Study Of The Word Important

SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE (Control, Habits, Routines)

"Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win." (1 Cor 9:24)

Spiritual discipline helps us effectively "run the race." Winning a race requires purpose and discipline. Paul uses this illustration to explain that the Christian life takes hard work, self-denial, and grueling preparation. As Christians, we are running toward our heavenly reward. The essential disciplines of prayer, Bible study, and worship equip us to run with vigor and stamina. Don't merely observe from the grandstand; don't just turn out to jog a couple of laps each morning. Train diligently -- your spiritual progress depends upon it.

Spiritual discipline focuses our spiritual goals. At times we must even give up something good in order to do what God wants. Each person's special duties determine the discipline and self-denial that he or she must accept. Without a goal, discipline is nothing but self-punishment. With the goal of pleasing God, our sacrifices seem like nothing compared to the eternal, imperishable reward that will be ours.

"Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives' tales. Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness. Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next." (1 Tim 4:7-8)

Spiritual discipline makes us spiritually "fit." Are you in shape both physically and spiritually? In our society, much emphasis is placed on physical fitness, but spiritual health (godliness) is even more important. Our physical health is susceptible to disease and injury, but faith can sustain us through these tragedies. To be spiritually "fit," we must develop our faith by using our God-given abilities in the service of the church (1 Tim 4:14-16). Are you developing your spiritual muscles?

Spiritual discipline strips away the nonessentials. The Christian life involves hard work. It requires us to give up whatever endangers our relationship with God, to run patiently, and to struggle against sin with the power of the Holy Spirit. To live effectively, we must keep our eyes on Jesus. We will stumble if we look away from him to stare at ourself or at the circumstances surrounding us. We should be running for Christ, not ourself, and we must always keep him in sight.

MEDITATION (Contemplation, Reflection, Understanding)

"Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed." (Josh 1:8)

Meditation is obedient reflection on God's Word. Many people think that prosperity and success come from having power, influential personal contacts, and a relentless desire to get ahead. But the strategy for gaining prosperity that God taught Joshua goes against such criteria. He said that to succeed, Joshua must (1) be strong and courageous because the task ahead would not be easy, (2) obey God's law, and (3) constantly read and study the Book of the Law -- God's Word. To be successful, follow God's words to Joshua. You may not succeed by the world's standards, but you will be a success in God's eyes -- and his opinion lasts forever.

Christian meditation is persistent reflection on God's Word. You can learn how to follow God by meditating on his Word. Meditating means spending time reading and thinking about what you have read. It means asking yourself how you should change so you're living as God wants. Knowing and meditating on God's Word are the first steps toward applying it to your everyday life. If you want to follow God more closely, you must know what he says.

Christian meditation and prayer were exemplified by Jesus. People were flocking to hear Jesus preach and to have their diseases healed, but Jesus made sure he often withdrew to quiet, solitary places to pray. It was a habit. Many things clamor for our attention, and we often run ourselves ragged attending to them. Like Jesus, however, we should take time to withdraw to a quiet and deserted place to pray. Strength comes from God, and we can be strengthened only by spending time with him.

Christian meditation is careful reflection on God's Word. Paul told Timothy to reflect on his words, and God would give him insight. God speaks through the Bible, his Word, but we need to be open and receptive to him. As you read the Bible, ask God to show you his timeless truths and the application to your life. Then consider what you have read by thinking it through and meditating on it. God will give you understanding.

BIBLE READING (Interpreting, Studying, Understanding)

"When he sits on the throne as king, he must copy these laws on a scroll for himself in the presence of the Levitical priests. He must always keep this copy of the law with him and read it daily as long as he lives. That way he will learn to fear the LORD his God by obeying all the terms of this law.: (Deut 17:18-19)

It is necessary to read God's Word in order to obey it. The king was to be a man of God's Word. He was to (1) have a copy of the law made for his personal use, (2) keep it with him all the time, (3) read from it every day, and (4) obey it completely. Through this process he would learn respect for God, keep himself from feeling more important than others, and avoid neglecting God in times of prosperity. We can't know what God wants except through his Word, and his Word won't affect our life unless we read and think about it regularly. With the easy availability of the Bible today, it is not difficult to gain access to the source of the king's wisdom. What is more of a challenge is following its directives.

It is necessary to read God's Word in order to teach it to others. The laws were to be read to the whole assembly so that everyone, including the children, could hear them. Every seven years the entire nation would gather together and listen as a priest read the law to them. There were no books, Bibles, or newsstands to spread God's Word, so the people had to rely on word of mouth and an accurate memory. Memorization was an important part of worship because if everyone knew the law, ignorance would be no excuse for breaking it. To fulfill God's purpose and will in our life, we need the content and substance of his Word in our heart and mind. For the Hebrews, this process began in childhood. Teaching our children and new believers should be one of our top priorities. Our finest teachers, best resources, and most careful thought should be directed toward showing young believers how to follow God in all life's situations.

It is necessary to read God's Word in order to know the Lord. To understand the life and mission of Jesus more fully, all we need to do is study the Gospels. John tells us that his Gospel records only a few of the many events in Jesus' life on earth. But it includes everything we need to know to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, through whom we receive eternal life.

MEMORIZATION (Learn, Remember, Retain)

"I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (Ps 119:11)

Scripture memorization is a defense against sin. Hiding (keeping) God's Word in our heart is a deterrent to sin. This alone should inspire us to memorize Scripture. But memorization alone will not keep us from sin; we must also put God's Word to work in our life, making it a vital guide for everything we do.

Memorization increases the possibility of obedience to God's Word. The laws were to be read to the whole assembly so that everyone, including the children, could hear them. Every seven years the entire nation would gather together and listen as a priest read the law to them. There were no books, Bibles, or newsstands to spread God's Word, so the people had to rely on word of mouth and an accurate memory. Memorization was an important part of worship, because if everyone knew the law, ignorance would be no excuse for breaking it. To fulfill God's purpose and will in our life, we need the content and substance of his Word in our heart and mind. For the Hebrews, this process began in childhood. Teaching our children and new believers should be one of our top priorities. Our finest teachers, best resources, and most careful thought should be directed toward showing young believers how to follow God in all of life's situations.

"Jesus told him, "No! The Scriptures say, 'People need more than bread for their life; they must feed on every word of God.' " (Matt 4:4)

Memorization allows God's Word to become a weapon against evil. Jesus was able to resist all of the devil's temptations because he not only knew Scripture, he also obeyed it. Eph 6:17 says that God's Word is a sword to use in spiritual combat. Knowing Bible verses is an important step in helping us resist the devil's attacks, but we must also obey the Bible. Note that Satan had memorized Scripture, but he failed to obey it. Knowing and obeying the Bible helps us follow God's desires rather than the devil's.