Bible Question: azure, GOD BLESS could you give me an idea how do you study the word without getting anxious. please help b/c i dont know where to start if its not too much trouble thanks. |
Bible Answer: Dear blue.eyes, First of all, happy Ressurection Day! Scripture: Psalm 1:2 I think you have asked a good question. I believe other forum participants are happy to give their hands and supplement to what I have missed as well. I am not quite sure I understand your question correctly where you used the word "anxious". This word usually gives me a negative sense, but anyhow, I guess you mean "desire" or "concern". Several years ago, I was still lazy in studying His precious Words. However, the Holy Spirit worked (warning me with Prov 6:9-11 many many times) on me, drove me to be studious. As I remembered, the beginning of the stage was very difficult for me (you can imagine how an inactive sleepy soul is). There were times I got bored and fell asleep and wanted to give up. But His gracious hand grasped me not letting me go and help me to persevere. The more the Holy Spirit granted me better understanding the more I taste the sweetness of His Words, well, most of the time those are His "teaching staff" on me :-) However, both are so precious that draw me to "desire" and "delight in" His Words further. If you are a new believer, I would suggest you start with the 4 books of gospels. And then the rest of the New Testament. You may skip the Revelation for the time being as the book requires a well versed study of the prophetic books in the Old Testament for better understanding. Let me try to generate some points for you: 1/ Start and end your study each time with prayers, pray that the Holy Spirit gives us wisdom and understanding on God's Words. Pray that there is no disturbances. 2/ Pray whenever you are moved by the Holy Spirit during your study. 3/ Read in chapter or chapters so that you may get a fuller picture of the context. Context is very important. 4/ Re-read and meditate on what has been spoken to you in His Words. 5/ Use some helpful bible study tool. There are some on-line tools that are very helpful. Let me know if you want some recommendations. (In fact, those have been suggested by other forum participants already.) 6/ Cope yourself with His teachings. Though we might not always understand the scriptures, do what is understood. (John 8:31b, 14:21) 7/ Don't just focus on 1 or 2 verses and take scriptures out of its context. 8/ Don't justify yourself or situation by twisting the contextual meaning of scriptures. This was how the Pharisee always did to set up Jesus; and how Adams and Eve were tempted by Satan. I think I am too cumbersome and not answering you adequately. Let me suggest you this book "How to read the Bible for all Its Worth, by Fee and Stuart". May God bless you abundantly in your study. Shalom Azure |