We study so that we can learn from Scriptures and draw near to God
Welcome back! Sorry we have been absent from our blogging and web maintenance for a bit, with Seniors in High School and others being promoted from Middle School to High School, these past couple months have been hectic and a bit stressful, as most parents can attest!
This week we want to talk to you a bit about Studying your scriptures - this has been written in a more non-denominational format than other posts we put up, it is intended to be a guide for all the children of God, and the hope is that through diligent study of the Word, that each of us deepen our relationship with Him.
Why Study?
To be truly connected to the Divine is what all people desire. We must be able to understand, be given counsel, feel at peace, and cultivate a personal and real relationship with God—beyond acquaintance. For Christians, that is through the Holy Bible. For Christians who happen to be members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well, we additionally possess as a sacred and valued possession the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price—these additional scriptures allow us to more fully see Jesus Christ and to gain a better understanding of His gospel.
No matter what scriptures we read, they are wonderful aids God gave us to span the gulf between the temporal and the eternal. They exist to lead us closer to Him so that we might see Him and see His love and plan and activity in our own lives.
Simply owning a Bible or reading it as one reads a common book is unlikely to lead you closer to Him. There was a comedian from the 1980’s who addressed this saying something along the lines of “going to church makes you a christian the same way that going to McDonald’s makes you a hamburger.” We can paraphrase that further in our current context by saying “reading your scriptures gets you close to God the way that reading a menu gets you close to the chef.” You might find that you understand more but you really have no relationship.
Closeness occurs when we have active and honest study—studying with intention so that the Spirit might work through us and allow words to touch hearts. So how do we take scripture study seriously? How do we actually have reading be a dialogue with God? Let's go over some foundational principles and exercises that might take us closer to Him through His words.
1: Begin with Right Heart and Mindset
Before even going through the pages, spend some time and get yourself pumped up. Attitude makes all the difference.
Pray First and Last: Begin with prayer to ask for understanding, for Holy Spirit illumination, and for receptivity to hearing what God is trying to teach you. Close with a prayer of gratitude for learning.
Openness and Humility: Approach God’s Word with humility—acknowledge that God is more knowing than you. Practice being teachable and open to laying aside assumptions.
True Motivation: Have a heart that truly desires to draw nearer to God and align yourself with His plan. It is that true desire that leads you to actually discover that which you’re on a quest for.
2: Prioritize it every single day
Establishing a relationship with God is about consistency, as is any good relationship.
Daily Nourishment: Consider scripture study as spiritual nourishment every day. Even a few minutes every day can build up your testimony and maintain your heart centered on the greatest things.
Find Your Best Time: Determine a quiet hour—perhaps early morning, lunch time, or late afternoon—when you have a chance to concentrate uninterrupted.
Make Mine: Whether life gets hectic as it inevitably does, time in God and His word is an eternally invested time that is ever best prioritized.
3: Read Actively and Not Passively
Instead of reading superficially alone, engage with the scriptures.
Mark and Take Notes: Mark verses that comfort you, challenge you, or appear especially relevant. Jot down thoughts or impressions—on a piece of paper or using a computer.
Questions to Ask: Who is speaking? Who is being addressed? What is being called historical or cultural? How is it related to other scriptures? How might it be related to your life now?
Search for Keywords: Pay attention to words such as faith, love, grace, and mercy—notice and consider their implications in what you read.
4: Delve Deeper Than Reading Alone
A straight read is adequate, but taking time to ponder over some parts is more enlightening.
Study by Topic: Select a principle or subject—forgiveness and trust as an example—and look up verses in the scriptures pertaining to them. This enables you to see how God's message is consistent despite different books and centuries.
Focus on a Passage: Choose a few verses or a chapter. Read them over and over, slowly. Cross-reference similar scriptures and consider context—what is going on earlier and later?
Study people in Scripture: Read and take close notes on people like Jesus, Moses, or Esther. What do they do? How did they express their faith? How do their examples motivate you?
5: Use study aids while keeping in mind the Spirit
Commentaries, dictionaries and guides might assist you, but don't forget—the Holy Spirit is the greatest instructor.
Footnotes and Cross-References: The majority of scriptures contain helpful notes and references—use them to improve your understanding.
Word Resources: At times, being aware of original word meanings does yield added understanding. Commentaries: Read the commentary of pious scholars, but always check in prayer whether or not what you read is comfortable to you.
6: Reflect and Meditate
Reading is only a starting point. Thinking is what makes words take root and become yours.
Chew on it: Think about what you have read. What do you think about it? What makes you curious? Is it challenging you somehow?
Listen for the Spirit: Through meditation, you can have personal insights, impressions, and understanding from the Holy Spirit—God speaking directly to you through His Word.
7: Practice What You Learn
Its purpose is not information alone but transformation.
Say, "What do I do now?" Think about how God wants you to act after you've learned. Do you need to forgive somebody, serve more, or trust Him more?
Set Goals: Set specific goals - small steps toward living more like Christ.
Act in a Timely Manner: Act as you feel led by the Spirit. Doing so indicates that you trust and prompts further revelation.
8: Share and Discuss
Learning in groups enhances understanding and boosts belief.
Family Time: Read as a family together. This invites the Spirit into your home and allows all of you to learn together.
Join a Group: Either a church class or Bible study, hearing others' thoughts and queries can inspire and encourage you.
9. Overcoming Challenges
Life is hectic and some scriptures don't make sense. So don't get frustrated about it. Pray for help, try an alternative method, or take a time-out if you need to. Consistency is more valuable than perfection. God is more concerned about your honest effort and desire to draw closer to Him.
To read through the scriptures is to gain an understanding of a treasured lifeline of God's love and plan for us. Approach it with an open heart, a listening desire, and an eagerness to hear and the Spirit will make reading its words into a personal conversation with God. Whether learning more about the Bible itself or reading from the scriptures in our particular denomination, its words come alive—bearing witness to Christ and calling us closer to Him. So let’s establish a portion of our life as this holy practice. In doing so, we’ll be more aware of Him in our life, get answers to all of our questions and be filled with joy in building an increasingly deep relationship with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.