In the final week of the Breath on a Page collection, Brad Jones highlights how to study God’s Word—giving us practical steps to deepen our relationship with Christ.
Key Takeaway
Using practical steps and methodology, we can study the Word better to grow our relationship with Christ and teach others to know Him deeply.
We have a choice: will we turn to or away from the Word of God?
On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”
Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.”
From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
“You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.
Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”
John 6:60-69
We want to adopt the attitude that, as believers in Jesus, we come to the Word of God as the ultimate authority in our lives rather than trusting in the voices around us.
God's Word is worthwhile—may we know its worth. It will change our lives.
So, how do we study God's Word?
Step 1: Pray
We need supernatural power.
The Holy Spirit teaches and reveals things to us.
Step 2: Read
Are you in a plan?
There are times when we are busy—getting our kids ready for school or getting ready for work, but we must prioritize His Word.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:15-17
Step 3: Observe
What do we see?
Choose a part of Scripture to focus and meditate on. Today, we're going to hone in on Colossians 3:16.
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
Colossians 3:16
Who was this text written by and to?
Read Colossians 1:1-3.
Paul wrote this epistle to the people of Colossae.
Identify the verbs, conjunctions, and adjectives in this text.
When we observe the text, are we giving the Word permission to change us?
Don't give up on our pursuit of knowing the Word. We won't know everything overnight, but we need to keep digging and studying to know Scripture more.
Step 4: Interpret
There will be times that we don't understand Scripture, but we should work to find an answer.
Look at other translations to help us understand the Scripture more fully.
Take a moment to read a few different translations of Colossians 3:16 and compare the differences.
Refer back to other passages in your study.
For this example, we can refer back to John 1:1.
God wants us to be teachers of this Word. But if we're going to teach it, we have to know it.
When we receive it, it dwells inside us, and we can use it to teach and admonish one another.
Step 5: Apply
We must apply and embrace the Word of God.
In that process, we must give the Word room in our lives. This isn't meant to be something that we just fit into our lives, it's a priority.
So, how do we apply this knowledge?
1. We need to talk to each other more about Jesus and His Word.
We don't want to be professional Christians.
2. We need to be rich in God's Word.
We need to invest in God's Word so that it dwells in us.
3. We need to memorize His Word.
Memorizing Scripture helps us grow closer to Him.
4. We need to buy truth and not sell it.
Read Proverbs 23:23.
Worthwhile - something that is worth the time, effort, or resources invested in it because it provides value, benefit, or satisfaction.
This Word is worthwhile.
May we be people that don't reject this Word.
Discussion Questions
- When faced with a difficult teaching from Scripture, do we tend to wrestle with it, ignore it, or walk away from it like some of Jesus’ disciples in John 6:66? Why?
- Peter declared that Jesus has “the words of eternal life.” How does this truth shape our approach to reading and studying the Bible?
- How do we practically let “the message of Christ dwell among us richly” (Colossians 3:16) in our daily lives?
- What are some distractions or competing voices that challenge our commitment to making God’s Word our ultimate authority?
- What role does prayer play in our ability to understand and apply Scripture? How can we be more intentional in seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance?
- How do you currently study the Bible, and what steps could you take to deepen your engagement with God’s Word?
- What are the benefits of reading Scripture in community versus studying it alone? How can we better encourage one another in biblical study?
- Proverbs 23:23 says to “buy the truth and do not sell it.” What does this mean in the context of valuing and prioritizing God’s Word in our lives?
- What does it mean to “give the Word permission to change us”? Can you share a time when Scripture challenged or transformed you?
- What are some practical ways we can memorize Scripture and store it in our hearts so that it becomes a guiding force in our daily decisions?
Scripture References
