5 WAYS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR GRIP OF SCRIPTURE
Read - Rev 1:3, Ephesians 3:4, Acts 8:28
Meditate - Psalm 1, 2 Tim 2:7, II Cor 3:17-18
Memorize - Rom 10:8, Proverbs 22:17-18
Listen / Hear - Prov 8:32-35, Col 4:16, I Tim 4:13, James 1:22 “He who has Ears to Hear”
Study - Ezra 7:10, Acts 17:10-11, Matthew 13:23
READ - Tips on reading
• Pay attention! You are not watching TV – Focus. A wise teacher once said, “You can learn anything if you do three things… PAY ATTENTION, PAY ATTENTION and PAY ATTENTION”.
• Don’t “TALK” to yourself! You will read more if you do not vocalize under your breath or in your mind.
• Jot down your questions and Bible verses – So you won’t get distracted – Come back Later and study / meditate / Memorize it.
• Slow down on tougher topics – Try not to re-read the same paragraphs too often.
MEDITATE – Quiet Time Questions to Pray to help you meditate on God’s word…
• How does this apply to me personally?
• Is there any sin I can repent of and forsake that I’ve learned about in this passage?
• Lord, is there a promise here for me to appreciate?
• Is there an example here for me learn from and follow? Or avoid, if it’s a bad example?
• Is there a warning for me to heed?
• What do I see and learn about the nature of God here?
• How can I use this passage to help other disciples? Non-believers?
MEMORIZE –Memorization is a basic learning skill
What is a synonym for a disciple? A LEARNER
• Don’t Make Excuses – Proverbs 22:13 “Sluggard’s Fear of Hard Work”
• See the Benefit! PS 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
• Work Hard and Work Smart! Eph 5:15-16 Flash Cards / 3x5 cards / “Take the Lord w/ you – Everywhere you go!”
LISTEN – Tips on Active Listening
• Establish eye Contact w/ Speaker
• Take Notes Effectively – Retention jumps from 10% to 50% when you actively listen and jot down key points.
• Be Physically Involved beyond Eye Contact / Note Taking
• Keep a Journal
• Love to learn!
STUDY –Basic Questions to Ascertain Meaning of God’s Word Study John 9:24-34
• Who is writing?
• To whom is it written?
• Who is speaking in the account?
• What was the general purpose of this writing?
• Is there a specific problem being addressed?
• What light do other scriptures shed on these topics?
• Does history shed light on this passage?
• Is this a dispensational / unique occurrence?