Scripture teaches us that all that is written in it has been written for our learning:
Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Here are 12 keys to profiting fully from what is written in Scripture for our learning.
1. Read the book repeatedly.
Deuteronomy 17:18 And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites: 19 And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them: 20 That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.
Concerning the importance of reading a book of Scripture repeatedly, I have read the book of Psalms 100 times because God has burdened me to saturate my mind with His own thoughts about music.
2. Prize it supremely and expect to work hard in studying it diligently.
Proverbs 2:1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; 2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; 3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; 4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; 5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
3. Pray fervently for illumination.
Psalm 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
Proverbs 2:3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
Ephesians 1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
4. Mark your Bible and take notes.
Consider, for example, how marking certain key statements in 1 Samuel 12 helps in understanding how what is written has been divinely structured:
Marking your Bible and taking notes is crucial for fully understanding what God has said:
5. Keep in mind that the whole book is the context of anything that is in the book.
When God originally inspired the books of the Bible, there were no chapter breaks or verse divisions in them. The context of anything that is in a book of Scripture therefore is the whole book itself and not just some smaller part of it.
6. Note the beginning and the ending of the book.
How God has chosen to begin and to end each book displays His infinite and perfect wisdom. We must pay special attention to what He has inspired to be written at the beginning and at the ending of each book of Scripture.
7. Note the names of God and the truths about God found in the book.
Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
8. Look especially for commands.
Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
9. Note repetition, connect ideas, and do cross referencing.
Concerning repetition, consider, for example, the vast number of times “the LORD” occurs in 1 Samuel 12:
As an example of connecting ideas, note how Paul does so concerning what Scripture says in different books of Scripture:
1 Timothy 5:18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
10. Think about what you have read, believe it, and memorize what God specially brings to your attention.
Psalm 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
11. Praise Him for what He has inspired to be written and pray about the instruction that He has given in the book.
Psalm 119:164 Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.
Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
12. Do what is written in the book and teach others.
Ezra 7:9 For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him. 10 For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.
Copyright © 2011-2023 by Rajesh Gandhi. All rights reserved.
