WHY STUDY THE BIBLE AND NOT JUST READ IT!

"One day a man asked me, `What is the best translation?' (He was referring, of course, to the best Bible version).  

I answered, 'The best translation is when you translate the Word of God into your daily life'.

He said, 'But I've got my Living Bible'.  (He still didn't get the picture).

I replied, `You ought to BE a living bible! The word made flesh ought to be visible in your life."

                                                                               Rick Warren.

When beginning my recent study on the Psalms, I found myself doing these things:

1. Reading and observing - writing down a few facts and my own interpretations.

2. Asking questions and applying what I had read to my life. 

3. Seeking the help of my favourite authors: Matt Lucado, Charles Swindoll, Stormie Omartin - to name a few. 

4. Correlating what I have learnt from looking at other related verses (looking at my concordance).

5. Finally, I got out the commentary, to make sure I was on the right track theologically. 

At first I felt a little guilty, and wasn't sure my Pastors (Bible College graduates) or other theologians would approve of my methods.  I was pleased to discover that this is close to what my `mate' Rick Warren recommended.

"Studying the Bible is like being a good detective.A good Bible student basically follows the same procedure as a good sleuth.  The first thing a detective does is look for clues. He observes things that others may have overlooked. Secondly, he asks questions based on what he has observed.  Thirdly, he starts putting the evidence together and interprets what he has. Fourth, he compares and correlates, piecing together all the evidence he has collected to see how the each fact relates to the others.  Finally,he draws a conclusion and makes a decision on the basis of what he believes actually occurred and who was involved. "

According to Rick Warren, when studying the Bible you need to follow these basic steps: OBSERVATION, ASKING QUESTIONS, INTERPRETATION,  CORRELATING and APPLICATION TO LIFE.

READING the Bible is important, for everyday growth and developing that relationship with the Lord; but STUDYING the Word, brings real joy and satisfaction, as you find new spiritual truths on your own, through prayer and the Holy Spirit's guidance, and then can apply these to your life. This method has helped me glean from the Psalms more than in my 40 years as just a `reader'. 

"If you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God."  (Proverbs 2:4-5)

"All Scripture is given by God and is useful for teaching, for showing people what is wrong in their lives, for correcting faults and for teaching how to live right."  (2 Timothy 3:16)