DAY THREE - How Can I Understand The Bible?
As you were told on Day 2, the Bible is one of
the best ways by which a person can grow spiritually. There are
five ways by which the Bible can become a part of your life.
HEARING THE WORD
Notice that the Bible is often referred to as "The Word."
This is because it is God's way of communicating with us. We use
our words to express ourselves to others; God uses the Bible to
express himself to us.
Because hearing is one way of receiving the Word of God into our
lives, in these first days and weeks of your Christian experience
form the habit of attending every church service possible. There
you will hear the Word of God.
Form the habit, too, of sitting near the front of the church, so
you will not be distracted. Always take your Bible and look up the
passages the speaker refers to. Take notes; it will help you remember
helpful points.
READING THE WORD
Another way to get the Word of God into your life is to read it
regularly. The kind of habits we form determine our character, and
one of the best habits you can form is to read the Bible every day.
Set a reasonable pace for
yourself. Start by reading fifteen minutes in the morning and perhaps
the same amount before going to bed at night. Carry a New Testament
and read it during lunchtime.
For your devotional reading, use a Bible in which you can underline
with a pen and perhaps write notes in the margin.
STUDYING THE WORD
Deeper study will take more time, but it has more value too. A little
later you will find help on this. For studying you will need a longer
period, an hour at least-perhaps some evening you have free.
MEMORIZING THE WORD
Notice that each of these gets a little harder. But memorization
is one way of obeying the verse, "Thy word have I hid in mine
heart."
Psalm 119:11
Start with some of the verses listed each day. First look at the
various parts, noticing what each really means. This is very important.
Then notice the important words. For example, in Psalm 119: 11 the
important words are "word," "hid," and "heard."
Memorize the reference too.
MEDITATING ON THE WORD
If you have heard, and read, and studied, and memorized the Bible,
you have something to meditate on. In the many spare moments during
the day-working around the house, waiting for an elevator, driving
down the street-you can put your mind in gear. If you can't sleep
at night, try thinking about a passage or verse from the Bible.
UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE
There's nothing mysterious about the Bible. Just think of
it as God's way of talking to you. However, this outline
will help you understand any part of the Bible, long or
short.
- Points.
- What does this passage or verse say? What are the various parts?
What are the subjects it speaks of?
- Problems.
- What does this verse or passage say that you don't understand?
Write down the problems and find the answers later, by your study
or by asking an older Christian.
- Parallels.
- What similar thoughts are found elsewhere in the Bible? The
more you study, the more help you will have here.
- Promises.
- What blessings and helps are stated or implied?
- Perils.
- What warnings do you find?
- Precepts.
- What commands are stated or implied, for you to obey?
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SCRIPTURE
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TODAY'S BIBLE READING:
John 7, 8, and 9
BIBLE STUDY FOR DAY 3
(answer in your own words)
John 7:17
What attitude will help a person to know if certain teachings are true?
John 7:37-39
What happens to the one who believes on Jesus?
John 8:31
How can we really be Jesus' disciples?
John 8:32
What will the truth do for people?
GOOD VERSES TO MEMORIZE:
John 7:37
John 8:12
John 8:32
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