7. READ TO SOMEONE ELSE OUT LOUD AND/OR LISTEN WHILE THEY READ TO YOU
Many adults can remember the joy of listening to a teacher read to them in the first few grades in school. Teachers say that the times that they have the least problems with discipline or restlessness on the part of their children are when they read to them in class. People love to be read to.
Reading to someone else, or listening to someone read (while following along in the text) the Word of God will allow the Holy Spirit to speak even more clearly. Even listening to an audio tape of someone reading the Bible can help the student concentrate more effectively.
Reading the Word aloud can also be an opportunity for ministry, as someone else might be listening.
8. DISCUSS WITH SOMEONE WHAT YOU ARE READING AND WHAT THE HOLY SPIRIT IS TEACHING YOU.
The Holy Spirit desires to bring God’s people into deeper truth.
“But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you; but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” (1 John 2:27)
“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. (John 14:16)
Tthe Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I said unto you.” (John 14: 7)
When Christians discuss the Word of God with other believers, especially those who are more mature in the Lord, they can gain new insights and perceptions that they did not formerly have. Further, this is often the sweetest form of Christian fellowship, as together they bless each other through a discussion of the Word.
In Luke 24:44,45,46 Luke says, ” And he said unto them, these are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses, and in the Psalms concerning me. Then he opened their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures. And he said unto them, thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day.”
In this passage, Jesus was sharing openly with His disciples about what was to take place after His resurrection and about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Jesus makes the revelational statement that He himself is the Living Word. The 45th verse states that He “opened their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures.” As Christians discuss the Word of God, when two or three are gathered in Jesus Name, understanding will be opened and the Holy Spirit will speak. All Christians need to understand God’s Word, which most often occurs through the discussion of the truths of the Bible as revealed by the Holy Spirit through each believer.
9. RECEIVE THE WORD WITH AN OPEN AND SUBMITTED HEART
There is no substitute for submission to the Lord and obedience to His Word. An open and submitted heart could best be illustrated by the life of Mary, “And she (Martha) had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus feet…and heard his Word.” (Luke 10:39)
It was at the feet of Jesus that Mary was taught God’s Word. She also ministered to the Lord through her acts of worship and obedience.
A person with an open heart is one that will ask God the Holy Spirit to reveal truth about ones life. Further, this person will diligently pray that the Word of God will begin to renew their mind. “I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:1,2)
The scripture also states that God desires His children to be conformed to the image of Christ. “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.” (Col. 3:10) That is, each believers highest good and purpose can only be fulfilled through Christ in them, the hope of glory.
Along with submission to the Lord, His children are to be submitted to all legitimate authority, especially to their ordained leaders in the local church. “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves for they watch for your souls, as they must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief, for that is unprofitable for you.” (Hebrews 13:17)
As the student receives the Word and acts on it, his attitude towards himself and others will begin to change. The student’s ability to love (Agape) will grow, and his sensitivity to hear God’s voice will develop. The Lord desires that his children grow in His grace and in the knowledge of Him. “But grow in Grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever, amen.” (2 Peter 3:18)
10. READ SYSTEMATICALLY UNDER THE HOLY SPIRIT’S GUIDANCE, AND BE ALERT TO WHAT HE WILL TEACH YOU.
It is advisable to instruct a new convert to begin reading the Bible in the Gospel of St. John. From there they should read I John, then the other gospels, the Pauline epistles, the General epistles. They should be taught to read a Psalm and one of the Proverbs every day. Later they may work their way through the Old Testament.
This simple program of study seems effective for older Christians as well as new converts, because it is a systematic form of study. The Lord may, however, direct an individual in a different manner. The student must always be sensitive to the leading of the Lord.
A systematic reading and study of God’s Word, and an openness of heart to the Lord’s direction will build a foundation for further growth in Christian living. There are some cautions that should be considered, however, which include:
a) The Holy Spirit is in charge. He knows the needs of men, and therefore must be consulted before pushing ahead.
b) A systematic study must be supervised, through discussion with a maturer believer. This will insure that:
1) The Word was actually read (accountability and discipline is established.)
2) The understanding of the Word is clear.
3) Questions can be adequately answered.
4) Doctrinal error can be avoided.
c) The goal of study, especially at the beginning, is to become progressively intimate with Jesus. Reading in St. John and in 1 John will lead the believer into a more intimate relationship with Christ.
The systematic study of God’s Word, followed by systematic teaching (see the bibliography for recommended teaching tools) through other study helps, will ensure that a firm foundation is built under the feet of the believer.
11. RECORD INSIGHTS, IDEAS AND QUESTIONS
The Word of God will bring new insights, ideas and questions to mind as the Bible is systematically read. These insights should be recorded in a journal.
The prophet Habakkuk was instructed by the Lord to “write the vision and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” (Hab. 2:2, KJV) That is excellent advice for Christians today. As the Lord begins to speak, the student of the Word should write down and share with others the words and ideas that the Lord gives. Listed below are a few suggestions on how to journal:
a) Although any notebook will do, some people find that a loose-leaf notebook has some advantages.
b) the Student should either carry the notebook with him or figure out a way to keep notes to be transferred to the study notebook later.
c) As the Holy Spirit gives special thoughts, insights or questions they should be recorded in the notebook with the date, time of day and circumstance.
d) The student’s insights should be shared with someone they love and trust. Ideas should be shared with a leader, while questions should be shared with either the pastor or an elder. Many times a student will be an instrument to bring a Word from the Lord to someone that is in need.
The sharing of insights with mature leadership provides necessary protection from possible error. In 2 Peter 1:20 the Apostle Peter provides a warning to the church that no prophecy, or “Word of the Lord”, is of one’s own private interpretation. Only in the counsel of mature believers can the Christian be certain that an insight is accurate or that an idea should be implemented. As in any endeavor, the more one practices a certain skill, the better he will become at the skill. One must learn to trust the Lord to help record the visions, etc., that the Lord may give, and be open enough to share with others and receive correction as needed. Only the Lord is perfect, and thus all believers (yes, even Pastors) can make mistakes. That is why the Lord called all into a Body, and likens the Christian to a family. Christians need one another.
In Chapter 5 of this text (Study Helps), the student will find several sample forms that can be duplicated to make the whole business of recording information a lot easier.
12. TERMINATE THE STUDY GUILT-FREE AT THE HOLY SPIRIT’S DIRECTION.
One of the primary tricks of the devil is to attempt to bring condemnation, which leads to guilt and legalistic bondage. Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus. When the Christian sits down to study God’s word, it is like dining with a special friend. When dining, the food (God’s Word) should be enjoyed, and the diners should eat until they are satisfied. Eating too little will leave a person hungry, while eating too much will cause a person to feel painfully over stuffed and lethargic.
When the Christian reads the Word and takes time for praise, worship and prayer it is wise to leave the study table slightly hungry. That slight hunger will give the seeker a desire to come again and enjoy yet another delicious meal with Christ. It is important to remember that although food is important to health, strength and restoration, the relationship with the Friend is most vital. It is as though the Christian is sitting in “heavenly places” when he reads the Word and communes with the greatest friend of all who is closer than a brother. It is this Brother who loves with an eternal love and desires to have fellowship with His children. No one need fear to come to the table, nor should they fear leaving it when full. For truly the Lord is always with His people.
Copy this list and place it some place in your study so you can see it.
1. Use the right Bible
2. Develop good study habits
3. Prepare the heart
4. Confess the Word concerning the scriptures
5. Bind Satan from interfering and ask the Father to loose the Holy Spirit to minister.
6. Do not get side-tracked
7. Read to someone else/listen to someone else read
8. Discuss with someone what you have read and what The Holy Spirit is teaching you
9. Receive the Word with an open and submitted heart
10. Read systematically under the Holy Spirit´s guidance, be alert to what you read
11. Record insights, ideas and questions
12. Terminate the study time guilt free.