Study........

(Song: "Yes" by: Shekinah Glory) This was my answer when I answered the call on my life.  As the lyrics says "I won't be afraid, I'll step out on Your word and declare Your glory!!!!!"  (this wasn't easy for me)

Did you know that you were created to have a loving relationship with God?

You may be asking yourself: "How can I know God?" Man is able to know the true and living God through His Word (that is, the Bible). The Bible reveals God's character and His plan for mankind. It is through STUDYING His Word that we come to a knowledge of the righteousness of God and that which He requires of us.

Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.  Joshua 1:8

Let’s look deeper into building a relationship with God/Maintaining it with Studying His Word:

I.               Introduction: 

a.     What is this definition of STUDY? (Webster’s)

·      (to read in detail especially with the intention of learning)

·      "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me" (John 5:39).

b.    Study is bringing the whole self or using ALL five senses.

Matthew 22:36-37 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?  Jesus replied "Love the Lord your God with all of your heart and with all of your soul, and with all of your mind." 

II.              Why Study-sets our minds on things above (Colossians 3:2)

a.     To know God-for WHO He is

·  The Creator of ALL things, my friend, healer, comforter, provider (just to name a few). 

b.     To learn if we have misconceptions

·  Studying will assist you in knowing WHO God is, what He will do, and how to establish and maintain your relationship with Him.

·  Beware of Misconceptions.... 1 Peter 2:1-But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them--bringing swift destruction on themselves.

·  Be Prepare-1 Peter 3:15.... But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

c.     To know ourselves

·  Created by God to live a life of piety/walk in our anointing

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" (Psalm 119: 105).

"The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple" (Psalm 119:130).

d.     To know God’s purpose for our lives

·  Enables us to “look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things that are seen are temporal[earthly]; but the things that are not seen are eternal” (2 Cor. 4:18)

·  We cannot hope to know Him and His ways apart from time spent in His revealed Word. 

e.     To know how to handle life’s problems (give you peace in the midst of a storm)

·  Your talk is different, your responses are different, etc.

III.            What does it take to study?

a.     Overcoming obstacles-laziness, busyness, and pride (MUST DO THIS FIRST)

b.     Developing good habits, including prayer(refer to “How to Study the Bible for Yourself”)

·  Desire-the word of God is unique.  To own a Bible is a tremendous responsibility-to whom much has been given, much is required (Luke 12:48).  Therefore, the word of God must not merely be owned, but known; not merely known, but believed; and not merely believed, but obeyed. 

1.     MOTIVATION-the more you DESIRE to study, it will come naturally to you (following living a life of PIETY).  For example:  military perspective after not being promoted the first time, he or she realizes they will need to learn more.

2.     Studying the Word of God should NOT be viewed as a difficult task, but as a REAL hunger to know more about God and His love for you and I. [[Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Ps. 34:8]]

·  Discipline-

1.     With MANY distractions in the world (ie., internet, phone, television, etc.) we need to find a TIME and PLACE where God will have our undivided attention (ie., bathroom, after everyone is out of the house for the day-if you're a stay-at-home parent, early morning before work)

a.     NO BIBLE NO BREAKFAST

b.     There is NO shortcut to extracting the deeper spiritual truth

c.     consistency cannot be won without commitment

d.     Be able to discern His voice, observation of His work in us and those around us

2.     is central to the whole process of renewing the mind in such a way that we can respond in appropriate ways to the truth of God’s word.  Not only does it involve reading, but active involvement in observation, interpretation, and application of its contents. 

·  Determination -remain steadfast when it comes to studying the Word of God and what He wants to teach us.

1.     We must not only open God's Word-we must also be open to His Word (James 1:22 must prove ourselves as DOERS of the word and not just hearers).

c.     Resources (use study books, coloring method, precept study-marking in Bible)

·  Bible-the Bible was not merely written for OUR information, but for our TRANSFORMATION.  It's the PRIMARY resource of studying and learning how to live a righteous life.

1.     Treat it as a complete Book

2.     It is not JUST an object to be observed, but an oracle [prophesy] to be obeyed

3.     Let the Bible speak for itself

·  Different translations of the Bible (NIV, English Standard Version), study Bible (The Open Bible), Concordance (can be found in the back of your Bible), Bible Handbook, Bible Dictionary, Devotionals, Memory Verses **God's creation is visible all around us....look outside at what He created). 

IV.            What are the results of study?

a.     Faith is strengthen/PIETY is cultivated (just like a plant-study is the water/sunlight)

·  When we apply what we're learning, we're confirming our Christian beliefs and we begin to grow/more open to change

·  "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17).

·  "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear" (Hebrews 11:3).

·   

b.     Actions are God-directed (cause you to REALLY think before acting-“is this glorifying God?”)

·  Must direct your whole life in all of its fullness-you can do so by.....Romans 12: 1 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

·  React differently to situations, gives you PEACE

·  A divine perspective that will enable us to respond in the right way to our circumstances and rise above them (James 1:5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking).

c.     It is a means to holiness and piety(helps you maintain)

·  it increases our sense of devotion while allowing the Holy Spirit to reorder our lives in relationship with Jesus Christ

d.     It assures us of God’s purpose for our life (know God, discern His voice, he will reveal to us our call/purpose)

·  The Holy Spirit gives us this assurance

·  reading and studying daily will  show us how God guides our lives and the plans HE has for us [[Jeremiah 29:11-For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

·  It must move from the head to the heart to accomplish the purpose for which it was given.

V.             Conclusion

a.     Piety is reinforced by study

·  As the desire burn inside of you to get to know God, remember it's important to study and know the word for yourself!

·  When studying, ensure God has your undivided attention.  Ensure you have the tools you need to develop a habitual method of studying for YOU!

b.     Study without piety may become merely an intellectual exercise

·  A desire to study grows out of PIETY; Piety is reinforced by STUDY

·  Together Study and Piety form the focus for a Christians' actions

The end result of all Bible study should be the application to life.  Remember, the Word of God is "seed" to be planted in your heart, to take root and bear fruit.

**Now will you open up your hearts and Bibles and tell the Lord "yes"??