Studying the Bible by Ben Bonython
Psalm 119:15-16 says I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your Word. There is a connection between studying the Word and the delight you enter in to as you study. And as you delight, you find yourself wanting to study the Word.
The devotional element of studying the Word is most connected to delight. That is when we study, not for anything except devotion, we gain delight. There are many ways to study the bible and many resources available.
When you look as a passage of scripture, maybe a single verse, or a chapter, one approach to study that is worth considering is POEM:
Prayer: Take a moment to pray:
Lord, help me to see and hear, help me to open my ears and heart, help me to know more about you. May my study glorify and bless you. Amen
Observing: Read the passage a few times, and write down key words or phrases you read or hear:
What does it say? How does it say it? Whose interest is at heart here? Who is being addressed? What categories of people are being
Exploring: Explore with other resources/internet observations that capture your attention: What words stand out from your observations? What words are repeated, emotions, expressive, is it linked, where else in the Bible, where was the text spoken, what was the area like, what was going on at the time, what bible theme does this link to?
Meaning: What truth and blessing can be applied and remembered:
What does this text mean for me, family, church and community? How can I relate to this text? Where am I in the story? What is the Spirit saying to me?
It is hard to study the bible with today's fast pace life full of many different tasks to complete and entertainments to enjoy.
But there is something intangible in the delight of the Word of God that surpasses our immediate things.
Give yourself time and allow yourself to be delighted in the Word. Let it bless you. Let it wash over you. Let it renew your mind. Let the Word transform your life every day!