Spiritual Disciplines | Study

Phil 4:8 – “Think about these things”

English Standard Version Chapter 4

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Study is a vehicle for change.

- What is true for us is what will change us. This is what we invest our time of study into.

- We are all studying all the time, it is where our interests are that will capture our study time.

From the book.

- Remember, the mind will always take on an order conforming to the order upon which it concentrate. (p.63)

o Duet 11:18 – The Israelites were instructed to write the Laws on doorposts, bond one their wrists. Why? To keep them insight.

§ This now is replaced with writing these on our hearts and having Jesus as our teacher.

- Our study and concentration are what builds our habits

Illustration: Playing a new video games or reading a new book.

What is studying?

- Studying books

o Learn to study

§ Finding a method that words for you

· Inductive Bible study

o handout

· 3 intrinsic/3 extrinsic

o Understand, interpret, evaluate

o Experience, other books, live discussion

Steps of study:

- Repetition – Develops ingrained thoughts

o It is where we start to grow, it requires nothing but time.

- Concentration – Focus driven toward on stimuli

o The next step requires both time and focus (shutting off the other things around us

- Comprehension – Knowledge of the truth

o Making it true for you.

- Reflection – Defines the significance

o Helps you to make it more then true information. Puts it into action.

Questions:

What comes to mind when you think about the word “study”? Is that a positive thing or negative? Do you agree will the idea that you study on some level throughout the day? What are your study hours going into? (optional)What is something that you would like to grow in spiritually? What do you need to do in order to “get studying”?