning from your study of God’s Word. Your copy of The Joy and Rejoicing of My Heart is waiting for you in a free PDF download at The Ailbe Bookstore.

T. M. Moore

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