Personal Study – Who Me?

Yes, you….and me! The Bible deserves personal study Faith comes only by the Word Your faith is a very personal thing We each will give answer to God No one can do this for you…

How can you motivate personal study? Self motivation comes from – 1. Understanding what the Bible is 2. Focusing on why study the Bible 3. Knowing how you learn 4. Choosing what you want (need) to study 5. Having a worthwhile goal and plan 6. Reviewing progress toward the goal 7. Praying

Why Study?  We all know why – to please God; be saved by truthJohn 8:32  to grow into the image of Christ, i.e., change behavior 2 Cor 3:18  To make decisions and solve problems of daily life 2 Tim 3:16,17  To enable prayers for God’s wisdom James 1:5  To teach others Hebrews 5:14  To experience the joy of learning Matthew 6:21

Motivating Yourself Factors that motivate –Studying that which has personal value –Keeping an open, positive attitude –Defining tasks that challenge – but not too much –Frequent, positive feedback –Being a valued part of a learning community Lowman, J., Mastering the Techniques of Teaching

Motivating Yourself Finding your learning style –Are you an auditory learner? –Are you a visual learner? –Are you a tactile/kinesthetic learner? –The power of combined styles

Motivating Yourself The power of combined styles

 You must develop intrinsic motivation  Find 3 reasons to study a topic What turns you on about it? What value will you receive? How will you use information you get?  Research has found you will – Put in more effort Study more deeply Find more ways to succeed Be more persistent  Extrinsic motivation will also help Intrinsic Motivation

Define the purpose of your study –Set a measurable goal –Scope your project Develop a strategy –Set mini-goals –Determine your approach –Identify the best techniques to use –Plan appropriately Charting Your Own Way

“Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men’s blood… Make big plans, aim high in hope and work.” Charting Your Own Way Daniel H. Burnham (1846 – 1912) American architect and urban planner Aim high to create a challenge, but be realistic lest you become discouraged.

What Approach Is Best?  Simply reading?  Surveying book or testament?  Expository (textual)?  Topical?  Character sketch? …whatever your study – stay in context… …depends upon your purpose… …and focus on why you are studying…

3 Questions Luke 10: What does it say? 2. What does it mean? 3. How should I change? 213

How it Works 213 Colossians 3:1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. The “raising” in this verse refers to baptism by complete immersion in water. Only those who believe in the risen Christ and are baptized into Him have a reason to seek heavenly things. I have been immersed into Christ, therefore I am like those to whom Paul wrote on this occasion. He is speaking directly to me. What can I do today to seek those things above where Christ is? Say? Mean?Do?

Which will you start today? Character sketch Topical: change Behavior Expository: Short Book Testament Survey 2 Kings 53 wks Proverbs wks Colossians or Philippians3 mos New Testament1 year Which for you??

Ask pertinent questions –When analyzing a passage or book –When probing a word meaning –When studying a topic –When studying a Bible character –When drawing conclusions Identify reasons to stick with the project Plan to review Charting Your Own Way

You can motivate your own study! Motivate yourself by – 1. Understanding what the Bible is 2. Focusing on why study the Bible 3. Knowing how you learn 4. Choosing what you want (need) to study 5. Having a worthwhile goal and plan 6. Reviewing progress toward the goal 7. Praying for the Lord’s help Why not start today?! May God richly bless your study!