Essentials: Personal Bible Study

Introduction

Where are my vacationers at? Like you would say that you LOVE going places.

When you vacation you have to pack, but what is the first thing you pack?

First thing that I pack is my Playstation 5. I set it in its own bag and everything. Priorities, right?

I love to watch survival tv shows on Netflix and Hulu. There’s one show right now on Netflix called Alone.

Drop people off in the wilderness, jungle, mountains, and different places and they have to be the last person standing.

It’s crazy how these people survive, like some of them for months, but what’s crazy is that they can only bring 10 items.

While watching I ask myself what would I bring? Maybe a machete. Maybe a fire starter. A tarp. Etc.

They limit you to so few items, because at the core these things are key to survival. In the same way there are things/practices that are key to Christian living.

If something is key, then it is essential. Something that is essential is absolutely necessary or extremely important.

Over the next few weeks we will be diving into a few things that I’ve found to be essential elements and practices that every Christian should possess in their life.

Body

Over this series I want to be super practical with the approach so that you guys can leave with a plan to start doing these things.

Tonight we are going to look at what it means to have daily bible study with God.

Some people call it quiet time, my secret place, daily devotion, but ultimately it’s time to remove all distraction to learn more about God and hear His voice.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NIV)

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

God has a number of titles used in the Bible, but one of my favorites is friend. Jesus is our comforter and friend.

Think of your friends or one of your best friends. How weird would it be if you never spent time with them, but you called them friend? Crazy, right.

Just as we spend time with our friends, God wants us to spend time with Him. God created us and knit us to be in relationship with Him.

I’ve heard it like this as well. Annsley and I are married, but how sad would Annsley be if we never spent time together?

We’re married right, so isn’t that enough? God tells us that we can learn more about Him through His Word.

Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Some people think that the Word of God is like your history book at school or some ancient document.

The Bible is breathed out by God, meaning that everything that you read in the Bible is God’s literal words.

So why do we read the Bible? Or why should we read it?

We read the Bible for the ministry of the Word, because God meets us in His Word and the Holy Spirit works through His word.

It’s more than just checking a box or for educational value. It’s not just to gain more knowledge.

The Word of God can be used for a number of ways but here are a few: it’s used for healing and deliverance, it cleanses us, if hid in our heart it keeps us from sin, it’s a counselor, it’s a source of strength, it gives life, used for guidance, it gives peace, it builds faith, means to sanctification, and it’s the source of our spiritual growth.

The blueprint for your life is the Bible.

So how do we start reading the Bible?

If I’m being honest, reading your Bible can be daunting. Don’t complicate it and start always start small.

There’s a ton of ways and methods to reading the Bible. Some people read in the morning, some at night. Some do Bible reading plans others pick a chapter. You really have to find your rhythm to reading.

One way to read that I’ve found effective is the R.E.A.P method.

What is the R.E.A.P. method? Acronym meaning: Read. Examine. Apply. Pray.

Read

Underline/highlight important verse that speak to you

Examine

Ask yourself some questions: What is happening? Who is writing this passage and who is it written to? What’s the response after writing?

Apply

After reading, ask yourself: What’s God’s word for me in this passage? How will I live differently and be different today after reading this? What are some things in my life that need to change?

Pray

Pray through the verse(s) you’ve read. Ask God to change your heart and life based on the time you’ve spent in His word.

Conclusion

Can I just tear down a lie from the enemy? God is not mad if you don’t read His Word. There is no shame or guilt. Legalism [law].

I thought this for so long, but the truth is that God wants to spend time with you. If you’re here tonight and you feel that way, be reminded that our God is a communal being.

He calls us into relationship with Him and we have the opportunity to hear from Him everyday.

If you are like, “Man, Pastor Peyton…” please come find me after we pray or find an adult. We want to help you create a reading plan.

Prayer