Apicontent

God reveals His will to us through: His Word, the Holy Spirit, other people, and providential circumstances.

There is an old story about a man trapped on the top of his house during a flood or hurricane or tsunami (insert your own natural disaster). The water is swiftly rising. As this man sits on his roof, fearful of being swept away by the current, he cries out to God, “God please help me.”

A few moments later, a friend arrives with his boat. “Hey, friend, need a ride to safety?” he asks.

“No,” replies the man on top of his house. “God is going to help me.”

An hour later, the water is up to the gutters. A voluntary rescue person comes by on his yellow raft. “Hey, let’s get you off of there and on to safety,” he yells.

But the man on top of his house refuses to go. “God is going to help me.”

Another hour passes and now the water is halfway up the roof. The man is now on top of his chimney, nervously looking down at certain death.

Fortunately, a Red Cross volunteer swings by in a canoe and offers to take him to safety. But the man refuses. “No, God is going to help me.”

A couple of hours pass by and the water sweeps over the top of the house. The man is carried away by the current and drowns. When he gets to Heaven, he says to God, “I thought you were going to help me.”

God and says to the man, “I sent a boat, an inflatable raft, and a canoe—but you refused each one.”

And you laughed, right? But quite often this is a perfect analogy of our attempts to know God’s plan for our lives. We act as if God’s will is some sort of vague, mysterious amazing thing. It’s as if we want God to show us what He wants us to do, but we don’t really think He will make it clear to us. Ask God what He wants you to do … and then wait expectantly for Him to give you answer!

Many times, what God wants us to do is very clear. When we talk about knowing what God wants us to do this is sometimes referred to as “knowing God’s will.” We can know God’s will in two different ways: through His general will and His specific will.

God’s general will is always clear. We find His general will clearly revealed in Scripture. When we are considering whether or not God is directing us to do something, some decisions are objective enough to be eliminated on the basis of whether or not they conform to God’s Word. God will never lead us in a direction that will violate the principles He has given in the Bible. For example, He would not lead lie or cheat or steal, because this is clearly taught in the Bible as something that is wrong. Or He would not want you to pursue a relationship with a person who is married, because you would be committing adultery, which is in direct violation of what is taught throughout the Bible.

In Psalm 32:8 we read,

“I will instruct and teach you about how you should live. I will advise you as I look you in the eye.”

As we immerse ourselves in prayer and in the study of God’s Word, He will give us His wisdom to make decisions that are compatible with His principles.

Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.”

Here are some principles that can guide us as we seek to determine God’s general will: 

God has a plan for your life. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know what I have planned for you,” says the Lord. “I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope.”

God desires that each and every person have a relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. 1 Timothy 2:4–5 tells us, “He [God] wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one intermediary between God and humanity, Christ Jesus, himself human.”

God promises to give us wisdom if we ask Him and believe that He will give it. James 1:5 tells us, “But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it these words, “I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me.” And Isaiah 41:10 says, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you! Don’t be frightened, for I am your God! I strengthen you—yes, I help you—yes, I uphold you with my saving right hand!”

God’s specific will at times is difficult to see clearly. Does he want me to take a job in a different city … or stay with the one that I have? Does he want me to marry this person that I am currently dating … or should I wait for someone else? Should I buy a new car … or a used one? Should I go to the university … or stay home with my family?

You can be sure of one thing: No one has perfect insight into God’s specific will. The soundest, most mature believers can and do make mistakes about God’s specific will. However, in determining God’s specific will there are some absolutes that never change. God reveals His specific will through His Word, the Bible (Psalm 119:105), through the Holy Spirit (John 14:26), through other people (Proverbs 15:22), and through providential circumstances (Proverbs 16:9).

As you study God’s Word and talk with Him about the specific things in your life that you need direction and discernment for, here are some questions that can help you make a decision. Each one of these questions is based on principles that run throughout the Bible. A specific Bible verse or passage is given for each principle as a reference, but you can find many other verses related to each question!

• Does it comply with the directions given in God’s written Word? (Psalm 119:133)
• Does it demonstrate love for God? (John 14:15)
• Does it demonstrate love for others? (Romans 13:9-10)
• Does it promote personal holiness? (1 Thessalonians 4:7)
• Does it reflect the fruit of the Spirit? (Galatians 5:22)
• Does it require faith and trust in God? (Hebrews 11:6)
• Does it make sense when you use reasoning that is based on God’s truth? (Romans 12:2)
• Does it generate a supernatural inner peace and calmness that cannot be attributed to your circumstances? (Philippians 4:6-7)

You do not have to be able to answer “yes” to each and every question in order to determine that the direction you are heading is the one God wants for you. There may be several questions that you simply cannot answer, but there should be a clear consensus among those that you can. If the answer is “no” to any of these questions, take time to wait on God to give you more confirmation before taking action. Many times, people believe God is leading them into an area, and He may be, but they plunge forward without getting His confirmation. Be patient and willing to wait on God.

Take time to recognize God’s direction through insights, impressions, conversations, circumstances, and counsel that may be God’s specific guidance. God promises to give us strength and courage for whatever life brings.

Application

Forgiveness … at times a very difficult word. A word that is critical to our relationship with God: We experience forgiveness because of what Christ did for us on the cross. 

When someone hurts us, we are often willing to forgive them based on the severity of their offense. If the offense doesn’t seem too severe, we will probably forgive them. But, if in our minds, or even in the minds of others, the offense is serious, we may hold our forgiveness back. 

However, forgiveness is necessary for our relationships with others: We extend forgiveness because we have experienced it.

Jesus tells us: “For if you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive you your sins.” —Matthew 6:14–15

What does this mean?

Forgiveness frees us from the non-productive and destructive emotions which chain and enslaved us to the object of our anger and pain. Sometimes a story can help us understand a concept better than an explanation … Henry Brandt shares this story in his book, Heart of the Problem.

“At a conference in Zimbabwe, I told the audience the story of a Ugandan businessman I had met who had lost everything when Idi Amin’s soldiers had seized his possession and his family had to flee to the forests. This businessman had peace in his heart only after he had forgiven the soldiers.

“After my morning address, I received a note requesting a private meeting. To my surprise, I found myself sitting across from a couple from Uganda who had been urged by some friends to attend this conference. Deeply disturbed by a tragedy in their own lives, the couple had listened intently to the story of my Ugandan friend.

“As they sat before me, they hold me how they had struggled to keep their business going in spite of the turbulence of Uganda’s last twenty years.

“Then one day during the bloody reign of Idi Amin, they receive a note stating their twenty-six-year-old son had been kidnapped and was being held for ransom. The parents did nothing for a few days, and then received a note threatening that their son would be killed if they did not pay the ransom.

“The couple sought legal advice and consulted with the proper government authorities. They were advised to resist payment. Then came another note. This was the final warning. If payment was not made immediately, their son would be tortured and killed. As they agonized over what to do, they receive a note stating that their son was dead. Grief-stricken; the father tried to locate the body.

“Finally he found someone who, for a price, would lead him to his son’s body. When he arrived at the appointed place, he was seized by a group of soldiers and taken to a prison. In the same cell that had held his son, they stripped him to the waist, made him face a wall, and with a whip made of leather strips, they cut his back to ribbons. They loaded him into the back of a pickup truck and dropped him off on a street corner. They shouted at him that if he ever tried to locate his son again, he would be killed.

“Two years had passed. The couple had suffered bitter, deep hatred toward unknown soldiers who had murdered their son and beaten the father. They could no longer enjoy success in business, a spacious home in the country, and a happy family life. Now each day was filled with sorrow, hatred, and thoughts of revenge. The story of the Ugandan businessman had disturbed them; they wanted to know if I believed they were wrong to treasure their misery and keep their hatred alive. It seemed to them that resentment was normal and proper. To forgive the soldiers seemed to them to be inappropriate and disloyal to the memory of their son.

“What could I say? Theirs was a tragic story. Surely they had the option to choose their own approach to the cruel, heartless event that had clouded their lives. The problem was so far removed from my own life experiences that it seemed almost from another world. I required more wisdom than I possessed. ‘God, help me,’ I quietly prayed.

“We sat in silence in a dimly lit room. I couldn’t think of anything to say to this couple. The woman’s eyes were filled with tears. The gentleman sat with his elbows on his knees and both hands covering his face. The wife whispered, ‘It would be a relief to put this behind us and get on with the future.’ ‘Yes, it would,’ he replied. ‘Can you help us?’ 

“How could I help? I leaned back in my chair and thought to myself, ‘What would the Ugandan businessman who had lost everything say to them right now?’ I believe he would have said: ‘You must put away all bitterness, anger, wrath, quarreling, and slanderous talk—indeed all malice. Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you’ (Ephesians 4:31-32).

“Murder and merciless beatings are heinous deeds. Many friends and associates had assured them that revenge, anger, and hatred were natural responses. To think of being kind and tenderhearted and forgiving was beyond consideration.

“As the three of us struggled in that dark room in Zimbabwe, it seemed to me that there was another presence in the room. God was there telling me to gently urge this dear couple to let go of their hostile spirit and let Him cleanse their hearts. He would give them a forgiving spirit. Jesus would say: ‘But I say to you, love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you’ (Matthew 5:44).

“I suggested that they needed to pray for such a change of heart. After a long silence, the man said in a trembling voice, ‘I am ready.’ His wife said, ‘So am I.’ 

“The three of us knelt by the bed in that quiet room. I have never heard such moving prayers. We stood up and embraced each other with tears of supernatural joy streaming down our cheeks. The next day the man and his wife stood before the entire gathering. He told the group that he and his wife were leaving a heavy burden behind and looking forward to a new life in the future.”

Dr. Brandt goes on to say:

“We want to know when it is acceptable not to forgive. We are confronted on all sides with physical abuse, sexual abuse, rape, unfaithfulness, suffering. The list is long. Is no one entitled to nurse resentment, bitterness, and to withhold forgiveness? Why should we forgive?

“The answer is clear. The Ugandan couple experienced miraculous healing when they released their anger and bitterness. Forgiveness freed them from the non-productive and destructive emotion which chained them and enslaved them to the object of their anger and pain. They found that forgiveness was the beginning of a free life.”

God’s children have full access to the limitless supply of the fruit of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Isn’t it odd, therefore, that we should ever choose hatred, resentment, or anger, not over the great tragedies of life, but more often, over the small grievances of daily living?

Forgiveness is a tough concept! And one in which we grow and stretch and learn and process. It will be a life-long journey as God teaches about forgiveness and helps you to forgive.

Application

Take some time alone with God to confess your inability to forgive, and ask the Holy Spirit to forgive them through you. As you rely on Him, He will give you the power!

As we think about being connected to other people in the body of Christ, it’s good to stop and consider the topic of anger. What? Anger? Why? Because angry people are hard to get along with … and they disrupt life in the body of Christ! Christian psychologist Henry Brandt spent nearly his entire professional career talking to Christians about letting God take care of their anger!

When was the last time you saw or experienced the result of someone’s anger … on the road, at the store, in your family, with a friend? Believe it or not, the one emotion that plagues everyone is … anger. People seldom admit to actually being angry. Instead, they say, “I lost my temper,” or “I was out of control” or “That person really annoyed me.” Curious expressions, aren’t they? Rarely does anyone say, “I was really ticked off and I sinned”? Sin? Really? Yes, really. The truth is that rarely is our anger in and of itself a sin … but how we handle it often leads to sinful behavior. The one emotion that plagues everyone is … anger. No matter how you express it, anger is still anger … and it is a problem if you don’t deal with it in an appropriate way.

In his book entitled Heart of the Problem, Dr. Henry Brandt wrote, “I have never found anger to be a positive factor in problem-solving. I have never found anger to be righteous. It is always a hindrance to intelligent straight thinking and rational behavior. In an instant, anger can change a person from being satisfied, cheerful, and relaxed to being dissatisfied, unhappy, and tense. There is universal agreement that unrestrained anger can destroy us.”

The things that make you angry are situations and people that are outside of you that cause something inside of you to react.

You can only correct what is wrong with your spirit by accessing God’s power. Anger is defined as “an emotional reaction of extreme displeasure and/or antagonism.” Other words we might use to describe anger are: annoyance, irritation, antagonism, resentment, and indignation. Anger is expressed in many ways. It can be murderous rage or mild inner annoyance and irritation. You may not lose your temper and throw things, but you get terribly “irritated” about a lot of things. Many of us nurture our anger into something else: either a physical action or verbal assault that is hurtful, bitter, or a plan for revenge … you name it!

What does a mean, angry, hostile Christian look like? Well, let’s take a look at the guy who walks into the office on Friday morning. His face is smiling and calm. However, as is the case with most people, he can usually control the way his face looks, but he can’t control his spirit. This guy is saying to himself, “My boss makes me mad, my wife drives me crazy, my kids annoy me, and my coworkers are idiots.” Where is this person supposed to go to find peace when he has all these people aggravating him all the time? He is angry and his anger is causing him to focus on many negative things. Throughout the morning he begins to interact in negative ways with all of these people. He sighs, he shouts, he rolls his eyes, he is sarcastic. 

Your joy, happiness, and contentment do not depend on the behavior of other people. When you insist on life being the way you want it, all sorts of things will disturb you.

If you really look at your anger, you will find that when you are angry, irritated, and frustrated it is because something has not gone your way. But, and here’s the problem, the things that make you angry are situations and people that are outside of you; and they are causing something inside of you to react. The problem is not really what is making you angry, but how you are responding to it. The problem is your spirit. And you can only correct what is wrong with your spirit by accessing God’s power. 

Henry Brandt says that many people try to cope with their anger… but what they need is a cure! Angry reactions are triggered by anything that causes us to be annoyed, disgruntled, upset, uncomfortable, bitter, or envious. Contention, disagreement, discord, hostility, temper tantrums, rage, screaming, arguing, and anger are all words describing a fundamental response we exhibit when we don’t get our own way! Strife, wrangling, arguing, and shouting are often the result. Nearly everyone thinks that their anger is a justifiable response to the way they were treated. God’s Word teaches us to get rid of our anger. 

In Colossians 3:8, the Bible tells us to “put off all such things as anger, rage, malice, slander, abusive language from your mouth.”

When you insist on life being the way you want it, all sorts of things will disturb you. The fact remains that each one of us needs to learn how to deal with our personal anger. Society’s solutions include “ignoring it,” “sharing” (or more accurately blasting) people with it so that we will feel better, hiding it, or finding a way to “control it.” All of these solutions are actually asking us to simply “live with” the anger.

But as Henry Brandt points out in nearly all of his books, the Bible has another approach altogether. God’s Word teaches us to get rid of our anger. Carefully study these verses:

“For human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.” —James 1:20

“A person who has a quick temper will do foolish things, and a person with crafty schemes will be hated.” —Proverbs 14:17

“Scornful people inflame a city, but those who are wise turn away wrath.” —Proverbs 29:8

“A fool lets fly with all his temper, but a wise person keeps it back.” —Proverbs 29:11

“An angry person stirs up dissension, and a wrathful person is abounding in transgression.” —Proverbs 29:22

“Do not be angry and frustrated! Do not fret! That only leads to trouble!” —Psalm 37:8

“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on the cause of your anger. Do not give the devil an opportunity.” —Ephesians 4:26–27

So how do we get rid of our anger? You cannot have a peaceful heart when you are allowing a number of things to “trigger” your emotions. Can you be “filled with the Spirit” when you are angry? Are you going to settle for being an angry person and justify it by saying, “That’s just the way I am?” You need to allow the Holy Spirit to rid you of your anger.

The idea here is not to learn to control, stuff or channel your anger into meaningful activity. Acknowledge your anger and let God deal with it. Now is the time to talk to God and acknowledge the anger you have become aware of and want to release. Forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against. Thank God for forgiving your sin of anger. Ask Him to bless the ones you are angry with and to love them through you. You will have a huge load lifted from your shoulders! 

Application

Take a notepad and pencil with you and for twenty-four hours list everything that “triggers” your anger … in any form. Then take some time to evaluate what you have been angry about. You will be surprised! Talk to God about it. Ask the Holy Spirit to change you from the inside. Let God direct your emotional responses to your circumstances. Keep a record of how God is working in your life in this area.

As we’ve considered the different ways for you to grow in your relationship with God by hearing, reading, studying, and memorizing His Word, we’ve actually also been meditating on His truth, which is the focus of this lesson. Meditating involves taking a prayerful, serious approach to reflecting on a specific verse or passage.

As you’ve learned how to listen and read and study and memorize, you’ve also been meditating. But in this lesson, we’re going to specifically focus on meditation as its own discipline. 

There really is no better way to grow in your relationship with Christ than to meditate on God’s promises throughout the day. Whenever something stressful happens (and it will), you can think about a verse that applies to your situation. 

Meditating means you are giving extended, careful thought to God’s Word with the intent of conforming your life to His will. Meditating on God’s Word will result in knowing Him intimately and being obedient to Him in everything. Meditating means you are giving extended, careful thought to God’s Word with the intent of conforming your life to His will. 

Two questions to consider whenever you are meditating on a passage of scripture:

1. What is the meaning of this verse or passage based on its context?
2. How can/should this verse or passage affect my life?

Use these two questions right now as you consider Philippians 4:6–7:

“Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Power Over Bondage

In 1977, New York City was in turmoil because a troubled twenty-four-year-old man, David Berkowitz, who the media labeled “Son of Sam,” went on a killing spree. His target was young women, and before he was finally caught, five young women and one man were dead.

During his time in prison, David was approached by a young prisoner named Ricky Lopez. Ricky told David that regardless of what he had done, Jesus loved him and died for him.

Ricky gave David a Bible. As David Berkowitz read the Bible, God’s power began breaking him of his bondage to sin. In time, the Word of God brought him to a point of complete repentance—and the “Son of Sam” surrendered his life completely to Christ. Today, as he continues to serve his life sentence, David Berkowitz is the chaplain’s assistant at Sullivan Correctional Facility. (Read this, and other stories of God’s transforming power, in Fresh Power, by Jim Cymbala.)

David Berkowitz was transformed because he replaced his human viewpoint of life with God’s viewpoint.! He meditated on God’s truth! There really is no better way to grow in your relationship with God than to meditate on His promises throughout the day.

Psalm 1:1–3 says, “How blessed is the one who does not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand in the pathway with sinners, or sit in the assembly of scoffers! Instead, he finds pleasure in obeying the LORD’s commands; he meditates on his commands day and night. He is like a tree planted by flowing streams; it yields its fruit at the proper time, and its leaves never fall off. He succeeds in everything he attempts.”

Make sure your roots are deeply planted in God’s Word … just like a tree that survives and grows and bears fruit because its roots tap deep into the soil below.

In Psalm 119:97–105, what promises are made to the person who continually meditates?

“O how I love your law! All day long I meditate on it.
Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for I am always aware of them.
I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your rules.
I am more discerning than those older than I, for I observe your precepts.
I stay away from every evil path, so that I might keep your instructions.
I do not turn aside from your regulations, for you teach me.
Your words are sweeter in my mouth than honey!
Your precepts give me discernment. Therefore I hate all deceitful actions.
Your word is a lamp to walk by, and a light to illumine my path.”

Luke 6:45 says,

“The good person out of the good treasury of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasury produces evil, for his mouth speaks from what fills his heart.”

Meditating means thinking deeply about something. To meditate is to focus your thinking on something specific. It means to focus, contemplate, reflect, or think deeply about. You do it long enough that something changes (attitude, purpose, conviction), and then you have the perspective and wisdom to get up and make changes. In other words, meditation causes life change! 

It is important to think rightly and to have God’s perspective and discernment about everything, including money, Jesus, sin, marriage, sex, divorce, obedience, kids, work, honesty, trouble, yourself, the future, and a host of other things. Think like Jesus thinks, have His mindset. Meditation on God’s Word will help you to do that. But …. it will take planning and time. If you don’t plan it, it won’t happen. 

J. I. Packer wrote: “Meditation is the activity of calling to mind, thinking over, dwelling on, and applying to oneself the various things that one knows about the works, ways, purposes, and the promises of God. Its effect is to humble us as we contemplate God’s greatness and our own littleness—to encourage and reassure us as we contemplate the unsearchable riches of God as displayed in the Lord Jesus Christ” (Knowing God).

So meditate, but don’t meditate on your problems, your irritations, your hurts, and/or your enemies. Rather, meditate on the truth of God’s Word! The purpose of meditation is a life change. You want to experience God! Meditate until you not only understand a passage of God’s Word but until can’t wait to apply it! 

Application

Choose a verse or passage of scripture to meditate on … and then do it!

As we have been discussing, there are five basic ways for you to grow in your knowledge and experience with God’s Word: hear it, read it, study it, memorize it, and meditate on it. In this lesson we will consider how memorizing God’s Word will help you tremendously.

One of the most important reasons for memorizing Scripture is because our memories are short. Research has shown that after 24 hours you accurately remember:

5% of what you hear

15% of what you read

35% of what you study

57% of what you see and hear

100% of what you memorize

Noted author and counselor, Henry Brandt, once wrote: “I still consider Bible memorization the single most important aid in my Christian life and in my counseling.”

Dawson Trotman, past president of the Navigators said, “I know of no form of intake of the Word which pays greater dividends for the time invested than Scripture memory.”

In Matthew 4:1–10, we see Jesus overcoming Satan’s temptations by using scripture. He probably didn’t have the scriptures in written form … he was using them because he had learned them as a child and could recite them! Here’s the story:

“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After he fasted forty days and forty nights he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become bread.’ But he answered, ‘It is written, “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”’

“Then the devil took him to the holy city, had him stand on the highest point of the temple, and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written, “He will command his angels concerning you” and “with their hands, they will lift you up so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” Jesus said to him, ‘Once again it is written: “You are not to put the Lord your God to the test.’

 “Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their grandeur. And he said to him, ‘I will give you all these things if you throw yourself to the ground and worship me.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go away, Satan! For it is written: “You are to worship the Lord your God and serve only him.” Then the devil left him, and angels came and began ministering to his needs.”

People often say “I just can’t memorize things.” But that simply is not true! We memorize information all the time for business, sales presentations, stock market quotes, sports, and daily commitments. Athletes memorize whole playbooks, team standings, player stats, etc. It’s not a memory that is lacking, it’s motivation.

It’s actually easy to memorize verses: 

Start with one verse. Write it down if possible.
Repeat it several times.
Say it in your own words. Identify why it is important.
Repeat it to a friend or family member.
Think about how you might apply it to your life.
Once you have it memorized, review it every day for 30 days.
It will be yours to take with you wherever you go!

Here are a few verses for you to memorize to get started!

“How can a young person maintain a pure life? By guarding it according to your instructions! … In my heart I store up your words, so I might not sin against you.” —Psalm 119:9, 11

“Fix these words of mine into your mind and being, and tie them as a reminder on your hands and let them be symbols on your forehead. Teach them to your children and speak of them as you sit in your house, as you walk along the road, as you lie down, and as you get up.” —Deuteronomy 11:18–19

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and exhorting one another with all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, all with grace in your hearts to God.” —Colossians 3:16

“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor heavenly rulers, nor things that are present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” —Romans 8:38–39

One way to improve your knowledge of the Bible, deepen your walk with God, and memorize verses that will carry you through the hard times of life is by using The Navigator’s Topical Memory System. You can online search for a way to obtain it or it is available in most Christian book stores.

Application

Choose a verse or passage today to start memorizing!

Studying God’s Word will make a difference in your life! When you study God’s Word you will gain insight into who God is and what He wants to do in your life. This topic is a continuation of our study on the five basic ways for you to experience God’s Word: hear it, read it, study it, memorize it, and meditate on it. In this lesson, we will consider how studying God’s Word will make a difference in your life. 

Proverbs 2:1–5 instructs us: “My child, if you receive my words, and store up my commands inside yourself, by making your ear attentive to wisdom, and by turning your heart to understanding, indeed, if you call out for discernment—shout loudly for understanding—if you seek it like silver, and search for it like hidden treasure, then you will understand how to fear the Lord, and you will discover knowledge about God.”

Each time you approach God’s Word in study, you need to pray for God’s direction and then, observe, interpret, and apply what you are reading.

“Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately.” —2 Timothy 2:15

Remember how in a previous lesson we talked about the importance of receptivity? Psalm 119:18 models for us our asking God to open us up to His Word: “Open my eyes so I can truly see the marvelous things in your law!”

The reason you need to study God’s Word is to gain insight into who God is and what He wants to do in your life! One way that you can achieve good results from your study time is to write down what you discover. Reading is faster than study and gives you the overall picture, but study requires that you think and remember. Yes, this is more time-consuming … but it will be worth the effort!

“Jesus said to the people who believed in him: ‘If you continue to follow my teaching, you are really my disciples and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” —John 8.31–32

There are actually several ways you can study the Bible:

• A word (such as grace, faith, love, sin)
• A single verse (such as Hebrews 12:1; 1 John 1.5)
• A passage or chapter (such as Ephesians 1, or Ephesians 1:15–23, Proverbs 3)
• A book (any!)

A 4-Step Process

Before you begin your study, consider this 4-step process to help you gain the most from your time in God’s Word. Study is more than just reading. Reading is faster than study and gives you the overall picture, but study requires that you think and remember.

Step 1—Pray

Ask the Holy Spirit for insight and understanding! Open yourself up to what God wants you to see in His Word today.

Step 2—Observe

As you study the word, or verse, or passage, or book you’ve chosen, you are looking for answers to the following questions?

• What does it say?
• What does it reveal about God?
• What does it reveal about having a more intimate relationship with God?
• What does this teach me about faith, hope, and love?
• What new insights can I obtain about my new identity in Christ and how God has designed me?
• How does God want me to depend on Him for wisdom, strength, special abilities, and resources?
• What does this reveal about how God will meet my needs and accomplish His purposes?
• How can I resist Satan’s schemes and seek refuge in God from evil?
• How does God direct our steps toward the fulfillment of His specific plan for our life?

Not all of the studies that you do will answer every one of these questions, but they provide a good framework for your thought and reflection. As you study the word, or verse, or passage, or book you’ve chosen, you are looking for answers to at least one of these questions.

Step 3—Interpret

As you read and think and reflect, consider “What does this mean?” Here are a few other questions to help you identify the meaning of what you are studying:

• Is this passage to be interpreted literally or does it contain figurative words, phrases, or expressions?
• How does the context for this passage help in understanding its meaning?
• What other scriptures help to clarify or amplify the interpretation of this passage?
• What point is this trying to make?

Step 4—Apply

This is the most important step! Ask yourself: What am I going to do with this new insight and understanding? 

Specific Suggestions for Studying a Single Word

It is actually much easier to study a verse when you are first starting to study the Bible. If you choose to study a single word, you can use on-line searching or you will need a good Bible concordance that contains single words and a list of the verse where that word is used. What you are looking for is the different ways that word is used and what is being communicated.

Specific Suggestions for Studying a Single Verse

Approach #1

Begin by reading the context of the verse … what comes before it and after it.

Next, ask yourself, “Who is speaking, to whom, and what is the situation?” Visualize yourself in the situation and customs of that time and place. If possible, read several different translations of the Bible (this is easy to accomplish with online resources such as Bible Gateway). Look up keywords in the dictionary and write down their definitions. Ask questions from the “Observe” step (Step 2) described earlier in this lesson. Take notes! Continue your study through the Step 3 and Step 4 processes!

Approach #2

Another way to approach a verse study is to look at each word individually within the verse.

Here is an example using the first phrase of Psalm 118: 6: “The Lord is for me …”

With this approach, you write the verse down the left side of your paper one word at a time. In some ways, we are crossing over into the “Meditate on It” process of experiencing God’s Word (to be discussed in a later lesson), but it is important to remember that all of these approaches interact with one another … not one truly stands alone! As you look at the first word, write down as much as you can about that word. Then take the second word of the verse, and spend time thinking and writing about that word, and so on until you finish the verse or phrase. Then write a reflection statement summarizing your insights.

The Lord—the mighty, almighty, creator, sovereign, loving, glorious God 

is—right now, presently, an absolute certainty

for—purpose, goal, God has my best interests at heart, He is on my side, He knows what is best for me

me—personally, not in general, but specifically, by name

Reflection: It is awesome and exciting to contemplate me personally having such intimacy…with God himself!!

Approach #3

Read the passage in at least two different versions of the Bible and then write what it means to you personally.

Specific Suggestions for Studying a Passage or Chapter

First, read the entire passage or chapter. Next, make an overall outline of what you have just read. Then, give it a title. Now determine which verse is most meaningful to you at this time in your life. Finally, consider what challenges you see in the passage. 

Specific Suggestions for Studying a Book

In many ways, the study of a book is similar to studying a passage or chapter, there’s just more of it at one time, but the process remains the same.

Another great way to study a book of the Bible is to go through a study that has already been put together! These are available at various online sites or through a Christian bookstore.

As you continue to study God’s Word, assemble books and Bible resources that will help you continue to grow in your relationship with God. Bible concordances contain Biblical words listed alphabetically, with indications to enable you to find the passages of the Bible where the words occur. If you purchase a concordance it should match the translation of the Bible that you are using. A Bible commentary will have explanations of various verses.

Application

Choose one way to study the Bible and work at it diligently for the next week or two (depending on what you have chosen to study).

Reading God’s Word can make a big impact on your life. As was presented in the previous lesson, there are five basic ways for you to benefit from God’s Word: hear it, read it, study it, memorize it, and meditate on it. In this lesson, we will consider how reading God’s Word can make a big impact on your life.

The purpose of reading God’s Word is to change your life! The great preacher D. L. Moody said it well: “The Scriptures were not given to increase our knowledge, but to change our lives.”  With that in mind, it is important to remember that when you are reading the Bible, it’s best to read it slowly and thoughtfully. 

You should find some way to record your thoughts and be able to record key verses. Reading is more than just “reading” … you need to think as well! “Reading” is not as intense as “studying,” but you still have an intention of gaining something from the text!

“Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.” —2 Timothy 3:16–17

As you read your Bible, ask yourself questions, and then answer them! Make your reading enjoyable! Go on a “hunt” to find promises God has for you.

This is especially easy if you are using an online resource. You can simply type in a keyword and off you go! Record the references so you can refer back to them later.

Many people find it helpful to keep a journal. You can record what you are reading and learning from the Bible as well as any other insights God gives you about your relationship with Him, how He is working in your life, and what He is doing in and through you. A journal can be a great reminder of God’s blessings and strength!

If this is your first adventure in reading the Bible, it can be easier to start in the New Testament, reading at least one of the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John). Many teachers recommend starting with John. The book of Acts tells about the actions of the early Christians. Acts is a “must-read” at some point for all Christians. After Acts, you’ll find the letters to the first Christian churches, which give instruction and guidance for daily living. And finally, in the book of Revelation, you will see how Christ is going to end all things in this world and begin ruling as “King of kings and Lord of lords.” 

One way to read the Bible is to simply open it and read whatever is in front of you. You can definitely gain from this approach, but being a little more systematic will be more beneficial to you in the long run. If you can actually write down some of what you are reading and thinking, that can also be valuable.

Start your reading time with two sheets of paper. On one, write down the things God is teaching you as you read, and on the second, jot down the things that come to mind that you need to take care of in your life. That will allow you to stay focused. There is no pressure. Simply read until God shows you something, then stop and think. As you read, ask yourself some of the following questions, and answer them!

What does this mean?

What caused this situation?

Why did God include this?

Why is this important?

Is this really true?

What difference does knowing this make?

What action should I take?

What am I missing?

What can I claim for myself?

In what ways am I really trusting God?

Talk to the Lord about what you read and make some notes. When you start to read God’s Word on a regular basis, you will find yourself growing in your relationship with your heavenly Father! As you read, talk to God about everything you are thinking. Cultivate the sense of His presence and His love. Worship Him. Thank Him for what you are reading and learning and thinking and experiencing. Give Him your intense attention and concentration Praise Him. 

Many people find it helpful to have a daily reading program helps them read steadily through the entire Bible in a systematic way. There are many plans available. Whatever method you choose to use, get started! Each day jot down the chapters that you read and then you will know where to start the next time. Modify the plan to suit your needs.

Application

As we grow in our relationship with God, it is very important to take time to read and study the Bible. There are actually five basic ways for you to experience God’s Word:

1. Hear it
2. Read it
3. Study it
4. Memorize it
5. Meditate on it

All of these ways to make God’s Word a bigger part of your life are important. And it is important to use a combination of all five to really grow in your relationship with God. For the next couple of lessons, we will look at each one of these separately … specifically in this lesson: “Hear it.”

Hearing God’s Word is the simplest way to get God’s Word into your life … and it involves listening.

Whenever you hear God’s Word, attempt to learn what the Holy Spirit is trying to teach you personally writing down your thoughts when possible. There are many ways you can hear God’s Word: At your Church, in a Bible Study, from a teacher in a Bible school, on Bible tapes and CDs and DVDs, by attending Christian Seminars, through a friend, listening to Christian radio, reading Christian books … non-fiction as well as fiction, and by searching online Bible-based web pages. It is important that when you are listening to anything that is not scripture, such as a Christian speaker, that you make sure that person is a reliable source of God’s truth. 

In the book of Acts we read that the New Testament Christians “eagerly received the message, examining the scriptures carefully every day to see if these things were so.” —Acts 17:11

Whenever you hear God’s Word, attempt to discern what the Holy Spirit is trying to teach you personally, writing down your thoughts when possible. 

“Consequently faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the preached word of Christ.” —Romans 10:17

As Christians, we are disciples of Christ who are committed to learning His truth and following His directions.

“So I say this, and insist in the Lord, that you no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding, being alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts.” —Ephesians 4:17–18

Romans 12:2 challenges us with a more positive approach with these words: “Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God—what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.”

Listening is the easiest way to get God’s Word into your mind, but it isn’t a totally passive endeavor! Listening is the easiest way to get God’s Word into your mind, but it isn’t a totally passive endeavor! As you listen to God’s Word, you can use the following steps and questions to apply God’s truth in your life.

Receptivity—Check Your Attitude

God will not push His way into your life. He is waiting to transform you, but He also is waiting for you to open yourself up to Him. If God sees that you are not really willing to obey Him, then there is no point in revealing more truth to you. Because He is your loving Father, He will wait, but He desires a humble and submissive attitude.

The question to ask here is: Am I willing to let God’s truth change me and my life?

Comprehension—Check Your Understanding

There are several questions to ask when you are reflecting upon your comprehension: 

What new truth have I become aware of through reading my Bible, going to church and/or listening to other Christians?

What does this truth mean in relation to what I think, say, and do?

What are the consequences of not applying this truth to my life?

What benefits will I experience from acting on this truth?

Conviction—Check Your Level of Belief

The question to ask yourself regarding your conviction is: 

Why am I convinced that it is important to apply this revealed truth to my life?

Transformation—Check Your Commitment to Application

There are several questions here that will help you evaluate your commitment: 

What steps must I take to apply this truth to my life? 

Am I allowing Satan to use fear or difficulties to prevent me from following through with these steps of application? 

Am I allowing other concerns or my desire for wealth or pleasure to distract me from following through with these steps of application?

Application

James 1:22 encourages us with these words: “But be sure you live out the message and do not merely listen to it and so deceive yourselves.”

We have a relationship with a big God and it is important to learn about all of His character. If we only focus on one or two of his attributes, we will have a distorted image of who He really is.

In the lesson previous to this one, we considered how God is sovereign, eternal, all-knowing, all-powerful, and present everywhere. This lesson will cover another five of God’s character attributes: the fact that He is unchanging, holy, just, love, and truth.

One or two scripture passages are included for each attribute, but the Bible is filled with many more descriptions of God’s character. You can easily use an on-line Bible reference such as Bible Gateway (www.biblegateway.com) to learn more about each attribute of God and deepen your understanding of who God is. As you consider each character quality, take time to think about each one and how that specific attribute shapes your view of God … and your relationship with Him.

God is Unchanging

Since we are always changing our minds or moods, it is hard to imagine anyone or anything that is always the same. In all of our human relationships, change is inevitable. But with God, no change is possible. His character is unchanging. He never changes his mood, never “cools off,” and never stops loving us, which means that He is completely trustworthy, dependable, and stable. It’s important to learn about all of His character.

God never changes … his love for you also never changes. It doesn’t fluctuate with your emotions or deeds.

“Since, I, the Lord, do not go back on my promises, you, sons of Jacob, have not perished.” —Malachi 3:6

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever!” —Hebrews 13:8

God is completely trustworthy, dependable, and stable.

God is Holy

God is righteous and set apart from us. His holiness means He is perfect in every way. God cannot lie. He is totally trustworthy.

God has never thought an unrighteous thought … and never will! He is absolutely pure and perfect in every way! Holiness is a part of God’s very essence. It is unique to God and alone, and it is beyond our comprehension.

Psalm 145:17–20 teaches:

“The Lord is just in all his actions, and exhibits love in all he does. The Lord is near all who cry out to him, all who cry out to him sincerely. He satisfies the desire of his loyal followers; he hears their cry for help and delivers them. The Lord protects all those who love him, but he destroys all the wicked.”

“And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne. Then books were opened, and another book was opened—the book of life. So the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to their deeds. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and Death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each one was judged according to his deeds. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death—the lake of fire. If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, that person was thrown into the lake of fire.” —Revelation 20:12–15

Sin is the exact opposite of God’s nature … and without Christ’s death for you on the cross, you would be totally rejected from his presence. Christ’s death and resurrection give you access to our Holy God. This holiness is truly beyond explanation.

God is Just

When we say that God is just, we are saying that He is perfectly and completely fair. God is the supreme judge of the universe. He cannot make a mistake … and He is always totally fair in His judgments. 

Jeremiah 9:24 tells us “I the LORD, act out of faithfulness, fairness, and justice in the earth and that I desire people to do these things.”

God will always be fair by his perfect standard.

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the life-giving Spirit in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. For God achieved what the law could not do because it was weakened through the flesh. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and concerning sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, so that the righteous requirement of the law may be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” —Romans 8:1–4

God is Love

God will never love you less … and He cannot love you more! The Bible tells us that God doesn’t just have love, “God is love!” (1 John 4:16). The fact that your heavenly Father sent Jesus to suffer and die for you on the cross demonstrates the depth of his love for you. “God is love!”

“Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been fathered by God and knows God. The person who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” —1 John 4:7–8

“That Christ will dwell in your hearts through faith, so that, because you have been rooted and grounded in love, you will be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and thus to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you will be filled up to all the fullness of God.” —Ephesians 3:17–19

God is Truth

The world is saying, “There are no absolutes. Truth is what you believe or what you say it is. What may be truth for you is not truth for me.”

In John 14:6, Jesus said: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

He also said in John 17:17, “Your word is truth.”

God cannot lie. He is totally trustworthy. Everything He says is true. And His truth is clearly revealed in the Bible, His Word. Since God is truth, you can always count on Him …and you can always trust His promises to you!

It is possible to read God’s words of truth and not understand them or be changed by them. It is important to remember that we need God himself to reveal His truth to us. Since God is Truth, you can always count on Him … and you can always trust his promises to you! Someone once said, “When you know God, really know God, what you don’t know is irrelevant.”

Several great resources for learning more about God’s character include God: Discover His Character by Dr. Bill Bright and The Knowledge of the Holy by A. W. Tozer.

Application

God is totally amazing … and His greatness is far beyond our human understanding.

However, even though we can’t totally understand God’s greatness, the Bible does give us a picture of who He is! There are actually ten fundamental character qualities of God: God is sovereign, eternal, all-knowing, all-powerful, present everywhere, unchanging, holy, just, love, and truth.

Sometimes those words can seem intimidating or even irrelevant. But they are important words that ground us in really knowing and trusting God! Knowing God’s character will help us to really know and trust Him!

In this lesson, you will learn about the first five of those attributes. One or two scripture passages are included for each one, but the Bible is filled with many more descriptions of God’s character. You can easily use an online Bible reference such as Bible Gateway to learn more about each attribute of God and deepen your understanding of who God is. As you consider each character quality, take time to think about each one and how that specific attribute shapes your view of God … and your relationship with Him.

God is Sovereign

The word “sovereign” refers to a supreme power having freedom from external control. When we refer to God as sovereign, we are saying that He alone has control of the universe. He is in charge of all things. He has complete authority to do whatever pleases Him. Nothing is out of His control. God is sovereign . . . He alone has control of the universe.

Consider these two verses from the Bible:

“The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom extends over everything.” —Psalm 103:19

“And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” —Romans 8:28

God is Eternal

We live in a time dimension. God does not. God has always existed … and He always will. When we join God in heaven, we will live forever with Him. He gives us eternal life! Being eternal, God is not bound by time. He lives in an everlasting “now,” without past or future. Having always existed, He sees the past and future as clearly as the present and simultaneously. With this perspective, He has infinite understanding as to what is best for us. 

“The grass dries up, the flowers wither, but the decree of our God is forever reliable.” —Isaiah 40:8

“Your throne, O God, is permanent. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of justice.” —Psalm 45:6

God is All-Knowing

God knows everything! He knows everything in the past. He knows everything that is going on in the universe now. And He knows everything that is going to happen in the future. God is never surprised! 

Psalm 139 tells us a lot about God and how much he knows about each one of us! Read this passage and write down all of the phrases that are meaningful to you. 

1. O Lord, you examine me and know.
2. You know when I sit down and when I get up; even from far away you understand my motives.
3. You carefully observe me when I travel or when I lie down to rest; you are aware of everything I do.
4. Certainly my tongue does not frame a word without you, O Lord, being thoroughly aware of it.
5. You squeeze me in from behind and in front; you place your hand on me.
6. Your knowledge is beyond my comprehension; it is so far beyond me, I am unable to fathom it.
7. Where can I go to escape your Spirit? Where can I flee to escape your presence?
8. If I were to ascend to heaven, you would be there. If I were to sprawl out in Sheol, there you would be.
9. If I were to fly away on the wings of the dawn, and settle down on the other side of the sea.
10. Even there your hand would guide me, your right hand would grab hold of me.
11. If I were to say, “Certainly the darkness will cover me, and the light will turn to night all around me.
12. Even the darkness is not too dark for you to see, and the night is as bright as day; darkness and light are the same to you.”
13. Certainly you made my mind and heart; you wove me together in my mother’s womb.
14. I will give you thanks because your deeds are awesome and amazing. You knew me thoroughly;
15. my bones were not hidden from you, when I was made in secret and sewed together in the depths of the earth.
16. Your eyes saw me when I was inside the womb. All the days ordained for me were recorded in your scroll before one of them came into existence.
17. How difficult it is for me to fathom your thoughts about me, O God! How vast is their sum total!
18. If I tried to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. Even if I finished counting them, I would still have to contend with you.
19. If only you would kill the wicked, O God! Get away from me, you violent men!
20. They rebel against you and act deceitfully; your enemies lie.
21. O Lord, do I not hate those who hate you, and despise those who oppose you?
22. I absolutely hate them, they have become my enemies!”
23. Examine me, O God, and probe my thoughts! Test me, and know my concerns!
24. See if there is any idolatrous way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way!”

God is Present Everywhere

This universe is about thirty billion light years across … and contains at least ten trillion stars (more than all the grains of sand on earth!). Yet God is present on every star, and in every inch of space. It really is more than we can imagine! We cannot hide from Him or act without His knowledge. God is always with us! 

“Where can I go to escape your Spirit? Where can I flee to escape your presence? If I were to ascend to heaven, you would be there. If I were to sprawl out in Sheol, there you would be.” —Psalm 139:7–8

Several great resources for learning more about God’s character include: God: Discover His Character by Dr. Bill Bright and The Knowledge of the Holy by A. W. Tozer.

Application

Read and pray David’s prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:11–13: “O Lord, you are great, mighty, majestic, magnificent, glorious, and sovereign over all the sky and earth! You, Lord, have dominion and exalt yourself as the ruler of all. You are the source of wealth and honor; you rule over all. You possess strength and might to magnify and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give thanks to you and praise your majestic name!”