Spiritual Disciplines: Study
Notes
Transcript
The purpose of spiritual disciplines is the total transformation of the person.
Replacing old destructive habits of thought with new life-giving habits. Nowhere is this purpose more clearly seen than in the discipline of study.
Paul tells us in Romans 12:2 that we are transformed through the renewal of the mind. We must apply the things, then, which will renew it.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:8…think on these things. The discipline of study is the primary vehicle to bring us to think about these things.
Many come to the table of the Lord curious as to why they are not seeing the transformation promised in Scripture. They show up to worship each week, sing with gusto, pray with fervor, serve among the greatest, yet fall short at the discipline of study.
Studying Scripture is a direct line to hear the Words of God as it is the Word of God.
We search for freedom and liberation in so many places. Lofty knowledge from the heights of the world, ecstatic mountaintop experiences, worship experiences that leave us in awe, but Jesus says that there is only one thing that will set us free.
and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:32, the truth will set us free. Without it, we will not be free. We will not be transformed. We will not know God. We will not have ever taken up one of the central ways God used to change us: study.
Remember, what goes in is what comes out. We must study to show ourselves approved. We must study to more God. We must study to explicate His desire and will for our lives.
Four Steps to Study
Four Steps to Study
There are four steps to study
1. Repetition
this is an age old practice. In fact, we see this practice all throughout scripture. Read through the psalms and proverbs and you will see much repetition. Look at the songs we sing and you’ll sing important repetition. Think of how as a child we were taught to memorize and recite verses back in Bible class. This practice is scientifically proven to transform the inner mind. In fact, over time repetition of self affirmations, even if one doesn’t believe them, can convince an individual of their truth. This is a skill utilized in therapy and other modalities today. But we don’t need science to tell us what God has already told us. Repetition of God’s Word is a healthy skill of the discipline of study.
2. Concentration
in addition to bringing the mind repeatedly to a subject matter, the person who concentrates will vastly increase learning outcomes. Concentration centers the mind. Turn off the TV and radio. Remove distractions. Focus squarely on what is being studied and new levels of learning will be unlocked.
3. Comprehension
this focuses on the knowledge of the truth. Have you ever studied something over and over and then one day it clicks and you finally have a new clarity of its meaning. This is the full level of comprehension. It leads to insight and discernment.
4. Reflection
while comprehension defines what we are studying, reflection defines its significance. We must take time to reflect on what we’ve studied and define how it applies to our lives today.
We complete these four steps with humility. We cannot approach Scripture with arrogance. I once was told,
If believe you are the smartest person in the room then you are in the wrong room.
There is no place for us to find ourselves in any place where we cannot be challenged. We may have learned it all, or heard that passage again and again, but if we ever become unteachable then how can we submit to God’s will to transform us.
Practical Tips
Practical Tips
Study is different than devotional reading.
Study is for the purpose of interpretation while devotional reading is for the purpose of application.
Study requires three intrinsic and extrinsic rules
Intrinsic:
Understand - what is the author saying
Interpret - what does the author mean
Evaluate- is the author right or wrong
Many are tempted to go straight to evaluate without the first two steps. This is arrogant and will hinder our study.
Extrinsic
Experience - reading books over and over, read 1 John or Ephesians every day for a month and journal what you find each time
Other Books - extra biblical, devotional, etc. like Mere Christianity or Novels with spiritual meanings
Discussion - talking with others will expense our understanding and growth
Psalm 119:9-11 says,
How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not wander from your commandments!
I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
And 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says,
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
The aim of study is not doctrinal purity although this is involved, but it is inner transformation. It is not to amass information, but to be changed.