There's something about making a commitment that tends to solidify our resolve and encourage us to action. Join me in making a renewed commitment to spending quality time with God and His Word. Cut and paste this into your favorite word processing program, then print it out, fill it out, and tuck it in your Bible as a daily reminder.
I _________________________________ make a renewed commitment to study God’s word and apply it to my life. I agree that “doing the minimum” for my spiritual life each week is not a plan for success or for igniting my walk with God.
2 challenges I will face in keeping my commitment are:
1. ___________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________
My plan for overcoming those challenges:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Days I plan to meet with God for Bible study and quality time:
(circle all that apply) Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Time-frame I plan to meet with God (Ex. 6am-6:30am):
_____________________________________________________
Signed ____________________________________________________
Date: ___________________________
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Going deeper with OBSERVING in Bible study
Read Matthew 6: 5-15 (NKJV)
When making observations, look for:
• Key words (circle our underline them)
• Repetition/patterns of words & phrases (circle and number them)
• Structure — look for groupings
• Contrasts and similarities (draw arrows)
• Good questions to ask
• define/look up key words
• Cross references to find other key relative passages
• Timeless truths
• Applications
• Attributes of God
• Warnings
------------------------------
In the Matthew 6 passage above, what are 3 key words repeated multiples times? How many times?
1. PRAY 6X
2. FATHER 6X
3. FORGIVE 6X
List some CONTRASTS you have observed
• Street corner vs secret place
• Seen by men vs seen by God
• Vanity reward vs God’s reward
Define KEY WORDS to the text:
• “Hallowed”: Dedicated & set apart for Holy purposes
• “Debts”: a literal debt or offence/sin
• “Trespasses”: failings/sins
Attributes of God
• God is Father
• God knows all things — even secret things
• God portrays Himself as male
-------------------------------------
More observations:
Warnings
V5 “You shall not be like the hypocrites”
V7 “Do not use vain repetitions like the heathen”
Types of prayer:
1. Hypocritical & showy: Prayer is supposed to be to God & for His attention, not other men.
2. Authentic: prayer shaped by God as audience
Structure of the prayer:
Vs 9-10 God-focused adoration
Focus on His Fatherhood
Focus on His kingdom — by laying down our will for His
Vs 11-13 Us-centered supplications (askings of God)
Ask God for our daily needs
Ask God for forgiveness — as we forgive others
Ask God for everyday protection from Satan and temptation
Vs13b God focused adoration & praise
Good questions:
1. What “reward” does one get with authentic prayer?
2. What is God’s “secret place”? (A. vs6,9 = Heaven)
3. Who are our “debtors”?
4. Do we parrot this prayer or use as pattern?
5. What is prayer?
6. Why is forgiveness so important? Why is it conditional?
7. What is God’s kingdom?
8. Has God’s kingdom not come?
9. Have others been led into temptation? (yes. Jesus, Job, Peter)
10. Is this condemning corporate prayer?
11. If God is Father, what is He not? (Mother, daughter, uncle, etc.)
Timeless Truths:
• God desires that our prayers reflect worship and praise
• God rewards us as we pray authentically
• God rejects hypocritical prayer
• Forgiveness is not optional and so important in day to day life
• God sees our hearts
• We need to pray for deliverance from Satan’s influence
When making observations, look for:
• Key words (circle our underline them)
• Repetition/patterns of words & phrases (circle and number them)
• Structure — look for groupings
• Contrasts and similarities (draw arrows)
• Good questions to ask
• define/look up key words
• Cross references to find other key relative passages
• Timeless truths
• Applications
• Attributes of God
• Warnings
------------------------------
In the Matthew 6 passage above, what are 3 key words repeated multiples times? How many times?
1. PRAY 6X
2. FATHER 6X
3. FORGIVE 6X
List some CONTRASTS you have observed
• Street corner vs secret place
• Seen by men vs seen by God
• Vanity reward vs God’s reward
Define KEY WORDS to the text:
• “Hallowed”: Dedicated & set apart for Holy purposes
• “Debts”: a literal debt or offence/sin
• “Trespasses”: failings/sins
Attributes of God
• God is Father
• God knows all things — even secret things
• God portrays Himself as male
-------------------------------------
More observations:
Warnings
V5 “You shall not be like the hypocrites”
V7 “Do not use vain repetitions like the heathen”
Types of prayer:
1. Hypocritical & showy: Prayer is supposed to be to God & for His attention, not other men.
2. Authentic: prayer shaped by God as audience
Structure of the prayer:
Vs 9-10 God-focused adoration
Focus on His Fatherhood
Focus on His kingdom — by laying down our will for His
Vs 11-13 Us-centered supplications (askings of God)
Ask God for our daily needs
Ask God for forgiveness — as we forgive others
Ask God for everyday protection from Satan and temptation
Vs13b God focused adoration & praise
Good questions:
1. What “reward” does one get with authentic prayer?
2. What is God’s “secret place”? (A. vs6,9 = Heaven)
3. Who are our “debtors”?
4. Do we parrot this prayer or use as pattern?
5. What is prayer?
6. Why is forgiveness so important? Why is it conditional?
7. What is God’s kingdom?
8. Has God’s kingdom not come?
9. Have others been led into temptation? (yes. Jesus, Job, Peter)
10. Is this condemning corporate prayer?
11. If God is Father, what is He not? (Mother, daughter, uncle, etc.)
Timeless Truths:
• God desires that our prayers reflect worship and praise
• God rewards us as we pray authentically
• God rejects hypocritical prayer
• Forgiveness is not optional and so important in day to day life
• God sees our hearts
• We need to pray for deliverance from Satan’s influence
Monday, April 20, 2009
Going a little deeper with Bible study — ask more questions
• Asking good questions: Probe with questions, that if answered or thought through, will help you understand the text better. Don’t be afraid to ask really hard questions that you cannot answer at the time. Answers may come later. Asking and processing good questions help us to gain a greater understanding of the text.
Let’s look another text and ask some good questions.
Read Matthew 6: 5-14 NKJV
How many questions can you come up with from this old, well-known passage?
Bring in for discussion next week.
For example:
Q. Why is God’s NAME so important? What does it mean that it is “hallowed”?
Q. How is God’s will done in heaven?
Q. Would God lead us into temptation?
Let’s look another text and ask some good questions.
Read Matthew 6: 5-14 NKJV
How many questions can you come up with from this old, well-known passage?
Bring in for discussion next week.
For example:
Q. Why is God’s NAME so important? What does it mean that it is “hallowed”?
Q. How is God’s will done in heaven?
Q. Would God lead us into temptation?
HOW TO HAVE A BASIC, DEVOTIONAL BIBLE STUDY part II
In-class study & class discussion
Read Habakkuk 3:17-19 NKJV
1. What does it say?
Make observations; put it in your own words
2. What does it mean?
Make accurate interpretation
3. How can I apply this to my life?
Q. Is there a command to obey?
Q. Is there an example to follow?
Q. Is there a warning to beware of?
Q. Is there a prayer to pray?
Q. Is there a promise to claim?
Q. Is there a key verse to memorize or meditate on?
Q. Is the Holy Spirit speaking to me specifically about something?
Read Habakkuk 3:17-19 NKJV
1. What does it say?
Make observations; put it in your own words
2. What does it mean?
Make accurate interpretation
3. How can I apply this to my life?
Q. Is there a command to obey?
Q. Is there an example to follow?
Q. Is there a warning to beware of?
Q. Is there a prayer to pray?
Q. Is there a promise to claim?
Q. Is there a key verse to memorize or meditate on?
Q. Is the Holy Spirit speaking to me specifically about something?
Monday, April 13, 2009
HOW TO HAVE A BASIC, DEVOTIONAL BIBLE STUDY
Bible study: Igniting a passion for God’s Word through effective Bible study practices and methods
(If you want to really go basic, skip down to number 3)
When READING God’s Word — ask these questions, preferably in this order:
1. What does it say?
• Make observations: be a careful “observer” of what is happening in the text or what is being taught. Trying making a list of things you are noticing.
• Try putting it in your own words — this really helps you to work at understanding what you are reading.
• Summarize it: If you read a chapter, summarize it in a sentence or two.
2. What does it mean? Make accurate interpretation: there is only ONE correct interpretation, but many applications. When interpreting, remember:
• Some Scriptures are symbolic, metaphorical, emblematic, not always straight forward
• Let the Scriptures interpret themselves whenever possible (cross ref)
• Let the verse or passage be interpreted: in context with what was said before and after it —in the chapter; in the context of the book or letter it is in; in the context of the New Testament; in the context of the whole Bible.
3. How can I apply this to my life? Application
When APPLYING God’s Word — look for these 6 opportunities:
[Remember that men under the Old Testament laws were cursed, as it were, because they were UNDER, and in bondage to, the law; but the New Covenant, in the New Testament, brought grace through Jesus. Not all Old Testament laws still apply because of this and because the O.T. sacrificial system was fulfilled in Christ.]
Q. Is there a command to obey?
Q. Is there an example to follow?
Q. Is there a warning to beware of?
Q. Is there a prayer to pray?
Q. Is there a promise to claim?
Q. Is there a key verse to memorize or meditate on?
Finally,
Q. Is the Holy Spirit speaking to me specifically about something?
Class exercise: use Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NKJV) to do a short Bible study focused on application using the above questions to guide you.
(If you want to really go basic, skip down to number 3)
When READING God’s Word — ask these questions, preferably in this order:
1. What does it say?
• Make observations: be a careful “observer” of what is happening in the text or what is being taught. Trying making a list of things you are noticing.
• Try putting it in your own words — this really helps you to work at understanding what you are reading.
• Summarize it: If you read a chapter, summarize it in a sentence or two.
2. What does it mean? Make accurate interpretation: there is only ONE correct interpretation, but many applications. When interpreting, remember:
• Some Scriptures are symbolic, metaphorical, emblematic, not always straight forward
• Let the Scriptures interpret themselves whenever possible (cross ref)
• Let the verse or passage be interpreted: in context with what was said before and after it —in the chapter; in the context of the book or letter it is in; in the context of the New Testament; in the context of the whole Bible.
3. How can I apply this to my life? Application
When APPLYING God’s Word — look for these 6 opportunities:
[Remember that men under the Old Testament laws were cursed, as it were, because they were UNDER, and in bondage to, the law; but the New Covenant, in the New Testament, brought grace through Jesus. Not all Old Testament laws still apply because of this and because the O.T. sacrificial system was fulfilled in Christ.]
Q. Is there a command to obey?
Q. Is there an example to follow?
Q. Is there a warning to beware of?
Q. Is there a prayer to pray?
Q. Is there a promise to claim?
Q. Is there a key verse to memorize or meditate on?
Finally,
Q. Is the Holy Spirit speaking to me specifically about something?
Class exercise: use Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NKJV) to do a short Bible study focused on application using the above questions to guide you.
A PLAN for success
Bible study: Igniting a passion for God’s Word through effective Bible study practices and methods
Here are some ideas to get you off on the right footing with your quiet times:
a. Make time for God.
Prioritize Him into our lives. We make time to eat, rest, play, work, etc. But for some reason we neglect the One whom life is all about — Jesus. Eternal God stepped into time, became a man, suffered and died for us on a cruel cross. He gave His whole life for us — surely we can make time for Him. Set apart a regular time to have a quality meeting with God. How much time? Ask the Lord to lead and help you in this.
You know, we basically make time for the things we really want to do. And Dr. David Jeremiah probably said it best with, “We have about as much of God as we really want.”
Take a look at your day — write a list of what you do and for about how long (including sleep). Ex. Sleep: 8 hours; breakfast 10 min.; work & travel: 9 hours; lunch time: 1 hour; time with family, including dinner: 3 hours; TV & reading 1.5 hours; Quiet time: 1 hour.
Would you be willing to give up a meal time for the Lord? A half hour of sleep? Some TV? Use your lunch hour to spend time with God? Most believers have some kind of desire to spend time with God, but fall short with prioritizing it. They have crowded out God. They put people before God — food before God — sleep before God — TV before God — and work before God. And so they have put other “gods” before the One true God! In the first commandment we understand God’s heart to have Him in priority: “I am the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt — you shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exod. 20:1)
There are probably at least two mindsets about spending time with God:
“How much time do I have to spend with God?” (You know, so I won’t feel guilty about it)
“How much time can I spend with God?” (What can I not do so that I can spend more time with the God who loves me and in whom I have my whole purpose for living?)
What mindset do I have?
For those of us who see the importance but lack the motivation — we can begin by praying a little each day asking God to increase our motivation and help us to work out a plan to make a Quality Time work. Give the Lord time (days, weeks, months) to work into you the thing you are asking for. I often go to the Lord in my weakness and pray something like:
“Father, You are good. I am weak and unable in my flesh to do this thing I know you would have me do. Please help me in my weakness, Lord. Please work in me to have the wisdom, strength and motivation I need. I give You permission to change my desires, schedule, plans in order to accomplish this thing. Amen.”
b. Prepare our hearts.
Through repentance and prayer (1 John 1:9), let’s get our life and hearts clean so that nothing hinders us. If you have something against someone else — forgive them (Matt. 6:15). If we have grieved the Holy Spirit by acting or speaking “in the flesh” — confess it and seek the Lord’s cleansing. Have a clean heart before the Lord — if we don’t, then we cannot expect our QT to amount to anything.
c. Use a reading plan
Unless you have a specific study focus in mind, yearly reading plans are great to give us some direction each time we get before the Lord. They also help us to have a structured way to read all the way through the Bible. If a “through the Bible in a year” plan is too ambitious — do it in 2 years, or 3 years, or 5. And even if you have another focused, more in depth study, these yearly plans are great to do in addition.
d. Mix it up
A great recipe for a boring Bible study/ quality time with God: do it the same way day after day, month after month, year after year. Find ways to approach your QT with God that will make it fruitful and exciting for YOU.
• Use a good devotional book • Shift the weight of time between these: Bible reading, prayer, memorizing, in depth studies • Worship! • Sing to God •
e. Write it down
When the Lord teaches or reveals something to us in our QT, write it down so that we can revisit it often. Being a “forgetful hearer” (James 1) should not be our goal!
f. Apply what we learn
Learning is not our goal: heart transformation is! What good is it if we do not only learn? Better to learn a little and apply it than learn a lot and it only be “head-knowledge.”
Here are some ideas to get you off on the right footing with your quiet times:
a. Make time for God.
Prioritize Him into our lives. We make time to eat, rest, play, work, etc. But for some reason we neglect the One whom life is all about — Jesus. Eternal God stepped into time, became a man, suffered and died for us on a cruel cross. He gave His whole life for us — surely we can make time for Him. Set apart a regular time to have a quality meeting with God. How much time? Ask the Lord to lead and help you in this.
You know, we basically make time for the things we really want to do. And Dr. David Jeremiah probably said it best with, “We have about as much of God as we really want.”
Take a look at your day — write a list of what you do and for about how long (including sleep). Ex. Sleep: 8 hours; breakfast 10 min.; work & travel: 9 hours; lunch time: 1 hour; time with family, including dinner: 3 hours; TV & reading 1.5 hours; Quiet time: 1 hour.
Would you be willing to give up a meal time for the Lord? A half hour of sleep? Some TV? Use your lunch hour to spend time with God? Most believers have some kind of desire to spend time with God, but fall short with prioritizing it. They have crowded out God. They put people before God — food before God — sleep before God — TV before God — and work before God. And so they have put other “gods” before the One true God! In the first commandment we understand God’s heart to have Him in priority: “I am the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt — you shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exod. 20:1)
There are probably at least two mindsets about spending time with God:
“How much time do I have to spend with God?” (You know, so I won’t feel guilty about it)
“How much time can I spend with God?” (What can I not do so that I can spend more time with the God who loves me and in whom I have my whole purpose for living?)
What mindset do I have?
For those of us who see the importance but lack the motivation — we can begin by praying a little each day asking God to increase our motivation and help us to work out a plan to make a Quality Time work. Give the Lord time (days, weeks, months) to work into you the thing you are asking for. I often go to the Lord in my weakness and pray something like:
“Father, You are good. I am weak and unable in my flesh to do this thing I know you would have me do. Please help me in my weakness, Lord. Please work in me to have the wisdom, strength and motivation I need. I give You permission to change my desires, schedule, plans in order to accomplish this thing. Amen.”
b. Prepare our hearts.
Through repentance and prayer (1 John 1:9), let’s get our life and hearts clean so that nothing hinders us. If you have something against someone else — forgive them (Matt. 6:15). If we have grieved the Holy Spirit by acting or speaking “in the flesh” — confess it and seek the Lord’s cleansing. Have a clean heart before the Lord — if we don’t, then we cannot expect our QT to amount to anything.
c. Use a reading plan
Unless you have a specific study focus in mind, yearly reading plans are great to give us some direction each time we get before the Lord. They also help us to have a structured way to read all the way through the Bible. If a “through the Bible in a year” plan is too ambitious — do it in 2 years, or 3 years, or 5. And even if you have another focused, more in depth study, these yearly plans are great to do in addition.
d. Mix it up
A great recipe for a boring Bible study/ quality time with God: do it the same way day after day, month after month, year after year. Find ways to approach your QT with God that will make it fruitful and exciting for YOU.
• Use a good devotional book • Shift the weight of time between these: Bible reading, prayer, memorizing, in depth studies • Worship! • Sing to God •
e. Write it down
When the Lord teaches or reveals something to us in our QT, write it down so that we can revisit it often. Being a “forgetful hearer” (James 1) should not be our goal!
f. Apply what we learn
Learning is not our goal: heart transformation is! What good is it if we do not only learn? Better to learn a little and apply it than learn a lot and it only be “head-knowledge.”
Why study the Bible?
Bible study: Igniting a passion for God’s Word through effective Bible study practices and methods
Why study the Bible?
Why have a Quiet time/Quality time with the Lord? 6 REASONS
1. Because we hear the voice of God through His word and prayer.
2. Because the Bible is living and active — it is Jesus the Christ (Jn1) — and when we spend time with the Word, we spend time with Him.
3. Because it changes us — we are confronted by sin, challenged to change, we gradually grow more and more into the likeness of Christ; we are shown the best ways to live life and relate to God; we are transformed by the renewing of our minds.
4. Because it benefits us: we learn the way of life and are warned against the way of death; we become better people as we live out God’s word and get to know Him; we are able to side-step the landmines of life; we are guided into blessings and joy; we learn about the God and Savior who created us and loves us.
5. Because we learn about God’s redemptive plan for mankind
6. Because we are better able to live out our calling and destiny — what God created us to do and be about in this life.
I also found a website with more reasons. Check it out here…
Why study the Bible?
Why have a Quiet time/Quality time with the Lord? 6 REASONS
1. Because we hear the voice of God through His word and prayer.
2. Because the Bible is living and active — it is Jesus the Christ (Jn1) — and when we spend time with the Word, we spend time with Him.
3. Because it changes us — we are confronted by sin, challenged to change, we gradually grow more and more into the likeness of Christ; we are shown the best ways to live life and relate to God; we are transformed by the renewing of our minds.
4. Because it benefits us: we learn the way of life and are warned against the way of death; we become better people as we live out God’s word and get to know Him; we are able to side-step the landmines of life; we are guided into blessings and joy; we learn about the God and Savior who created us and loves us.
5. Because we learn about God’s redemptive plan for mankind
6. Because we are better able to live out our calling and destiny — what God created us to do and be about in this life.
I also found a website with more reasons. Check it out here…
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