Once every few months, we host “Equip Nights” at our church, Salem.  On Sunday mornings we are walking through every book of the Bible in 2023.   One of the questions I have received multiple times either in person or by text or email is simply, “How do I hear from God?” or “How does He speak?”  Often times, as we should, we look at the Scriptures.

At our last Equip Night, I felt led to share some practical tips on how to study the Bible to improve our hearing from the Lord.  The response was such an encouragement, I thought I would share them here as well.

Growing on our own in our faith must be rooted in prayer and the study of God’s Word.  Often times when we study the Word, there is a tendency to jump into the application or into the historical detail that might be included in a particular passage usually in Old Testament.  But when it comes to Scripture, we must begin by looking at the forest not the trees at first to get the “big picture.”  This is the foundation of studying the Bible.

It is essential that we do our due diligence in the study of God’s Word to insure we arrive at what the Holy Spirit intended rather than simply what we want it to say?

Here are some Practical Principles for Reading God’s Word.

 1. Read broadly.

  • Look for the connectives.
  • Pay attention to context.
  • Evaluate the passage in light of the book as a whole.
  • Look for the big picture or major thoughts of the passage.

2. Read repetively. (for me 10-15 times)…

  • It allows me to get a sense of the passage.
  • It also provides and opportunity to memorize a verse the Spirit highlights.

3. Read prayerfully. 

  • “Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Your law.” Psalm 119:18

 KEY QUESTION:  What should I look for as I am reading?

  • Notice natural breaks in the passage. When dividing the passage, look for obvious changes in thought or subject matter. Paragraph breakdowns can sometimes aid in locating divisions in the passage.
  • Notice reasons for and results of in the passage. Look for key words such as because, therefore, in order that, and for. This type of speech indicates to us the motive we should have for doing something or a result we can expect from a certain type of action.
  • Notice repetition of thoughts or key words in the passage. This type of observation should be made not simply to enumerate the frequency of the repetition, but to help in identifying the issues that are being addressed and how they relate to surrounding issues. Repetition reveals the author’s emphasis.    For example in Joshua 1:6,7,9, Joshua is commanded by the Lord to be strong and courageous.
  • Notice particular statements in the passage. Warnings, Commands, Promises, Exhortation, Rhetorical Questions, Etc. Different types of statements help reveal the tone of the passage. Also, they are helpful in understanding how truths should be taken and applied.
  • Notice descriptive words in the passage. Descriptions are usually made up of adjectives, listings of adjectives, or nouns that are used to describe a person, thought, condition, or way of life. Keep a sharp lookout for descriptions because God often uses them when revealing Himself.
  • Notice comparisons and/or contrasts in the passage. This type of speech can sometimes be identified by words such as: like & as (comparison), or but & however (contrast). Comparisons help us to understand the similarities between certain things or ideas, while contrasts aid us in seeing distinctions, differences, or opposites.
  • The tone or atmosphere of the passage is very important. What is happening during a conversation or discourse? Is there a pattern or progression?
  • Record observations of the passage. When recording observations do so using a complete thought or sentence. Make sure your observation is complete and not just the tip of the iceberg (connected to other reasons, descriptions, etc). When this is done it will add significance to your observation. Record your observations in third person.
  • Examples (Matthew 6:25-34). Incorrect way: Anxious used 5 times.
Correct way: “Five times Jesus commands or teaches against being anxious about earthly things.”Better way: “Five times Jesus commands or teaches against being anxious about even the necessities of life (food, clothes, drink, tomorrow)
  • Discern the “big idea” of the passage.” In one phrase or sentence, sum up the author’s main point in the passage. The most effective way to do this is to examine your divisions for a common thread.

God did not intend studying His Word to be complicated.  My hope is that these tips will help you fall more in love with God and the Bible.  What am I missing?

 

 

Below is a link to the original teaching video.