“A Leader’s Standard for Studying God’s Word” “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” 2 Timothy 2:15

“A Leader’s Standard for Studying God’s Word” We must remember there is a “Communication of Scripture” Inspiration-Human Writers-Revelation-Truth > From God (Sender) Exegesis-Theology-Illumination-Truth > From Man (Receiver) Biblical Hermeneutics is the science of interpreting the communication of God to man. This Divine communication has come to man in the form of sacred literature – The Bible

Preparation for Studying God’s Word Schedule your Bible Study Time – Don’t overdo it, don’t shortchange yourself and the people. You must make time! How often should you study the Bible? A least 3-4 hours in a blocked period of time-Study requires sitting at the Master’s feet. No matter what anyone or reports/studies will tell you, we must spend time in His Word. A leader should spend no less than 15-20 hours per week prayerfully. You should have a short devotional period (10-30 minutes) reading the Bible, meditating on what you have read, and then a time of prayer. Enjoy the presence of God!

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed” John 8:31 As disciples of Christ, we must remember that we are to “study” in obedience to Jesus Christ! The three major things a leader must do in study: - Observe – “What do you see”? - Interpret – “ What does it mean”? - Application – How does it work”? Our time in the Word of God is key to our receiving What God is saying to us. The Word of God is necessary to our growth spiritually and there are some habits that we as the people of God (Especially Leaders) should know to gain the most of our time before God.

“A Leader’s Guide for Studying God’s Word” Read – Learn to read as for the first time. Read it in different versions. The key is to read! Leaders must read it in order to pour out to the people. One statement that will hinder your study time is the statement – “I already know that”. Ten strategies to get the most from your study time: Read Thoughtfully – “If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures” – Proverbs 2:4 Are you really hungry for God? Thoughtful reading involves study. You must dig. Research. For thousands of years, people wandered around the deserts of the Middle East, unaware that only a few thousand feet away was unimaginable wealth (oil) beneath their feet. So it is with the Word of God. It is immeasurable treasure!

“A Leader’s Guide to Studying God’s Word” Read Repeatedly – It has staying power! It can take it. You can never burn the Word of God out. We will wear out first! In reading the Word of God repeatedly, you may want to attempt the following” -- Read entire books at one sitting. You’ll be able to appreciate what the Author of the book was actually saying. This is vital to getting the Word in us, and growing in his grace. -- Start at the beginning of the book. A lot of leader’s want to jump in the middle of a chapter and begin. You will miss key information that is necessary for the Interpretation process. -- Read the Bible in different translations. You will notice new things maybe not clear in another translation. “And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” – James 1:4 (ESV)

“A Leader’s Standard for Studying God’s Word” A leader should study God’s word with the right tools: Bible – God’s Word (Not our word – God’s) Use several translations (KJV, NIV, ESV, AMP, NKJV, RSV) By comparing different translations you will more closely align the original thought the author was conveying to your study. Concordance – Alphabetical index of words used in the Bible and with the main Bible references where the word occurs. Dictionaries/Lexicons- A lexicon or dictionary provides the meanings for the words in a language. Because most words have more than one meaning, we need to select the one that best fits the context of the passage we are studying.

A Leader’s Standard for Studying God’s Word” A leader should have several methods to study and get the most out of his/her study time, but remember this method your ABCDE’S: A. CREATE A SUMMARY TITLE B. IDENTIFY THE BASIC VERSE OR TEXT CLUSTER C. LOOK FOR A PERSONAL CHALLENGE D. PINPOINT THE DIFFICULTIES E. DESCRIBE THE PASSAGE’S ESSENCE

A Leader’s Standard for Studying God’s Word” This presentation is only a small overview of the vast, ongoing study and methodology of God’s Word. This must be for the Leader a lifelong love and pursuit. A Leader that handles the Word of God must: Have a Daily Quiet Time with God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) Develop a Weekly Schedule outlining your readings for the week that you read and meditate on. Set up and attend “Personal Retreats” “Behold I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Rev 3:20)