For the last 5 weeks, we have been talking about the Bible, how we came to have it, how we know it is reliable, and more. In our final week of this Text series, we come to the question, “How do we study the Bible well?” Today, we are answering this question, discovering how we can get the most out of our time studying the Bible together.
What is one thing that God has revealed to you throughout the Text series?
Bible Study Questions
1. What are some things that you think hold people back from getting the most out of their time reading the Bible?
WATCH SERMON RECAP #1
2. Read Psalm 1:1-6. Compare and contrast the person who delights in Scripture versus the wicked described in these verses.
Psalm 1:1-6 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. But not the wicked! They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind. They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have no place among the godly. For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.
Psalm 1:1-6
Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.
But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.
But not the wicked! They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.
They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have no place among the godly.
For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.
3. What is the benefit of being like a tree planted along the water?
4. Read Joshua 1:6-10. What do you think it looks like to meditate on Scripture in the way that is described in these verses? How does this anchor us even as we are anxious?
Joshua 1:6-9 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:6-9
Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
1. Why is delighting in Scripture key in getting the most out of our time reading the Bible?
2. How does your time reading Scripture provide the refreshment described in Psalm 1:1-6? What can you do better?
3. Why is establishing a rhythm as we seek to study the Bible important if we want to get the most out of our time studying the Bible?
Do you have a consistent routine in spending time reading and studying God’s word? Talk about it now. What is going well? What needs improvement? Determine to set a time, plan what you are going to read, and a place where you will read and share it with your group. Then, check in throughout the week to see how that time has been.
Over the last few weeks, we have looked at several Bible study methods. Last week, we studied application. Ultimately, our study of the Bible should lead us to apply God’s word to our lives. Today, we are going to take a step back and talk about the motivation behind any application that we do. You see, as we study and read from Scripture, it is clear that application and motivation are specifically connected. Just like God cares about our actions, He also cares about the intent and motivation behind our actions. Let’s turn to Scripture to read about God’s concern for transformed hearts and minds as we grow in our faith.
Read Proverbs 4:23 in both the New Living Translation and the New International Version.
Read John 15:1-5. As you read, keep in mind that one way to understand applying the Bible is by viewing our actions as “fruit.”
Read Hebrews 4:12.
Now that we have read these passages of Scripture let’s discuss them and what we can learn from them.
After reading all of these passages of Scripture, what is one heart motivation that you know needs to be addressed? What is one action you know needs to be addressed? Do you see a connection between the two? Share these things with your group. End your time praying together that God would give you wisdom to courage to take the steps to address both these areas of your life.
MONTHLY MEMORY VERSE (Available for download on Sagebrush App)
Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1
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