Topic: A Simple Way to Study Scripture [RICK WARREN Devotional 18 JUNE 2023]
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A Simple Way to Study Scripture
BY RICK WARREN — JUNE 18, 2023
FROM 40 DAYS IN THE WORD
“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives.”
Colossians 3:16 (NLT)
To study the Bible in a way that changes your life, you don’t need commentaries or Bible study software. In fact, if you were stuck on a desert island with just a Bible, you could simply use the method you’ll learn about in this devotional to learn and grow.
Yesterday, I told you how important it was for you to meditate on God’s Word. Here’s a method you can use to meditate on God’s Word in a way that’ll please God. I call it the “pronounce it” method of biblical meditation. It’s an easy way to meditate on Scripture and get every ounce of spiritual nutrition you can out of it.
You start with a verse and read it over and over again. Each time you read the verse, you emphasize a different word. And each time you emphasize a different word, you get a different perspective.
Take Colossians 3:16 for example: “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives” (NLT).
The first time you read the verse, emphasize the word “let.” To “let” means to give permission. You have to choose to let the Word of God dwell in you richly.
Then read the verse again, and emphasize “word.” “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” That means you need to get God’s Word in your mind.
Then, emphasize the third major word of the verse, “Christ.” You’re not dwelling on what some philosopher, guru, or talk show host has to say. You’re dwelling on the words of Christ!
Then you focus on the word “dwell.” Don’t rush through Bible study so you can get on with the rest of your day. To let the Word of Christ dwell in you is to let it take root in you.
Then you stop and emphasize the word “in.” God’s Word won’t change your life until you let it in your life.
Then focus on the word “you.” The Bible isn’t just God’s Word for your pastor or a seminary student; it’s God’s Word for you! The Bible is instruction for every single believer.
Finally, emphasize the word “richly.” God doesn’t want his Word to be a poor substitute in your life. He wants it to create beauty in your life.
See all the great jewels you can discover in one short passage just by focusing on one word at a time? You don’t need a seminary degree or a great library of reference tools. Whoever and wherever you are, you can do this!
Talk It Over
- In what ways does/should your life reflect the richness of God’s Word and his grace?
- Why is it important to use or at least try different methods of Bible study?
- Pick a verse from the Bible, and use it to practice the “pronounce it” method of biblical meditation today. Write down what you learn from studying with this method.
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