bible study
title: in the bible
key passage: psalm 19:7-8
it happens more often than you know: a contestant on jeopardy chooses, "bible for $500, alex." the answer turns up "a former tax collector, he's also the author of the first gospel." and while the middle-aged accountant from kalamazoo stares blankly at the camera, sunday school students around the country shout at their tv's, "it's matthew!"
but is the bible only good for trivia games and crossword puzzles? of course not. people who spend time reading and studying the bible will tell you, "it's changed my life!" that sounds good, but that word "study" feels like a big fat roadblock.
just reading the bible seems like an impossible mission: most bibles run more than 1,000 pages, and it's not the easiest read in the world. so where do you start?
first of all, the bible is like any other book being published today. there's a plot with conflict, complex characters, even a climax and resolution. but unlike the latest best-selling novel, the bible is actually relevant to your life. what's more, you are a key figure in the bible.
the bible's big story is all about how God created you and loves you; how sin sneaked into your life to make you a slave; how Jesus performed the ultimate rescue mission and paid the ransom that sin demanded; and how you can now live as a free citizen of God's kingdom.
granted, with over 1,000 pages, it takes a while to see the big picture, never mind all the little details. but remember, these details are more than trivial facts--they're the things you need to know to live a happy and fulfilled life. things that help you meet any situation. they provide the perspective of hope you need when everything is dark and cloudy.
in fact, that's the subject of the bible passage we're looking at today.
consider it
in psalm 19, david, the king of israel, writes about how important it is to him to study the word of God. read verses 7-8.
- what words does david use to describe the law, decrees and commandments of God?
- how does david benefit from the words of God?
apply it
the obvious application is to start studying your bible. always ask, “what does this say? how does it apply to me?” keep a notebook handy to jot down anything the holy spirit might bring to your attention.
in addition check out our daily devotionals at notreligion.com where we look at specific portions of scripture and show you what God says to you in those verses.
express it
as you pray, remember that the bible is God's message to you. though it can be hard to see or understand that message at times, God is ready to help you. ask for his wisdom and insight as you begin reading. pray also that God will show you how to apply this information to your day-to-day life.