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The Word Key Verses: Matthew 4:4 - But he [Jesus] answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” 1 Peter 2:2 NASB - …like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation. The Objective: A person cannot live without food and water, as both are required for a healthy physical life. Your spiritual life is no different. In this lesson, we will learn how to feed ourselves from God’s living Word.

Reading and Studying the Bible There is a difference between reading the Bible and studying the Bible and we need them both! First, we read the Bible to get _________________. Secondly, we study the Bible to get __________________.

Seven Keys to Reading the Bible: Psalm 119:9-11 - How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. v.10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! v.11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 1) Begin at the ______________. 2) Read in a modern English translation. 3) Read ___________ ________.





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4) Read at a regular time. 5) Read at a regular place. 6) __________ as you read. 7) Keep a ______________ for inspiring truths.

Three Basics of Bible Study: 1) _________________ a) Ask yourself the “who, what, when and why” questions. i) ii) iii) iv)

Who wrote it and to whom was the author writing? What was the occasion for what was written? When was it written? Why was it written?

b) If you are studying a topic, the next step is to make a list of Old Testament and New Testament references to this topic. c) Make another list of everything __________ had to say about this issue. d) ______________ the common thoughts on the subject. e) Make a list of your observations and file them away. 2) _________________ Joshua 1:8 - This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.



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a) This word “meditate” means to think, dwell on, or ponder. b) Meditation is the process of getting God’s Word from our ___________ to our _____________. c) Memorize and _______________ the thoughts in each verse: Example: Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through him who strengthens me. i) ii) iii) iv) v) vi)

(I) can do all things through him who strengthens me. I (can do) all things through him who strengthens me. I can do (all things) through him who strengthens me. I can do all things (through him) who strengthens me. I can do all things through him (who strengthens) me. I can do all things through him who strengthens (me).

3) _________________ a) Is there an example to ______________? b) Is there a ________ to avoid? c) Is there a command to ____________? d) Is there a promise to ____________? e) Is there an ____________ to take? f) Is there an _______________ to adopt? g) Is there a principle or truth to __________?





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Example: James 1:22-25 - But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. v.23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. v.24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. v.25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. * Example to follow? Be a doer who acts on the Word. * Sin to avoid? Deceiving oneself by hearing but not acting on the Word * Command to obey? Be doers and not hearers only. * Promise to claim? A doer of God’s Word will be blessed in his doing. * Action to take? Look into the Word regularly and obey what you read. * Attitude to adopt? Obedience, Perseverance, Faithfulness * Principle to learn? Blessings come on those who act on the Word.



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1. Share with your group members about your daily routine with the Bible and what you have found especially helpful in your own experience. Be sure to include your regular time and place. 2. Pastor Ron says, “First, we read the Bible to get information. Secondly, we study the Bible to get understanding.” What is your plan to move beyond reading to studying the Bible? 3. Talk over how the three basics of reading the Bible work together: observation, meditation, and application. What can you do in the next seven days to work this into your daily routine?

Perform the application exercise learned in this lesson by using Psalm 1:1-3 (English Standard Version). Is there… …an example to follow, a sin to avoid, a command to obey, a promise to claim, an action to take, an attitude to adopt, or a principle or truth to learn?