How do I study the Word of God

The Holy Bible is a precious gift from God to us His children. It is the book of life through which He talks to us and we find every wisdom which He seeks to pass onto us. It is the well from which we draw living water for our filling and fulfilment.

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Heb 4:12

Is it no wonder then that King David always found comfort in the word of God and said, “Oh how I love your law! It my meditation all the day” Ps 119:97, and why St Paul taught thus, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom...” Col 3:16.

The question is often asked how do we study the word of God or how do we gain more out of it. My advice to you is to first discern why you seek the word of God. If you seek His word as an academic exercise, or to fulfil a ritualistic duty, or because you seek to acquire worldly knowledge, or to show off your intelligence and supposed spirituality to others then you seek His word for the wrong reasons. Rather the word of God must be sought and lived because we love God, we seek to find Him and be with Him.

In the Book of Revelations there is a verse which summarises what our relationship should be with the word of God. It says, “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy and keeps those things which are written in it; for the time is near.” Rev 1:3.

“Blessed” is the word with which the Psalms begin, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly” Ps 1:1 and it is the word with which Our Lord began the Sermon on the mount, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Mt5:3. It is also the word with conveys how happy and blessed are those who have a true relationship with the word of God for in it they find God speaking to them with His comforting voice.

This verse from the Book of Revelations tells us:-

1. That this relationship requires us first to read the word of God. For how can I have a relationship unless I meet with them on a regular basis?  This means that my reading must be a regular and even daily occurrence.
2. It requires us to hear the word of God, and this means to obey His word in our daily lives.
3. It requires us to keep the word of God, and this means to apply His word in our daily lives.
4. Finally it says, for the time is near, meaning that in reading, hearing, and keeping His word, we are then ready for when He comes and wishes to meet with us.

So I must read the word of God in the right spirit and in this I will achieve most benefit to myself. How do I study the word of God therefore? The answer...

1. With the spirit of prayer.
2. With the spirit of humility and awe.
3. With the spirit of hearing and obedience.
4. With the spirit of patience, perseverance and longing.
5. With the spirit of faith.
6. With the spirit of faithfulness.
7. With the spirit of learning.
8. With the spirit of completeness.
9. With the spirit of approaching the Holy of Holies.
10. With the spirit of the forefathers.
11. With the spirit of the Holy Spirit.
12. With the spirit of truth.

Take such an approach and you will not be far from the Kingdom of God.

 By George Barbary