Do You Read Or Heed God's Word?

Is there a difference between reading the Bible and studying the Bible? Do you consider yourself one who reads the Bible for facts and information or in order to gain wisdom and understanding of God's Word and how you can apply it to your life? As we prepare for our journey through the New Testament, one book at a time, I thought it would be good to recognize what the purpose of studying the Bible really is.

The first step in preparing to study the Bible should always be prayer. Asking the Holy Spirit to guide and guard your heart and mind is essential. Remember, the Enemy will try to distract and disrupt your study time with God every chance he gets.

Based on Psalm 25:4-5, we see three components of what we are to study the Bible for: "Show me your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Guide me in your truths and teach me, for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long."

1) David is asking God to "show me your ways." In order to be shown something, we have to look at it. We have to be willing to see what God's ways are and want to follow them. If we're not studying His Word, we will never know what to look for. Whose ways have you been following? Yours, God's or the Enemy's? Do you know how to tell the difference between the three?

2) David also asks God to "teach me your paths." In order to be taught, we must be willing to learn what God's Word means. This requires some work and effort. This is the part of Bible study that people want to skip over because learning takes too much time. They would rather read or listen to what someone else tells them it means, then to find out for themselves. Are you teachable? Do you desire to learn God's paths or are you content with living your life following your own or better yet, someone elses path?

3) David continues to ask God to "guide me in your truth." In order to be guided, we must be willing to listen to instruction and follow what it says. Are you dependent on a GPS to guide you to your desired destination? Do you listen intently to and faithfully follow the instructions on where to turn, which direction to go and when to re-route your course, if necessary? Then you are willing to be guided. Are you just as willing to listen to God's truth and instructions from His Word and be guided in the direction He wants you to go? Or do you prefer to map out your own course and be your own guide?

4) Finally, David acknowledges God for who He is, "you are God my Savior" and confirms that "my hope is in you all day long." In other words, David is willing to lean on God for all his needs. He's willing to surrender control of his life. Knowing that his hope is in God and His Word, David can continue to grow in wisdom and understanding. In taking this action of surrender, he will be better able to understand God's ways, follow His paths and be guided by His truth.

Where are you today? Are you just interested in learning the facts about the Bible or are you wanting to know, understand and apply what it says to your life personally? Our Know the Bible New Testament study is set to begin next week. Now's as good a time as ever to get into God's Word and allow Him to show you, teach you and guide you! To sign up for our "class" and receive your weekly lessons via email - visit http://www.pathfinderministries.org/NT.html