DCA 104 STUDY OF THE WORD
OBJECTIVES
1. By the end of this course, the teacher should be able to:
a) Make the believer perceive the Bible as God’s personal word to Him.
b) Help the believer know why he should study the word of God.
c) Help the believer understand how to study the word of God.
d) Help the believer develop a strong passion for the word of God.
e) Help the believer develop a lifestyle of obedience to God’s word.
INTRODUCTION
The most important thing after salvation is growth and maturity. Salvation is not an end; it is a means to an end. The end is growing up into the fullness the stature of Christ. That is why the Bible says, “Desire the sincere milk of God’s word that you may grow thereby” (1 Pet. 2:2). Just like a baby in the natural cannot develop physically without feeding on food, so the believer cannot develop spiritually without feeding on the word.
1 Peter 2:2 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
SECTION 1 – LESSON 1
1. WHY IS THE STUDY OF GOD’S WORD VERY IMPORTANT IN THE BELIEVER’S LIFE? (Ps.19:7-11)
Psalms 19:7-11 7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul:
the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart:
the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever:
the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold:
sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned:
and in keeping of them there is great reward.
– It helps him to grow and mature spiritually (1Pet. 2: 2) to become more like Christ.
1 Peter 2:2 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
– It helps the believer to develop a strong spirit man and develop resistance against the wiles of the devil. (Eph. 6:10- 13).
Ephesians 6:10-13 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
– It helps the believer to know what belongs to him in Christ, his inheritance, rights, and privileges. (Acts 20:32)
Acts 20:32 32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
– It helps the believer to deal wisely in the affairs of life and to prosper in every area of life. (Josh.1: 8, 2 Timothy 3:15, Ps.1:1-3)
Joshua 1:8 8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
2 Timothy 3:15 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Psalms 1:1-3 1 Blessed is the man
that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly,
nor standeth in the way of sinners,
nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD;
and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
that bringeth forth his fruit in his season;
his leaf also shall not wither;
and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
– It helps the believer to pray effectively according to God’s will. (1John. 5:14-15, John 15:7)
1 John 5:14-15 14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
John 15:7 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
– It gives the believer encouragement and hope in times of trial. (Rom. 15:4)
Romans 1:4 4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
– It renews the mind of the believer and helps him not to think and act like the unbeliever. (Rom. 12: 2, Philippians 4:8)
Romans 12:2 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Philippians 4:8 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
– It helps the believer to discover and to follow God’s will for his life. (Rom 12: 1-3)
Romans 12:1-3 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
– It transforms the believer and instills Godly character in him. It helps him to stay away from things that displease God. (Ps. 119: 9-11).
Psalms 119:9-11 9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?
by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
10 With my whole heart have I sought thee:
O let me not wander from thy commandments.
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart,
that I might not sin against thee.
2. HOW DO I STUDY THE WORD?
APPROACH
– Understand that the word of God is the final authority over all situations in your life.
– Establish a quiet study place, pray the Ephesians prayer and invite the Holy Spirit to teach you.
– Approach the word of God with meekness of the heart.
– Approach the word of God in childlike faith and attitude.
– Take the word of God as though it is God speaking personally to you. Treat it like a personal letter from Jesus to you.
STUDY PATTERN
– Systematic Study: Begin from the book of John, then read the Gospels, Acts, Epistles, Old Testament, and Revelation.
– Read one chapter from the New Testament and one chapter from the Old Testament every day.
– Character Study: Study characters like David and Moses.
– Topical Study: Study topics like Holiness, Righteousness, Faith, and Prayer.
– Book by Book Study: Study books like Genesis, Revelation, John, Malachi, etc.
3. WHAT ARE THE PRACTICAL STEPS TO TAKE IN THE STUDY OF THE WORD?
– Pick a character, topic, or book to study.
– Determine an aspect of the study you want to focus on.
– Find relevant scriptures using study helps like a concordance.
– Compare scriptures and original text.
– Dwell on the scripture that grabs your attention.
– Apply your discoveries to your everyday life, be a doer of the word.
4. WHAT STUDY HELPS CAN I USE?
– Chain reference Bible.
– Notebook and Pen.
– Bible concordance.
– Dictionary.
– Ministry books and tapes on the subject.
– Cassette player (Audio/Video).
5. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF OBEYING GOD’S WORD? (Ps. 19:11)
Psalms 19:11 11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned:
and in keeping of them there is great reward.
– Prosperity and success in all you do.
– Answers to prayers.
– Becoming a friend of God.
– Access to the blessings of Abraham.
– Stronger anointing.
– God’s favor and protection.
DISCUSSION/APPLICATION
1. What are the dangers of knowing and not doing the word?
2. The written word of God and the voice of God we hear, which one is more authentic?
3. Is every scripture in the Bible the Word of God?
4. How does the knowledge of the word of God help us hear from God?
5. How do I know when it is I, or the Holy Spirit speaking?
CONCLUSION
Encourage the believer to spend most of his study time on the New Testament and to make the Bible the final authority in his life.
ASSIGNMENT
1. Give 5 reasons why the study of the word is very important to the believer.
2. Read James 1:22-25 and discuss the instructions given to the believer regarding obedience to the word.
James 1:22-25 22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
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