God Works through Bible Study
From the time that God created Adam His desire is to have intimate fellowship with man. “In the past God spoke through the prophets at many times in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe” (Hebrews 1:1-2 NIV). For the twenty-first century man, God speaks to us in various ways, but primarily through the compilation of His inspired word concerning His Son.
Over fourteen hundred years over forty writers were inspired to record His story. Throughout the entirety of Scripture God has revealed His means for man to return to the intimate relationship from which we all have fallen short (Romans 3:23 NIV). The Bible provides the foundation of truth for the Christian. Bible study is one of means God uses to teach, correct, and train in righteousness the man who would be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16 NIV).
Bible study is powerful because it reveals God’s Word. Man is inspired as he receives and understands God’s Word in Bible study. Then God does an amazing thing – as man applies truth learned in Bible study God shows Himself faithful. It is in the application of God’s Word that we see that the principles of His Word meets man at his point of need, today just as effectively as in the days that it was written.
Bible study takes on two main forms, personal and group. There are benefits to both methods of study of God’s Word. Personal Bible study allows the student of Scripture to let the Holy Spirit to lead in the portion of God’s Word to be studied. When combined with prayer and journaling God can speak to the student of Scripture. Group Bible study allows God to speak through other people to help us see truths of scripture that we can not individually. As we study with others we increase our opportunities to see how God worked through certain verses of text.
Both methods of Bible study should become a regular discipline of the follower of Christ. Over the years I have found that the most effective means of Bible study has been inductive study. Inductive Bible study draws the student into interaction with Scripture through observing, interpreting, and applying Scripture. Observing scripture helps us to discover what is being said. Interpretation helps us to understand what it actually means through the further research of God’s Word that Bible study requires. Application allows the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom the blessings that come from obeying His Word (James 1:25 NIV).
Whether you choose to study the Bible individually or as a group you will come to know God in a more intimate manner. God does not want to be mysterious, nor does He hide His ways and thoughts. As we enter into Bible study, He makes Himself known that we may accurately reveal to those who do not know Him the challenge and adventure of knowing Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
Submitted by Thomas E. Brey