From Pastor's Heart
“THE DEVOTIONAL METHOD OF BIBLE STUDY”
Dynamic Bible Study Method By Rick Warren
This is the type of simple study that you can use in your quiet time.
DEFINITION:
The Devotional Method of Bible Study involves taking a passage of the Bible, large or small, and prayerfully meditating on it until the Holy Spirit shows you a way apply its truth to your own life in a way that is personal, practical, possible, and provable. The goal is for you to take seriously the Word of God and “do what it says” (James 1:22).
WHY APPLICATION IS IMPORTANT:
The Bible was given to us to show us how we can have a relationship with Almighty God and how we are to live our lives his way in this world. It was given to change our lives to become more like that of Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul declared that it is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training the believer in righteous living (2 Tim. 3:16). The Bible is a practical book, for it is concerned with practical godly living. Bible study without personal application can be just an academic exercise with no spiritual value. The Bible was written to be applied to our lives. In his succinct way Howard Hendricks has said, “Interpretation without application is abortion!” We want to note here that application is necessary for our Christian lives, that it is hard work, and that good applications are possible if we follow some basic principles.
Application Is Necessary for Our Lives
Study of the Word of God should lead to its application in our lives, with the result that the Scriptures change us to conform more with the will of God.
Step One — Pray for Insight on How to Apply the Passage
Step Two — Meditate on the Verse(s) You Have Chosen to Study
Step Three — Write Out an Application
Step Four — Memorize a Key Verse from Your Study
Dynamic Bible Study Method By Rick Warren
This is the type of simple study that you can use in your quiet time.
DEFINITION:
The Devotional Method of Bible Study involves taking a passage of the Bible, large or small, and prayerfully meditating on it until the Holy Spirit shows you a way apply its truth to your own life in a way that is personal, practical, possible, and provable. The goal is for you to take seriously the Word of God and “do what it says” (James 1:22).
WHY APPLICATION IS IMPORTANT:
The Bible was given to us to show us how we can have a relationship with Almighty God and how we are to live our lives his way in this world. It was given to change our lives to become more like that of Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul declared that it is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training the believer in righteous living (2 Tim. 3:16). The Bible is a practical book, for it is concerned with practical godly living. Bible study without personal application can be just an academic exercise with no spiritual value. The Bible was written to be applied to our lives. In his succinct way Howard Hendricks has said, “Interpretation without application is abortion!” We want to note here that application is necessary for our Christian lives, that it is hard work, and that good applications are possible if we follow some basic principles.
Application Is Necessary for Our Lives
Study of the Word of God should lead to its application in our lives, with the result that the Scriptures change us to conform more with the will of God.
Step One — Pray for Insight on How to Apply the Passage
Step Two — Meditate on the Verse(s) You Have Chosen to Study
Step Three — Write Out an Application
Step Four — Memorize a Key Verse from Your Study
