HOW TO GET A
‘GRASP’ ON YOUR BIBLE
The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. It is God’s way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone.
II Timothy 3:16-17 (LB)
SIX WAYS TO GET A GRASP ON YOUR BIBLE
The Hand Illustration
On this page, trace an outline of your own hand!
I. HOW TO HEAR GOD’S WORD
Faith comes from hearing the Word of God.
Romans 10:17
Ways to Hear God’s Word:
The Bible on tape
Church services & studies
Sermon tapes
Radio/TV teachers
PROBLEM: We forget _________________________% of what we hear after 72 hours.
HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR HEARING
1. Be ready and eager to hear God.
(Jesus) He who has ears to hear, let him hear!
Luke 8:8
…Be quick to listen…
James 1:19
2. Deal with attitudes that prevent hearing God. (Luke 8:4-15)
Consider carefully how you listen…
Luke 8:18
-A Closed Mind: Is fear, pride or bitterness preventing me from hearing God?
-A Superficial Mind: Am I really serious about wanting to hear God speak?
-A Preoccupied Mind: Am I too busy and concerned with other things to
concentrate on what God has to say?
3. Confess any sin in your life.
…Get rid of all moral filth and humbly accept the Word…
James 1:21
4. Take notes on what you hear.
We must pay more careful attention to what we’ve heard, so that we do not drift away!
Hebrews. 2:1
Keep a Spiritual Notebook
5. Act on what you hear!
Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says!
James 1:22
Whoever…does not simply listen and then forget it, but puts it into practice– that person will be blessed in what he does.
James 1:25 (GN)
II. HOW TO READ GOD’S WORD
Happy is the one who reads this book…and obeys what is written in it!
Revelation. 1:3 (GN)
How often should I read God’s Word? _____________________________
(The scriptures) shall be his constant companion. He must read from it every day of his life so that he will learn to respect the Lord his God by obeying all of His commands.
Deuteronomy. 17:19 (LB)
SUGGESTIONS
Read it systematically.
Read it in a Bible without notes.
Read it in different translations.
(For reading: Good News, Living Bible, Phillips)
Read it aloud quietly to yourself.
Underline or color code key verses.
Choose a reading plan and stick with it.
If I read approximately _______ minutes a day, I can read through the Bible once a year.
A BIBLE READING PLAN
THROUGH THE NEW TESTAMENT IN 30 DAYS
1. Matthew 1-9
2. Matthew 10-15
3. Matthew 16-22
4. Matthew 23-28
5. Mark 1-8
6. Mark 9-16
7. Luke 1-6
8. Luke 7-11
9. Luke 12-18
10. Luke 19-24
11. John 1-7
12. John 8-13
13. John 14-21
14. Acts 1-7
15. Acts 8-14
16. Acts 15-21
17. Acts 22-28
18. Romans 1-8
19. Romans 9-16
20. I Corinthians 1-9
21. I Corinthians 10-16
22. II Corinthians 1-13
23. Galatians - Ephesians
24. Philippians - II Thessalonians
25. I Timothy - Philemon
26. Hebrews
27. James - II Peter
28. I John - III John
29. Revelation 1-11
30. Revelation 12-22
III. HOW TO STUDY GOD’S WORD
…they accepted the message eagerly and studied the Scriptures every day…
Acts 17:11 (Ph)
Be a good workman…Know what His word says and means.
II Timothy 2:15
The difference between reading and studying the Bible is that you
when you study.
The secret of effective Bible study is knowing how to ____________________________
___________________________________.
Six Basic Questions:
____________________________________?
____________________________________?
____________________________________?
____________________________________?
____________________________________?
____________________________________?
Study Bibles:
The Best Personal Study Bible:
The Life Application Bible (Tyndale)
The Best Topical Study Bible:
Thompson Chain Reference Bible-NIV (Kirkbride)
The Best Background Study Bible:
The NIV Study Bible (Zondervan)
The Best Doctrine Study Bible:
The Disciples Study Bible (Holman)
Bible Handbooks:
Richard’s Complete Handbook (Word)
Halley’s Bible Handbook (Zondervan)
Eerdman’s Bible Handbook (Eerdmans)
Other Important Study Tools:
As many different translations as you can afford
(These can be purchased in parallel editions)
A complete concordance to match your translation
The New Bible Dictionary (Eerdmans)
The Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Baker)
The New Bible Commentary (Eerdmans)
The Moody Atlas of Bible Lands (Moody)
IV. HOW TO MEMORIZE GOD’S WORD
Guard My words as your most precious possession. Write them down, and also keep them deep within your heart.
Proverbs 7:2-3 (LB)
BENEFITS OF MEMORIZING SCRIPTURE
1. It helps me resist temptation.
I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.
Psalms 119:11
2. It helps me make wise decisions.
Your word is a lamp to guide me and a light for my path.
Psalms 119:105
3. It strengthens me when I’m under stress.
…Your promises to me are my hope. They give me strength in all my troubles; how they refresh and revive me!
Psalms 119:49-50 (LB)
4. It comforts me when I’m sad.
Your words are what sustain me…they bring joy to my sorrowing heart and delight me.
Jeremiah 15:16 (LB)
You will be glad if you remember them and can quote them.
Proverbs 22:18 (GN)
5. It helps me witness to unbelievers.
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason
for the hope that you have.
I Peter 3:15
WHEN TO MEMORIZE A VERSE
During your quiet time
While exercising
While waiting (spare moments)
At bedtime (Psalm 63:6)
HOW TO MEMORIZE A VERSE
1. Pick a verse that speaks to you.
2. Say the reference before and after the verse.
3. Read the verse aloud many times. Record it!
4. Break the verse into natural phrases.
5. Emphasize key words when quoting the verse.
6. Write down the verse and erase a word at a time.
7. Write out the verse on a flash card.
8. Carry some cards with you at all times for review.
9. Display your verses in prominent places.
10. Always memorize the verse word-perfect.
11. Put the verse to music. Write a song!
12. Get a partner so you can check each other.
Suggested beginning rate: 2 new verses a week.
THREE KEYS TO MEMORIZING:____________________, ___________________,
____________________.
We remember what is _____________________________.
The law You gave me means more to me than all the money in the world.
Psalm. 119:72(GN)
SCRIPTURE MEMORY COURSE
The following verses suggest a “balance” in Scripture Memory. The verses selected are key verses in understanding the foundations of the Christian Life and Christian Growth. Do not feel tied-down to this suggested list. This is only a tool to lead you in an understanding of the importance of memorizing “key” verses.
Live The New Life:
Christ the Center II Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20
Obedience to Christ Romans 12:1; John 14:21
The Word II Timothy 3:16; Joshua 1:8
Prayer John 15:7; Philippians 4:6-7
Fellowship Matthew 4:19; Romans 1:16
Proclaim Christ:
All Have Sinned Romans 3:23; Isaiah 53:6
Sin’s Penalty Romans 6:3; Isaiah 53:6
Christ Paid the Penalty Romans 5;8; I Peter 3:18
Salvation Not by Works Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5
Must Receive Christ John 1:12; Revelation 3:20
Assurance of Salvation I John 5:13; John 5:24
Rely on God’s Resources:
His Spirit I Corinthians 2:12 & 3:15
His Strength Isaiah 41:10; Philippians 4:13
His Faithfulness Lamentations 3:22; Numbers 23:19
His Peace Isaiah 26:3; I Peter 5:7
His Provision Romans 8:32; Philippians 4:19
His Help in Temptation Hebrews 2:18; Psalm 119:9,11
Be Christ’s Disciple:
Put Christ’s First Matthew 6:33; Luke 9:23
Separate from the World I John 2:15-16; Romans 12:2
Be Steadfast I Corinthians 15:58; Hebrews. 12:3
Serve Others Mark 10:45; II Corinthians 4:5
Give Generously Proverbs 3:9-10; II Corinthians 9:6-7
Develop World Vision Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19-20
Grow in Christ’s Likeness:
Love John 13:34-35; I John 3:18
Humility Philippians 2:3-4; I Peter 5:5-6
Purity Ephesians 5:3; I Peter 2:11
Honesty Leviticus 19:11; Acts 24:16
Faith Hebrews 11:6; Romans 4:20-21
Good Works Galatians 6:9-10; Matthew 5:16
V. HOW TO MEDITATE ON GOD’S WORD
(Those) who are always meditating on His Laws…are like trees along a river bank bearing fruit…they never wither and whatever they do prospers.
Ps. 1:2-3(LB)
Meditation is ______________________ about a Bible verse in order to discover how I can apply its truth to my own life.
WHY MEDITATE ON SCRIPTURE?
1. It is the key to becoming like Christ.
…Your life is shaped by your thoughts.
Proverbs 4:23
…Be transformed by the renewing of you mind.
Romans 12:2
As we… contemplate the Lord’s glory, we are being transformed into His likeness…
I Corinthians. 3:18
2. It is the key to answered prayer.
If you live your life in Me, and My words live in your hearts, you can ask for whatever you like, and it will come true for you.
John 15:7(Ph)
3. It is the key to successful living.
…Meditate on (the Word) day and night, so you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Joshua 1:8
SIX WAYS TO MEDITATE ON A VERSE
1. Picture it! Visualize the scene in your mind.
2. Pronounce it! Say the verse aloud, each time emphasizing a different word.
3. Paraphrase it! Rewrite the verse in your own words.
4. Personalize it! Replace the pronouns or people in the verse with your own name.
5. Pray it! Turn the verse into a prayer and say it back to God.
6. Probe it! Ask the following nine questions:
(S.P.A.C.E.P.E.T.S.) Is there any….
S.P.A.C.E. P.E.T.S. Questions
SIN TO ?
PROMISE TO ?
ATTITUDE TO ?
COMMAND TO ?
EXAMPLE TO ?
PRAYER TO ?
ERROR TO ?
TRUTH TO ?
SOMETHING TO ?
HOW TO APPLY GOD’S WORD
Do not fool yourselves by just listening to the Word. Instead, put it into practice.
James 1:22
…Whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Matt. 5:19
HOW TO APPLY SCRIPTURE
1st ask: What did it mean to the original hearers?
2nd ask: What is the underlying timeless principle?
3rd ask: Where or how could I practice that principle?
Write out a sentence that describes a project or action you will take to apply the truth.
Most applications will focus on one of 3 :
With God……….Within myself……….With other people
MY WEEKLY CHECK UP
MY DAILY QUIET TIME
Sun. Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri Sat.
HOW I “GRASPED” GOD’S WORD
Hearing the Word
Reading the Word
Studying the Word
Memorizing the Word
Meditating on the Word