Passage: Spiritual Disciplines | Lesson 02
Ernie Lew | March 15, 2015
Opening Question:
Why is reading the Bible important?
[1 Timothy 4:6-8]
Definition: Reading God's way and will for His people through hearing, reading, studying, integrating, meditating on, and applying the Word of God in order to be more godly.
1. Hearing the Word: "What message has the Word spoken to others?"
a. Hearing the Word come from other people (1 Timothy 4:13, Matthew 5:21, 27, 33, 38, 43)
b. Hearing the Word is not merely listening but obeying (Luke 6:46-49, 11:27-28)
2. Reading the Word: "What does the Word say?"
a. Scripture is valuable (2 Timothy 3:16)
b. Jesus expects you to read (Matthew 12:3, Matthew 21:42, Matthew 22:31, Mark 12:26,
Luke 10:26)
3. Studying the Word: "What is the accurate interpretation of the Word?"
a. Careful examination of scripture to discern its true message (Acts 17:11-12)
4. Memorizing/Integrating the Word: "How does the Word fit into my life?"
a. Good: Memorize scripture (Psalm 119:11)
b. Better: Integrate scripture (Matthew 4:1-11)
5. Meditating on the Word: "What does the Word mean to me?"
a. Meditation of scripture leads to better execution of scripture (Joshua 1:8)
b. How to meditate suggestions:
1. Select and interpret a passage
2. Paraphrase the passage
3. Find ways to apply the passage
4. Pray through the passage
6. Applying the Word: "What does the Word of God want me to do?"
a. We must use the Word to be truly changed (James 1:22-25)
b. Ask application oriented questions such as:
1. Does the text reveal something I should believe about God?
2. Does the text reveal something I should pray about for myself or others?
3. Does the text reveal something I should have a different attitude about?
4. Does the text reveal something I should make a decision about?
5. Does the text reveal something I should do for the sake of Christ, others, or myself?
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