The Three-Step Study
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The Latin proverb, “Still waters run deep,” is often quoted to mean
“A placid exterior hides a passionate or subtle nature.”
Many seafarers also say still waters are the most dangerous, because they have strong undercurrents hidden from sight that can surprise you. They look calm on the surface, but dangerous deep down.
With this knowledge we see Psalm 23:2, which says,
“…He leads me beside the still waters.”
differently. We are likely to begin to think about the deeper meaning of it.
Still on the issue of Quiet Time, we want to look at how to dig deep when studying our Bibles. I want to quote a scripture which points to one of the earliest preaching practices, which is still used today to train preachers. This is what it says:
The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah—then instructed the people in the Law while everyone remained in their places.
They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage.
(Nehemiah 8:7-8 NLT)
From what we just read, the Levites in instructing the people in the Law, did three (3) things.
- They READ from the book of the Law clearly.
- They EXPLAINED the meaning of what was being read.
- They helped the people to UNDERSTAND each passage.
When having your Quiet Time, or personal Bible Study, you are your own preacher, and need to apply these principles.
The first part simply means we read the Bible with our minds very clear, with no distractions. Radios, mobile phones, televisions, people, pets etc. can be very potent sources of distraction. Reading clearly involves reading with full attention and focus.
The second part is the explanation. This is where you ask questions like:
- What was being said?
- What caused it to be said?
- Where was this being said?
- Who was saying it?
- Who was it being said to?
- What did the one achieve, or hoped to achieve by saying this?
- What do we learn from the passage.
These questions help us to divide and digest the passage.
The third part is where we understand it for ourselves. Note that all we looked at in the first two parts might have happened in Egypt, Israel, Ephesus, Rome, Corinth, Thessaloniki and many other places. In this section, we bring it to where we are, or apply it to our context. So the critical question here is:
How do I apply what I read in the first part, and its explanations in the second part, to my life, environment and circumstances right now?
As we do this prayerfully, God begins to reveal His will and purpose for our lives to us.
The Bible runs very deep, so let us always remember to ask God to reveal the mysteries in His Word to us. Remember to take notes, which you can read later or share with others.
I pray that God helps us through the humble submissions in the past few days to transform our Bible Study and Quiet Times, and make them more fruitful, to His own glory.
MEMORY VERSE
“They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.”
(Nehemiah 8:8)
QUESTIONS
Have you been struggling to understand God’s word?
Why not ask God to reveal His mysteries to you, and dedicate time to study and hear from Him?
PRAYER TIP
Almighty Father, please help us to dig deep, learn from You, and understand Your mysteries.
URGENT CALL
Every soul is valuable to God, far more than the entire world! But by nature, we are all sinful, and alienated from God, and we ultimately face his wrath!
God in His mercy and love made a way for us to remedy this. He gives us a chance to reverse this downward spiral to destruction, join His family, be part of His household, and become His children.
The first step to becoming a member of God’s household is for us to be saved.
Salvation comes through accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Personal Savior.
It is a very personal decision. No one can make that decision for you.
If you make that decision today, there will be great singing and rejoicing in heaven; because one new member has joined the family and household of God! A soul, much, much more valuable than the world, has been saved from destruction!
Do you want to make that decision today?
Please visit “The Believer’s Prayer” for guidance if you want to make that decision.
Then develop your new relationship with God through your Quiet Time.
Then find a Bible-Believing Church where you can Fellowship with like minded people.
We will be happy to hear from you through the contact information on that page, or the ones at the top of this page. Don’t delay. Make this very personal decision today!
God richly bless you
SPECIAL GRATITUDE
Thank you for visiting the Testimony Devotional Website.
We would not have gotten here without your prayers, goodwill and overall support. We are grateful, and humbled.
We thank God for counting us worthy to share in His Great Commission; and we thank you for sticking with us through this journey.
God richly bless you.
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