For this week’s Monday Minute, special guests Margaret and Rose share with us one key habit of Bible Study they have learned as they have studied Scripture together through the years.
One Key Habit of Bible Study
By Margaret Franklin and Rose McConnell
People often say opposites attract.
That is part of the beauty of our diverse military. We encounter and have the opportunity to be in relationship with so many amazing people. When the Iraq war started and our husbands deployed, we became “battle buddies” on the home front. While we were quite different in the ways in which we processed life and deployment, we truly experienced “Growing Together” that year. The Lord uses our friendship to stretch us and grow us in ways that would not happen if we were “just alike”. Diversity is a very good thing when embraced to enhance one another. Because we approach things differently, we continue to be challenged by each other, and that extends to Bible study.
One of us (hint: Rose) is a task-first person. Zooming in on what a word means and zooming out to see how a passage fits into the big picture of Scripture is her passion. The other (you guessed it: Margaret) is more relational in her approach. Seeing how God interacts with her as she interacts with Scripture is the heartbeat of her time in the Word. Just as there is diversity in our military, there is great diversity in how we approach Bible Study. The “how” of Bible study looks very different for us. It can be both academic and relational… head and heart. One is not better than the other.
One Key Element of Studying Scripture
As we walk out our faith in relationship, we challenge one another to see Scripture differently as we share with each other what we have learned and how we got there. There is, however, one aspect of our time studying the Word that is similar and that is the “who” of Bible study. The Bible is God’s Word. It is His Story.
Regardless of how we study His Story, it is key to begin by inviting the Holy Spirit to lead and teach us when we open His Word.
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
John 14:26
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
James 1:5
When we invite the Holy Spirit to lead and teach us, He reminds us that the Bible is about God, not about us.
The Bible is not simply words intended to help us. They are God’s words… alive…purposeful. By allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our time, we are opening our hearts and minds to God’s intended purpose. We are allowing God to lead, teach, remind, and transform us. The key is inviting him!
The Holy Spirit helps us to see the big picture and ask the right questions as we study.
Allowing Him to guide our study of His Word seems simple yet it is often what we overlook most easily as we jump into the text. Inviting Him into the time requires intentionality, prayer, and, maybe the most difficult of all, space to listen. Regardless of your study method (It will look different for each of us. That’s okay!), we challenge you to begin your time in Bible study with what we feel is the key to unlocking the power and purpose of His Word: PAUSE, PRAY, INVITE THE HOLY SPIRIT TO LEAD YOU, and MAKE THE SPACE TO LISTEN. He is faithful to do all He promises. He promises to lead us as we seek His Word and wisdom.
Move Out
Read: 1 Corinthians 2:6-16
Reflect: How do you see the role of the Holy Spirit in this passage? What can that role mean in your life? Go back to 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 for context. Who was Paul talking to? Why is this important in understanding the Holy Spirit’s role in their lives?
Respond: What action does God want you to take based on this passage? How can you practically invite the Holy Spirit to teach and give you wisdom as you study God’s Word?
Prayer
Dear God, I thank you for your Holy Spirit, my Advocate and Teacher. May I be aware of your presence in my life today. “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” (Psalm 143:10) Amen.
For Bible Studies written specifically for military women by military women, check out the Planting Roots Bible Studies.