It has been my observation; without a plan we will soon fade and perish. Furthermore, there is wisdom available when we take in the council of many wise men schooled in the things of God. Cities are not built in a single day, they take time, planning, resources, effort, a solid process, and commitment to the end goal. This is the second part of an essay series on the art of educating yourself on scripture. In the first essay we explored two topics – (1) decide to learn and (2) focus on your learning objectives.
Let us review – decide to learn – choosing to dive in, choosing to open the scriptures and open your heart to the wisdom of God. That is the first step. Then comes the focus on learning objectives– select where and in what you are interested. If you do not know where to begin, I suggest that you open the bible to the Gospel of John. Start there. Get to know Jesus, not as a casual acquaintance, but as a trusted friend. Look for my essays on prayer and meditation. Dive in. Pray, focus, and learn.
With that in mind, let us move on to more parts of the learning process that might be helpful. At this juncture; you may be feeling a little unsure of yourself. We read in Luke — The things which are impossible with men are possible with God (Luke 18:27). Push into this. You will not be disappointed. God will provide.
Learning Preparation. In other essays I talked about a Toolkit and a Wall of Truth. I want to revisit these items. They are part of learning preparation and data retention. Proverbs says — Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house (Proverbs 24:27).
Zechariah says — Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin (Zechariah 4:10).
Before you dive into the acquisition of books and material, I suggest you ponder for a bit on how you learn. If you are a reader, then your choice of books is important. If video is part of your learning formula, then the bible app may be a useful resource. Please remember, adapt your wall of truth to the format of your data. I suggest you do not depend upon a single mode of learning. Data coming at you in different formats may enhance the learning process. Be patient, anything worth doing usually takes a bit of discipline and effort. Keep focused.
Let us keep in mind what Paul tells us about reasons for learning — All Scripture is breathed out by God and (1) profitable for teaching, (2) for reproof, (3) for correction, and for (4) training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Do not lose sight of the prize. I have found while mining scripture – Easy is not always better. Use good judgement on your toolkit choices (study aids). We read in Joshua — Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful (Joshua 1:8). Keep the word close by. Get the phone app, there will be times when you have some ‘dead space in your schedule.’ Use that phone bible app as needed– access the bible – ‘cause, ya know’, your bible is sitting in your house not in your hands.
Some people may prefer to use bible study guides to assist in their learning. If you have had experience with authors such as Max Lucado or David Jeremiah, you may find their guides helpful to get started. Select your reference bible, concordance, systematic theology book, bible dictionary, and your Greek and Hebrew dictionary after careful research. Include a visit with trusted friends who have experience with these tools. Perhaps they will show you their toolkit. I suspect that used bookstores and used online book services may become your friend. Reference bibles are handy. The Thompson Chain bible is handy.
Get your tools together, look the tools over, do some preliminary research using the tools to gain experience with the tools. If you have overcome the learning curve for the tools you are more likely to use them when you are formally engaged in learning. Establish a place on your phone or your laptop for the wall of truth. Organize the sub directories using your target list as a guide.
Start – work on the target list. Pace yourself. Read some, study some, document some, manage your energy outlay, do not hammer it, and then get burned out. Proverbs says — My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart (Proverbs 3:1).
Commit to the list, use the toolkit, retain what you learn on your wall of truth. Get moving.
Document your findings on your wall of truth carefully. Proverbs say — For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones (Proverbs 2:6-8).
I suggest that you set a weekly goal — keep your goals modest. Victory is always better than a frustrated failure. Measured progress is helpful.
Failure does not mean — stop. Failure does not mean — I cannot, so I won’t. Failure is simply a speed bump. Pick yourself up, give yourself grace, and start again. It is more important to start again than anything else that you can do during Bible study. This is the mark of a successful person; a person who can recover from failure. Depart failure and move to success as many times as is needed. Never stop trying. God’s mercy is amazing, it is renewed every sunrise. Every Sunrise. Take a few moments and review Lamentations 3:22-24; you will not be disappointed.
Daniel says — Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility— young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians (Daniel 1:3-4).
Paul says — For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope (Romans 15:4). Get ‘er’ done.
I choose Jesus.
Shalom Talk 