Introduction
Today, on the eighth day of our series on What Must I Do to Please God?, we focus on the essential practice of reading, meditating upon, and studying the Bible. The Bible is the actual God’s Word, a source of wisdom, guidance, and truth for all believers. To live a life that pleases God, we must engage with Scripture, allowing it to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. Acts 17:10-12 provides an example of the Bereans, who were praised for their diligent study and receptive hearts. Their commitment to God’s Word demonstrates that a life pleasing to God is rooted in a deep, intentional relationship with Scripture.
Reading the Bible is foundational, but meditation and study go further, allowing us to gain insight and apply God’s principles to our lives. Through regular engagement with the Bible, we grow in understanding, draw closer to God, and receive direction for living a life that honors Him. Today’s scripture emphasizes not only reading but also a deeper examination of God’s truth, reflecting a heart eager to know and follow Him.
Acts 17:10-12 (AMP): "The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. Now these people were more noble and open-minded than those in Thessalonica, so they received the message with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. As a result many of them became believers, together with a number of prominent Greek women and men."
Context of Acts 17:10-12
In this scripture, Paul and Silas arrive in Berea and visit the synagogue to teach. The Bereans, unlike others Paul had encountered, are noted for their eagerness and diligence in examining the Scriptures. They received the Word with open hearts, yet they tested what they heard by comparing it to Scripture. Their daily study and examination led many to faith, highlighting the power of a receptive and diligent approach to God’s Word.
The Bereans’ example teaches us the importance of engaging with Scripture beyond a surface level. Pleasing God requires an open and sincere heart, one that is willing to study His Word deeply and to apply it in daily life. This commitment to God’s Word fosters spiritual growth and aligns us with His will.
How to Read, Meditate Upon, and Study the Bible
Key Phrase: "Received the message with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily."
To please God, we must approach the Bible with a heart like the Bereans—open, diligent, and committed to understanding His truth. Reading, meditating upon, and studying the Bible are distinct but interconnected practices that help us fully engage with Scripture. Below are specific steps to guide each aspect of Bible engagement.
Reading the Bible
Start with a prayer for understanding: Before you begin reading, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you, giving you clarity and insight into God’s Word.
Set a specific time and place: Consistency helps create a habit. Designate a time and place where you can focus without distractions.
Follow a reading plan: Structure helps cover more of the Bible. Consider a chronological or thematic reading plan to ensure you encounter different parts of Scripture.
Read with an open heart: Approach the text with a willingness to learn and be transformed.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (AMP): "All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work."
This scripture reminds us that all of God’s Word has tremendous value, equipping us for a life that pleases Him.After all, God's Word Is Alive! It is a living spiritual entity!
Meditating on the Bible
Reflect on specific verses: Choose a verse that stands out to you and spend time pondering its meaning and implications.
Consider the context: Think about the surrounding verses and chapters to understand the full message.
Ask questions: Consider how this verse applies to your life. What is God revealing to you through it?
Repeat the verse in prayer: Meditate by bringing the verse to God, asking Him to help you understand and live out its truths.
Personalize the verse if applicable: For example, take Isaiah 53:5(AMP): “But He was wounded for our transgressions,He was crushed for our wickedness [our sin, our injustice, our wrongdoing]; The punishment [required] for our well-being fell on Him, And by His stripes (wounds) we are healed.” Read in this manner, “But He was wounded for “MY” transgressions, He was crushed for “MY” wickedness [My sin, MY injustice, MY wrongdoing]; The punishment [required] for My well-being fell on Him, And by His stripes (wounds) I am healed.” This truly makes the Word of God personal!
Psalm 1:2 (AMP): "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And on His law [His precepts and teachings] he [habitually] meditates day and night."
This scripture emphasizes that meditation on God’s Word is a continual practice, shaping our minds and hearts to align with His will.
Studying the Bible
Use study tools: Commentaries, concordances, and Bible dictionaries can provide valuable background and insights.
Examine keywords: Look up definitions of significant words to gain a deeper understanding of their meaning.
Take notes: Write down insights, questions, and applications for each study session.
Cross-reference other scriptures: Let the Bible interpret itself by comparing related verses.
My Personal Suggestion: Use the Amplified (AMP) or Amplified Classic (AMPC) as part of your Bible studying, and again that is a personal suggestion. Here’s why, the Amplified (AMP) Bible expands on the meaning of original Hebrew and Greek words by including synonyms and definitions within the text, offering readers a fuller understanding of nuanced meanings. The Amplified Classic (AMPC) is an earlier version with similar word expansions but retains a more traditional structure and language style. The key difference is that the AMP has been updated for clarity and readability, while the AMPC remains closer to its original 1965 publication.
2 Timothy 2:15 (AMP): "Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth."
Studying Scripture allows us to deepen our understanding and equips us to accurately apply God’s Word in our lives.
Relevance to Today’s Believers: For today’s Christians, reading, meditating upon, and studying the Bible are crucial for spiritual growth and guidance. In a world where distractions are endless, dedicating time to God’s Word helps anchor our lives in His truth. The Bible is not just a book to be read but a source of life, wisdom, and transformation. Through daily engagement with Scripture, we learn more about God’s character, understand His will, and become more aligned with His purpose.
By meditating on God’s Word, we internalize His truth, allowing it to guide our thoughts and actions. Studying the Bible enables us to gain deeper insights, helping us live out our faith with understanding and conviction. Pleasing God involves not only knowing His Word but applying it in every area of our lives.
The Whole of What It Means to Please God
While today’s focus is on reading, meditating upon, and studying the Bible, this practice is a part of the larger commitment to pleasing God. In previous days, we discussed choosing to serve God, walking in Christ, and being filled with the Spirit. Engaging with Scripture supports all these aspects by providing wisdom, direction, and encouragement for our spiritual journey.
To please God, we must be rooted in His Word, allowing it to shape our actions and attitudes. The Bible is our guide, and through it, we gain understanding of God’s will and strength to live it out.
Colossians 3:16 (AMP): "Let the [spoken] word of Christ have its home within you [dwelling in your heart and mind—permeating every aspect of your being] as you teach [spiritual things] and admonish and train one another with all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
This scripture calls us to let God’s Word dwell richly within us, affecting every area of our lives. When we fill our minds and hearts with Scripture, we are equipped to live in a way that pleases Him.
Summary
On this eighth day of our series, we explored the importance of reading, meditating upon, and studying the Bible as a key element of pleasing God. Acts 17:10-12 praises the Bereans for their eagerness and diligence in examining Scripture, and their example calls us to approach the Bible with similar dedication. Through consistent engagement with God’s Word, we grow in wisdom, draw closer to God, and are strengthened to live a life that honors Him.
Reading, meditating upon, and studying the Bible are not separate activities but parts of a unified practice that deepen our understanding and relationship with God. Pleasing God requires a life rooted in Scripture, allowing His truth to guide our thoughts, actions, and attitudes.
As we continue in this series, let today’s focus encourage you to develop a habit of engaging with the Bible daily. Approach it with an open heart, seek understanding, and allow God’s Word to transform your life for His glory.
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