STUDYING THE BIBLE DEVOTIONALLY

STUDYING THE BIBLE DEVOTIONALLY
One of the great dangers in personal Bible study is that these important doctrines become ends in themselves. The same with teaching the Bible. We let the Word of God become the aim of teaching, rather than making our aim the building up of people and making them mature in Christ. We must study the Bible for the greater purpose of learning how to live. Paul reminded Timothy of this goal, "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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16, 17).
There are many approaches to studying and teaching the Bible in this book. Each chapter is designed to help you grow in Christ. But this chapter is more compelling because it moves us beyond learning the contents of Scripture to personal application of the principles and spirit of the Scriptures. Because this chapter wants to help you become more spiritual, the devotional approach to Bible study and teaching has great value. After discussing nine different approaches to the study the book of Galatians, Merrill C. Tenney wrote,

THE DEVOTIONAL APPROACH IS THE CROWN
These methods may produce a good understanding of the letter of the epistle; but a mere knowledge of its facts and style will never impress its real message upon a believing heart. The crown of all study is the devotional method, by which the truths ascertained through the various means already described are integrated and applied to the needs of the individual. 6
This same high view of the devotional approach to Bible study was also held by Howard Vos. In his survey of sixteen different approaches to Bible study, he noted, THE DEVOTIONAL APPROACH MAKES US SPIRITUAL
The end in view in all devotional Bible study is the improvement of the individual's spiritual life by discovering in the Word the claims of God upon the believer and His instructions for living and enhancing the Christian life . . . The devotional method may be effectively executed by means of a careful study of words, verses, paragraphs, chapters, books, Biblical characters, and Christ in a given portion.7
You will use a variety of approaches to study and teach the Bible, but ultimately you will be most concerned with life application. As you use the various methods of Bible study and teaching to communicate biblical content, you will lay a foundation in the life of your students. When you have laid that foundation, the devotional approach to the Bible will help us guide students to apply their biblical knowledge to life. When this is done, the Holy Spirit who is our Teacher, will use the Scripture to effectively change our students' life. That is the ultimate goal of our Bible teaching ministry.
Why Study the Bible Devotionally?
There are several good reasons to use this effective approach to Bible study. One of the most significant relates to what Jesus called "the great commandment." When challenged by a Pharisee just a few days before His death to identify "the great commandment in the law" (Matt. 22:36), Jesus responded, "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment" (Matt. 22:37, 38). A devotional understanding of the Scriptures helps us love God more and more as we grow in Him.
One of God's purposes in Scripture is to help us overcome sin. The Psalmist wrote, "How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You" (Ps. 119:9-11). The person was right who wrote in the flyleaf of the Bible of Evangelist Dwight L. Moody, "This book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this book." Studying the Bible devotionally will help us achieve victory over sin in our life.
A third reason for the devotional approach is found in the benefits of meditation. Meditating on the Scripture is one of the biblical keys to success in life. God told Joshua, "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe 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" (Josh. 1:8). Also, meditating on the Scriptures is one of the keys to personal fulfilment in life. The "blessed man" is described in the first psalm. "But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night" (Ps. 1:2).
As mentioned above, the goal of studying and teaching the Bible is to introduce significant change in the life of a student. More than other approaches to the Scriptures, this approach relates directly to the practical expression of our faith in living for Christ. Therefore, this approach will help us accomplish the work we are most committed to doing.

STEP ONE ON HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE DEVOTIONALLY
Before we can consistently TEACH the Bible to change the lives of our students, we must first learn to STUDY the Bible devotionally. Unlike other approaches to Bible study, the key to studying the Bible devotionally is not so much in methodology as in attitude. According to Merrill C. Tenney, THE SPIRIT OF DEVOTIONAL STUDY
Devotional study is not so much a technique as a spirit. It is the spirit of eagerness which seeks the mind of God; it is the spirit of humility which listens readily to the voice of God; it is the spirit of adventure which pursues earnestly the will of God; it is the spirit of adoration which rests in the presence of God.8
One way you can help insure you are coming to the Scriptures with the right attitude is to begin our Bible study time with prayer. As you pray, focus upon who God is and express your appreciation to Him for revealing truth to His people (Deut. 29:29). Many teachers find it helpful to pray a prayer similar to that of the Psalmist as he approached the Scriptures. "Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law" (Ps. 119:18).
As you begin studying the Bible devotionally, you should take time to choose a passage that lends itself to this approach. While the focus of all Scripture tells us about God, certain parts of Scripture tend, to be better suited to devotional study than others. The Psalms lend themselves to this approach because they were written passionately for God. The Psalmist is concerned about knowing God experimentally, so your students can seek God with that same passion. Also, extended passages such as the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7) or the Upper Room Discourse (John 13-18) lend themselves to application. Normally, you will study shorter passages when approaching the Bible devotionally.
Next, be sure to give yourself time. One pastor commented he took an extended time Monday to study and apply devotionally the passage he would preach next Sunday. He said it was more important to feel the Lord speak to him through the passage before he prepared a sermon to speak to others.
Most will want to read the passage several times, perhaps emphasizing different verses and/or words during each reading. Also, you may wish to commit parts of the passage to memory so you can meditate on them. When you commit the Scriptures to memory, you can meditate on them even outside of your study time. The four best times of the day to meditate on Scriptures you have memorized are (1) when you find yourself sitting and waiting, (2) when you commute from place to place, (3) when you go to bed each evening and (4) when you wake up each morning (Deut. 6:7). Memorizing and meditating on a verse.
While your attitude in devotional Bible study is of primary importance, you should not neglect methodology. Ask yourself several basic questions to discover the message of the passage. First, "What is the primary emphasis or subject in this passage?" Second, "Who is (are) the key character(s) in this passage?" Also, "Is there any significance in the meaning of his or her name?" Also, seek to identify the key verse in the passage being studied.
Because the focus in devotional study is your relationship with God, you should look for special insights in the passage relating to your relationship with Christ. What does this passage teach that God does for you? What should you do for God? What practical principles are intended in this chapter? Apply these principles to daily living. How do they make you feel? Do you love God more? Do you want to worship Him more? What energy do you get from the passage?
Give special consideration to the key verse of the passage. Key verses jump out at us and make us remember what is taught in a passage. They are important for two reasons. First, because they summarize the heart of the message. Second, they are pivotal in the development of the context of the passage.
Next, consider the meaning of key words in the passage you are studying. Begin by compiling a list of words which are used several times or words which are significant to the passage. Then look for answers to several questions about these words. How is this word used in other places in Scriptures? Does this writer tend to use this word in a unique way? What did this word mean to those who first read it? Does this word reveal some significant truth about God, people, sin or salvation? How can this word be applied to strengthen one's personal walk with God? Finding the answers to these and similar questions will help you better understand and appreciate the message of the passage.
WHEN TO CLAIM BIBLE PROMISES
It is not necessarily true, "Every promise in the Book is mine, every chapter, every verse, every line." While all Scripture has principles to guide our lives, we cannot claim every promise, because some promises do not apply to us. When can we claim a Bible promise?
1. It is for you, if it is universal in scope. You can claim, "Whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish."
2. It is not for you, if it was personal to someone else. You cannot claim, "Be not afraid, but speak . . . no man shall set upon thee to hurt thee" (Acts 18:9,10).
3. It is for you, if it is for all time. You can claim, "In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct thy paths" (Prov. 3:6).
4. It is not you, if it was conditional to a person(s). You cannot claim the land of Israel, "Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given you" (Joshua 1:3).
5. It is for you, if it is conditional for all. You can claim, "Draw nigh unto God, and He will draw nigh to you" (James 4:8).
6. It is not for you, if it violates the literal interpretation of Scripture. We wrongly think the main reason God doesn't answer your prayers is, "Ye have not because ye ask not" (James 4:2).
7. It is for you, if you know God's principle that is taught in the passage and you apply it to your time and culture.
As you continue your devotion study, look for things in this passage which address special concerns in the Christian life. Once again, several questions can guide us in this aspect of our study. Is there an example to follow? Is there an error to avoid? Is there a responsibility to fulfil? Is there a promise to claim? Is there a prayer to pray? As you list the answers to these questions, you are identifying specific applications which can be made to life.
It is important to be discerning in applying the Scriptures devotionally to your life. If you have not been careful in your study of the Scriptures, you may find yourself attempting to apply something which violates a biblical principle or may not be the teaching of that passage. First, distinguish between what the Bible describes and what it dictates. David's marriage to eight wives is descriptive. You should not follow his practice, the Bible describes both the positive examples and negative deeds of God's people. The Scriptures dictate monogamy rather than polygamy as the pattern for a healthy marriage. Next, specific commands to individuals do not necessarily apply to everyone. Jesus command to "tarry in Jerusalem" does not mean every Christian should go to the Holy Land to seek God's power and the filling of the Holy Spirit. Third, distinguish between cultural expressions and eternal principles. The Nazarite Vow is a cultural expression. The Nazarite Vow was made under the law in the Old Testament for certain purposes. The eternal principle is for people to make an outward commitment to God when they want to make an inward decision to follow Him. Men who want to be more committed to God do not need to grow beards or long hair, today as did the Nazarite. In the further place, be sure of the meaning of the context of and conditions associated with a promise before claiming it in your life. Is the promise universal or limited in scope? Is the promise personal or applicable to all? Is the promise conditional or unconditional? Is the promise for us or for people of another time?
Some Christians use a devotional approach to Bible study as an excuse to find deeper truths and hidden meanings in a passage. Someone once said of a devotional preacher, "He can find hidden things in the Bible that God never put there." As we look for deeper truths and hidden meanings in a passage, you should be conservative and exercise caution. That does not mean there are no deeper truths to explore. On the contrary, sometimes the meaning of names shed light on the character of people. There may also be significance attached to the use of certain numbers in the Bible. Throughout the Scriptures, various types are suggested in people and events which illustrate truths concerning Christ, the church and/or the Christian life. Also, some things mentioned in Scripture are described as symbols or mysteries of some other deeper truth. The safe approach in these areas is to let the Scriptures interpret themselves in the light of other Scripture.
PRINCIPLES FOR
INTERPRETING DEVOTIONAL STUDY
1. Every passage will have one interpretation governed by literal interpretation, but will also have many applications.
2. Be careful of "spiritualizing" the Bible to make it say something apart from the meaning of the text.
3. The Bible is a book of principles to guide our daily lives and service.
4. Know the difference between descriptions of situations that do not apply today and prescriptions that were written to guide our lives.
5. Apply to your life those direct applications where the Bible generally censors or approves all.
6. Explicit commands to individuals are not always the will of God for you today.
7. Apply to your life the obvious principles in the lives of people in Scripture.
8. You do not need to be in the exact situation that involved a person in the Bible, to apply their principles to your lives.
How to Teach the Bible Devotionally
Just as attitude is important in studying the Bible devotionally, so our attitude is of imperative when teaching the Bible devotionally. Our goal is to lead students deeper in their love for and commitment to God. The old farmer said his Christianity was better "felt" than "telt." Teachers who will be effective in the devotional approach to Bible teaching will find value in being transparent with others. They must share their devotional life with their students.
In using this approach, begin with a commitment to teach the Bible devotionally, rather than trying to cram the Bible into a devotional thought. Avoid taking a phrase from the Bible because of its wording and using it in a different sense than it was intended. Also, avoid imposing a meaning on the Scriptures that was never intended. A third thing to avoid is treating the Scriptures as an allegory (like a fairy tale) and emphasizing a speculated message over the clear teaching of Scripture.
How you introduce a devotional Bible study will either stimulate interest or discourage further investigation. Therefore, begin a devotional lesson by talking about something relevant to their Christian life. Raise issues of worship before studying a worship Psalm. Raise the issue of the students' relationship to others, before the study of a passage that discusses our relationship with God and others.
Usually, you begin your study by outlining a passage, so begin your teaching by doing the same thing. Then show your pupils the context of the passage. Next, focus on a key character in the passage. Point out to your students the key verse in this passage. Tell them why the verse is a key verse and what it means to your life. Next point out the significant words in this passage. Have them find the words and circle them in their Bibles.
As you teach this lesson, lead your students to discover special applications that are relevant to their Christian life. Help them find the answers to important questions. Point out examples to follow? Point out a responsibility to fulfil. Point out a promise to claim. Finally, focus on a prayer to pray. Then pray it with them.
As you continue to guide students in their study, discuss ways the principles can be applied by the students to their lives. Ask which principle they would rate as most important in their life right now. Then ask them how this principle would improve the quality of their Christian life. Guide them to identify and state the steps they could take to implement this principle this week. Once those steps have been identified, you must challenge them to begin taking those steps this week.
Conclude your devotional lesson by expressing your devotion to God. There are several ways to do this. Some may share a testimony of what God has done in their life. Some may make a public vow. Their promise grows out of the lesson. Some may want to closing the lesson in quiet meditation. Some may choose to express their commitment to pray privately or quietly, in a hymn or praise chorus. Some may be more comfortable praying together with others about the things they are planning to implement in their life. A wise teacher will vary these approaches periodically as he or she teaches the Bible devotionally.
On some occasions, a teacher might want to teach the Bible devotionally by modelling their own devotional study. One college Bible teacher concerned his students were beginning to treat the Bible as just another textbook, took a class to work through a passage of Scripture. The teacher helped students uncover life-changing truths from the Scriptures for themselves. On another occasion, a pastor knew several seminary students were having difficulty with maintaining a personal time alone with God each day. When the pastor spoke in seminary chapel, he explained how his personal devotions for that day related to his chapel message of that day. He showed the students how to do it so they could be encouraged to do the same thing in their own life. Both Jesus and Paul used this approach to teach others some important principles of the Christian life.

STEP TWO STUDYING THE BIBLE DEVOTIONALLY
BIBLE STUDY ON WORSHIP PSALM 100
1. What people beyond believers, does God want to worship Him?
“Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands” (Ps. 100:1).

2. When will unsaved join believers in worshipping Him?
“Therefore, God hath highly exhalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven, and of those on earth, and those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Phil. 2:9-11).

3. Why are we commanded to “shout to the Lord?”
“Know . . . it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves” (v. 3).
“True worshippers will worship the Lord in spirit and truth, for the Father seeketh such to worship Him” (John 4:23).

4. What are 3 ways we can worship God?
“Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God” (Ps. 100:2,3).
5. What 4 things we can ;know that will motivate us to worship the Lord?
“Know . . . it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture” (Ps. 100:3).
6. How can you worship God your Creator for creating you?
How can you worship God your Protector, for caring for you?
“We are his people, and the sheep of His pasture (v. 3).

8. What 2 responses should begin your worship?
“Enter into his presence with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise” (Ps. 100:4).

9. The Psalmist repeats these 2 responses. How will you use them?
“Be thankful to Him, and bless His holy name” (v. 3).

10. What 3 attributes of God does the Psalmist include in his benediction?
“For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations” (Ps. 100:5).




STEP THREE 
CHECKLIST STUDYING BIOGRAPHIES
1. What did you read today? (reference)
2. Where did you read today? (place)
3. What is your greatest need today?
4. What promise did you find? (reference) __________________________ (Is it a universal promise?)__________________________________
(What are the conditions?) _________________________________
(How will you claim it?)___________________________________
5. What command did you find? (reference) _________________________
(How will you obey it?) ___________________________________
6. What is God’s message for today?
7. How will you apply it?