Bible Study: Focus on One Word at a Time
BY RICK WARREN — OCTOBER 6, 2014
“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives.”(Colossians 3:16a NLT)
Studying the Bible in a way that changes your life doesn’t take a bunch of expensive tools. 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 study God’s Word.
God says that if we meditate on his Word, we’ll be successful. Here’s a method you can use to meditate on God’s Word in a way that’ll please God.
The “pronounce it” method of biblical meditation is an easy method for meditating on Scripture and getting 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. It’s the simplest way to start unlocking Scripture. You can do it even if it’s the first time you’ve ever opened up a Bible. It’s simple but amazingly powerful! Each time you emphasize a different word, you get a different perspective.
Take the first part of Colossians 3:16 for example. The verse says, “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives” (NLT).
The first time you read the verse, emphasize the word “let.” What does it mean tolet? It means “give permission.” You open the door; it’s your choice. You have to choose to let the Word of God dwell in you richly.
Then, read the verse again and emphasize “message.” It stresses that you need to get God’s Word in your mind.
Then, emphasize the word “Christ.” You’re not filling your life with what some philosopher, guru, or talk show host has to say. You’re dwelling on the words of Christ! You may not want to let the word of the world fill you, but you do just that when you spend your time watching TV instead of reading God’s Word.
Then you focus on the word “richness.” “Richness” means lavishness, extravagance, and abundance. God doesn’t want his Word to be a poor substitute in your life. He wants it to create beauty in your life.
Then, emphasize the word “fill.” Don’t rush through God’s Word so you can get on with the rest of your day. To let the Word of Christ fill you is to let it live within you.
Finally, focus on the words “your lives.” The Bible isn’t just God’s Word for your pastor, a seminary professor, or your Sunday school teacher; it’s God’s Word for you! The Bible is instruction for every single believer.
See all the great jewels you discovered in this passage just by focusing on one word at a time? You didn’t need a seminary degree or a great library of reference tools. You can do this!
Talk It Over
- How will you dwell on God’s Word throughout your day?
- Does your life reflect the richness of God’s Word and his grace? How would it look different to other people if you allowed God’s Word to make a difference in your life?
- Practice the “pronounce it” method during your next quiet time. What difference does it make?
Know His Kindness
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:
"…God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance."
(Romans 2:4, NIV)
(Romans 2:4, NIV)
TODAY'S WORD:
In the natural, when we’ve wronged someone, sometimes it’s easier to avoid them than to face potential rejection. People unconsciously do the same thing to God. They think He’s mad at them or disappointed in them or that He is waiting to punish them because of their past sins and mistakes. But God isn’t like that. He’s not mad at you; He’s madly in love with you! He won’t reject anyone who comes to Him! He’s not waiting to punish you—Jesus already took your punishment on the cross 2,000 years ago! Now, He’s waiting for you to receive His gift of grace. He’s waiting with arms wide open today.
It doesn’t matter who you are or what you’ve done, His kindness leads us to repentance. Don’t let fear or condemnation hold you back. That’s a lie from the enemy. Turn to Him. Experience His goodness. Trust His faithfulness. He’s promised that He’ll never leave you nor forsake you. Don’t wait another minute—He is ready and waiting for you to come and know His kindness today!
It doesn’t matter who you are or what you’ve done, His kindness leads us to repentance. Don’t let fear or condemnation hold you back. That’s a lie from the enemy. Turn to Him. Experience His goodness. Trust His faithfulness. He’s promised that He’ll never leave you nor forsake you. Don’t wait another minute—He is ready and waiting for you to come and know His kindness today!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father, thank You for loving me today. Thank You for Your kindness. I come to You and let go of anything that stands in the way of You. Draw me close to You and have Your way in my heart in Jesus’ name. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment