STUDY
The word study conjures up piles of books and all-night cram sessions preparing for exams or presentations. It is an activity that carries all sorts of attached feelings, some of which we begrudge. However, in a spiritual context it is a word connected with pleasure. Reading and understanding Scripture manufactures joy from gaining a better understanding of God and God’s love for humanity.

The discipline of study is about the pursuit of truth through God’s Word.  As with anything, to fully understand something we must be committed to spending time studying what we are trying to learn.  Careful, attentive study enables the mind to move in a certain direction and to grasp those things God desires for us to learn.

In Celebration of Discipline Richard Foster states that there are four steps involved in study:

1. Repetition
2. Concentration
3. Comprehension
4. Reflection

 

The key to the discipline of study is not trying to consume as much as possible, but to truly digest what we do read.  Foster encourages reading each passage of Scripture at least three times in order to come to an understanding of what you’ve read.

In a frenetic world it isn’t easy to envision embarking upon a “study” of anything that isn’t going to be assessed by a professor or a boss.  Yet in order for us to be successful in life and as Christians, it is necessary to engage in a regular, disciplined examination of the Bible.  The best part is that the Bible is a practical guide to life.  Through the lens of Scripture we are better equipped to understand ourselves, human nature, and even other people and cultures.