THE BIBLICAL GUIDELINES FOR ENGAGING WITH THE WORD OF GOD.

THE BIBLICAL GUIDELINES FOR ENGAGING WITH THE WORD OF GOD.

Dr. Benson Omole.
It takes a great commitment to read the Bible, study it, meditate on it, practice its command, and teach the Bible to others. This commitment pave the greater way to engage with the Word of God, so as to  discipline the soul, for the sake of its salvation.
The Bible presents the Word of God as the foundation of spiritual life, wisdom, and righteousness. 2Timothy 3:16–17 "...All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

The Believers are commanded not only to read the Word, but also to study it, meditate on it, obey it, and teach it to others. 
Therefore, I outline this treatise, as follows:

1. GUIDELINES FOR READING THE BIBLE.
Reading the Bible is the first step toward knowing God’s will.
Read these biblical instructions:
a. Revelation 1:3 "...Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein.”
b. Isaiah 34:16 "...Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read.”
c. Deuteronomy 17:19 "...And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life.”

Biblical Principles for Reading The Bible.
a. Read your Bible regularly and continually, Psalm 1:2, "...But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
b. Read with reverence, Isaiah 66:2 “…but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.”
c. Read with understanding, Neh.  8:8 "...So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense.”
d. Read prayerfully, Psalm 119:18 "...Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.”

Christians who neglect Bible reading become spiritually weak and vulnerable to deception, temptation, sin and disobedience. Matthew 22:29 "...Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures.”

2. GUIDELINES FOR STUDYING THE BIBLE.
Reading the Bible introduces the Word, but studying it brings understanding and depth into our heart.
Read this biblical instruction.
2Timothy 2:15 "...Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Biblical Principles For Studying The Bible.
a. Search the Scriptures diligently. John 5:39, "...Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”
b. Compare Scripture with Scripture.1Cor. 2:13, “Comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”
c. Seek purposefuly, to be lead by the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:14, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."
d. Examine teachings carefully. Acts 17:11,  “They searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”
e. Examine all things, and abstain from all that is false. 1Thessalonians 5:21, "...Prove all things; hold fast that which is good..."

Note that the shallow knowledge of the Word produces spiritual instability.
Ephesians 4:14 “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine.”

3. GUIDELINES FOR MEDITATING ON THE BIBLE
Meditation means deep reflection, and focusing thoughts on the Word of God, until it transforms the heart and mind.
Read this biblical instruction. Joshua 1:8, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night.”

Biblical Principles for Meditation on The Bible.
a. Meditate continually. Psalm 119:97, “O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.”
b. Meditate with delight. Psalm 1:2, “But his delight is in the law of the LORD.”
c. Meditate to gain knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. Psalm 119:99, “I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.”
d. Meditate to purify the heart, the soul. Psalm 19:14, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight.”

Meditation allows the Word to move from the mind to the heart, producing change to character, attitudes, and transformation. Rom. 12:2, “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

4. GUIDELINES FOR DOING (OBEYING) THE BIBLE.
The Bible emphasizes that obedience is the true proof of our faith in God.
Read this biblical instruction. James 1:22
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

Biblical Principles for Obedience.
a. Obedience brings blessing, and fulfilment. Luke 11:28, “Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.”
b. Obedience proves love for God. John 14:15, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
c. Obedience produces spiritual stability. Matthew 7:24, “Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man.”
d. Disobedience leads to judgment, and condemnation. Luke 6:46, “Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”; 1Samuel 15:22-23, "...And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, He hath also rejected thee from being king."
e. Jesus saves the one who obeys Him. Heb. 5:8, 9 "...though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him"

A Christian who knows the Word but refuses to obey it lives in self-deception, and he is a Liar. James 4:17, “To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” 1John 1:6 "...If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:"

5. GUIDELINES FOR TEACHING THE BIBLE TO OTHERS.
Teaching the Bible is a spiritual responsibility to all Believers in Jesus Christ.
Read this biblical instruction. Matt. 28:19–20, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations… teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.”

Biblical Principles for Teaching Others.
a. Teach faithfully and accurately. 2Timothy 4:2, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season.”
b. Teach others who will also teach another. 2Timothy 2:2, “The same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”
c. Teach with humility and integrity. 1Peter 5:2–3, “Feed the flock of God… not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind.”
d. Teach by example. 1Timothy 4:12, “Be thou an example of the believers.”
e. Teach to save yourself and others. 1Timothy 4:16, "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee."
f. Teach, and be a pattern of faith, and good works. Titus 2:7-8, "In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you."

Teachers of the Word carry greater responsibility before God, and to live within the confinement of this trust, is the greatest measure of a valuable minister of the Word. James 3:1, “My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.”

CONCLUSION: THE COMPLETE BIBLICAL APPROACH TO GOD’S WORD.
The believer’s relationship with Scripture follows five spiritual stages, and developments:
a. Read the Word – to know it.
b. Study the Word – to understand it.
c. Meditate on the Word – to internalize it.
d. Obey the Word – to apply it, and live it.
e. Teach the Word – to spread it to others, for their benefits.

Final Exhortation:
Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another.”

Warning:
Neglecting the Word leads to spiritual famine. Amos 8:11, “Behold, the days come… that I will send a famine… of hearing the words of the LORD.”

Thank you for reading.

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