One of the most difficult parts of a preacher/teacher’s preparation is simply deciding what topic or passage to preach or teach on each week. While study and wrestling with the passages are still necessary, once the decision is made, everything tends to go much faster and easier. Personal Bible study is the same way.
The spiritual benefits of diving into Scripture are enormous. The problem is personal Bible study and sometimes simply reading God’s Word can be a daunting task. The Bible is a BIG book. Just deciding where to start for the day has the power to stop a person in their tracks if they are not careful. There are other pressing daily matters. This is Satan at work. He does not want us reading God’s Word, and Satan certainly does not want us to study it!
In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul tells Timothy, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” Notice the benefits Paul mentions for learning the Scripture. No wonder Satan throws roadblocks in our way! He does not want us able to teach ourselves, our children, our friends or neighbors. When we see sin creeping in to take hold of us, Satan does not want us to rebuke and correct ourselves or others we care about. Neither does he want us to be adequate and equipped to serve God. Satan wants us complacent, uninterested and lacking!
We have been blessed to have an opportunity to hear God’s Word. We have been blessed to have a copy (and in most cases multiple copies) of His Word in our homes, on our phones, on our iPad’s, and on the internet for free use. God has given us this access to help us be like Christ. Don’t let Satan trip you up as you seek to grow closer to God. Here are some tips to begin.
Use a reading plan. There are a number of different plans on the internet and in Christian magazines available for all types of study. I personally like a plan that uses a combination of the Psalms, Old Testament, and New Testament each day. Another favorite is spend a month in Proverbs. By reading one (1) chapter of Proverbs each day, you will finish this book in only one month (7 out of 12 months).
Are you having trouble finding the time to “fit” reading or study into your day? Getting up 10 minutes early or going to bed 10 minutes later is one solution. Another option is getting an audio Bible to listen to God’s Word throughout your day while doing other tasks. You could also try writing one or two verses on a piece of paper and stick it in your pocket. Pull out the paper throughout the day and read it over.
Take your Bible to work and read during breaks.
Just open your Bible to a random spot and start reading.
Get together with a friend and agree to read a portion and talk about it together each week.