Spiritual
Disciplines Course.
Lesson Five : The Discipline Of Bible Study (CSG facilitator and leader’s copy)
WELCOME SECTION: Warmly welcome all the people and introduce yourselves
(20 mins) if there are newcomers.
Ask each person to share back on their times of fasting.
WORSHIP SECTION : The worship leader should select songs about God’s
(30 mins) Word.
Suggested songs: Shine, Jesus ,Shine (‘send forth Your Word
Lord and let there be light’), Thy Word is a Lamp unto my
Feet, Open my ears Lord, teach me to listen…
Allow for the operation of the gifts (prophecy, new song etc.)
WORD SECTION : The facilitator should take the group through the attached
(60 mins) Lesson. Get different people to read through the sections
and any Bible Verses. Stop to discuss as prompted allowing
everyone to get involved (drawing in the quieter ones). If
the discussion is going off track bring it back to the main
topic. Be conscious of the time and pace yourself.
If there are any practical exercises take time to discuss the
Lessons learnt in conjuction with the lesson theme and don’t
allow too much wasted time.
Give
each person a passage of Scripture to study in the week. Choose single verses
for each person.
WORKS SECTION
: Pray outwards for unsaved friends , for your neighbourhoods
(10 mins) to have revival, for Singapore as a whole and even for our
missions work in China etc.. and other pressing prayer needs
such as the sick and troubled. Pray also for any events
coming up.
Close with offering and benediction. Go and eat…..
Lesson
Five: Introduction to the Discipline of Study (for CSG Members)
Read through the following first before doing the group exercise – don’t spend too much time discussing this article and only clarify when needed. Spend the majority of the time on the exercise itself as learning will take place most effectively by doing….
The process that occurs in study should be distinguished from meditation:
(1)Meditation is devotional - Study is Analytical.
(2)Meditation will relish a word - study will examine it.
(3)Study provides a certain objective framework within which meditation can successfully function.
The principle task of study is a perception into the reality of a given situation, encounter, book, etc.
Study involves four steps:
1.Repetition
Repetition channels the mind
in a specific direction regularly, thus forming ingrained habits, and even
changing old habits.
2.Concentration
Concentration centres the mind and focuses attention. We live in a world that is full of distractions and so it is difficult to focus and concentrate on one thing, but if we do, it will lead us to understanding which is the next step.
3.Comprehension
Comprehension focuses on the knowledge of truth. When we suddenly move from repetition to comprehension it is a lot like a bolt of lightening. That kind of understanding of the truth catapults us to a new level of growth and freedom.
4.Reflection
Understanding leads to insight and discernment, upon which we reflect. this allows us to see things from God's perspective. We may even come to understand ourselves and God's purpose for us more clearly.
We must be willing to be subject to the subject matter. We must approach study with humility that God can teach us and change us, not arrogance that we know everything.
ACCUMULATION OF INFORMATION DOES NOT EQUAL WISDOM OR EVEN KNOWLEDGE (unless that information or knowledge has led to transformation).
We are in search of Experiential Knowledge in the Christian Discipline of Study.
In our search for knowledge and comprehension there are three intrinsic and three extrinsic rules that govern our study:
While reading we need to look at the following:
1.Understanding …What is the author saying? Look at the CONTEXT.
2.Interpreting……..What does the author mean? To the audience then ? To us now
3.Evaluating………Is the author right or wrong? (do we follow or avoid what is taught ?)
Note that evaluation comes last – we don’t accept or reject something before looking into it. Not all that which is recorded in the inspired Word of God is for us to follow although there will always be valuable principles to apply (eg. We must not take the words of Job’s miserable counselors as word to live by – they demonstrate how NOT TO counsel others!)
There are also external factors that must be taken into account both while reading and after reading:
1.Experience
The only way we can relate to the material is when we relate it to our own experience (this may also change us if necessary).
2.Other Books
Books often have meaning only when read in relation to other writings. We need to allow these thoughts to interact with one another in order to properly understand.
3.Live Discussion
Often it is only in discussion or even debate that we fully realise the meaning of something or its significance in our lives. Others may have a different insight that we lack.
Remember: We come to Scripture to be changed not to amass information.
The difference between Study and Devotion:
In study a priority is placed on interpretation - what it means.
In devotion the emphasis is on application - what it means for me.
The two go together - we seek to understand in order to discover life transforming truth.
An exercise for a group (6-12 people):
1.Repetition
Each person read James 2: 14-26 aloud (it helps to have a few different translations of this text).
2.Concentration
Spend some time in personal contemplation. Try to:
Understand - What is the author saying? What is the context ?
Interpret - What does he mean?
Evaluate - Is he right or wrong?
Relate it to your own Experience.
3.Comprehension
Spend some time discussing your personal observations (above) together.
4.Reflection
What is the significance of this for us?
How can we apply it to our lives?
What is he saying, how does he want me/us to change?
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