“Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” Psalm 119:18 (ESV)
Studying God’s Word will change your life if you put what you learn into practice. But all of that starts with your willingness to study his Word.
The Bible says, “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law” (Psalm 119:18 ESV).
God has so much he wants to show you, but you have to be willing to look into his Word with open eyes.
So how should you study God’s Word? Effective Bible study, no matter what Bible study method you use, has five parts. We’ll look at two today and three tomorrow.
1. Ask the right questions. Learning to study the Bible starts with learning to ask good questions of the text. There is no limit to how many questions you can ask of the Bible, because there is no limit to its wisdom and insight. The deeper you dig, the more gold you’ll find.
Asking questions of the text you’re reading will help you look at the text through a whole new perspective. Suddenly, every time you pick up God’s Word to study it, new truths will jump out at you.
2. Write down your observations. Never study the Bible without pen and paper in hand (or a “notes” app if you prefer). When you ask your questions and find your answers, write down what you learn. You can just read the Bible without writing something down—but to really study the Bible, you have to write down what you learn.
Dawson Trotman, founder of the Navigators ministry, used to say, “Thoughts disentangle themselves when they pass through the lips and fingertips.” In other words, to really understand something, you need to talk it out or write it down. Even if you don’t see anything in the verse, write down that you don’t see anything. Just the act of writing that down will open up new thoughts.
Do you want the Bible to change your life? Start by asking good questions and writing down what you learn!
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick
Talk It Over
What are some questions that you could ask about a Bible passage? Write them down to help you next time you study.
Do you typically write down your observations when you read the Bible? If not, gather supplies now to be ready to record your observations.
Consider the place where you study God’s Word each day. How does it help or hinder your focus? What changes could you make to that space to help you study more effectively?
This devotional © 2023 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
The Bible can change your life—but not until you start studying it. Learn two practical ways to study the Bible in today’s #DailyHope devotional.
Rick Warren Bio
Rick Warren is the founding pastor of Saddleback Church, one of America’s largest and most influential churches. Pastor Rick is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Purpose Driven Life. His book The Purpose Driven Church was named one of the 100 Christian books that changed the 20th century. Pastor Rick created The PEACE Plan to address the five global giants—spiritual emptiness, self-serving leadership, poverty, disease, and illiteracy—through the power of ordinary people in the local church. His Daily Hope broadcast and daily devotionals are offered around the world. You can listen to the broadcast or sign up for the free devotionals at PastorRick.com.
Tags
40 Days in the Word – 2023, God’s Word, Bible Study, Spiritual Growth, Change, Choices, Truth, Transformation, Psalm 119
Broadcast Series: 40 Days in the Word – 2023
Sermon Series: 40 Days in the Word (2012)
Sermon: 023605_How to Study a Bible Passage
