How To Make Your Bible Study Stick
In the bustling currents of modern life, finding anchorage in the Word of God is more vital than ever for the Christian man. The Bible places immense value on the diligent study of Scripture. It is through this devotion that we can grow stronger in faith and more resilient against the tides of worldly deception.
The Bible instructs us on the importance of keeping God's law close to our hearts. In Deuteronomy 17:18, we're reminded of the command given to kings of Israel: “And it shall be, when he sits 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.”
Similarly, Psalms 1:2 celebrates the man "whose delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night." These verses aren't mere suggestions; they're directives for how we, as followers of Christ, should immerse ourselves in the divine teachings.
The Pitfalls of Passive Reading
Merely reading the Bible isn't sufficient. True, it is the starting point, but if we stop there, we miss out on the depth and richness that active study can offer.
The more time we dedicate to engaging with God's Word, the less susceptible we are to the pitfalls of false teachings and deceptive doctrines. Our understanding of theological matters evolves, aligning more closely with the truth as God revealed it to us.
Embracing Technology in Bible Study
In our era, technology presents unprecedented opportunities for deepening our study of Scripture. Digital tools can assist us in exploring the Bible more thoroughly than was possible for previous generations. Yet, the essence of study remains the same: an active, engaged process of seeking out God's voice in the text.
Inductive and Deductive Linking: A Dual Approach
One effective method for making Bible study stick is to employ both inductive and deductive linking.
Inductive linking involves creating new notes and enriching existing ones with insights gained during Bible reading. This approach can be applied at various levels, from entire books to individual verses, fostering a deeper connection with the text.
Deductive linking complements this by integrating Scripture into other aspects of our lives. Whenever we're engaged in activities or projects outside of direct Bible study, we can bring in relevant verses to ensure our thoughts and actions align with God's teachings.
The Power of Handwriting
The act of handwriting scripture is a profoundly impactful practice. Engaging multiple regions of the brain simultaneously, handwriting enhances retention and comprehension.
When writing out verses by hand, we not only memorize the words more effectively but also deepen our engagement with the meaning behind them.
In an age dominated by digital convenience, the act of writing scripture by hand may seem antiquated, yet it harbors profound benefits for spiritual growth and memory retention.
This practice, deeply rooted in the tradition of the church (reread Deuteronomy 17:18), offers a tactile and reflective approach to Bible study that engages the brain in unique and powerful ways.
Engaging the Brain for Deeper Learning
Neuroscientific research reveals that handwriting activates multiple areas of the brain simultaneously, including those involved in thinking, language, and working memory. This multisensory engagement enhances comprehension and retention, making the verses we write by hand more memorable and impactful.
When we write Scripture by hand, we're not just copying text; we're immersing ourselves in the Word in a manner that promotes biblical meditation and internalization.
Each word we write is an act of worship, a deliberate slowing down in our fast-paced world that allows us to reflect on God's promises and commandments. This meditative process can lead to a deeper understanding of Scripture, as it forces us to consider every word and its meaning more carefully than if we were passively reading.
Top 5 Benefits of Handwritten Scripture
Improved Retention: The act of writing helps in embedding Scripture more deeply into our memory. The physical act of forming letters and words requires a level of processing that reading alone (or typing) does not, aiding in the retention of the verses.
Meditative Reflection: Writing Scripture by hand provides a unique opportunity for meditative reflection. This slow, intentional process allows us to ponder each word and phrase, opening our hearts to deeper insights and applications.
Enhanced Focus: In our digitally distracted era, handwriting Scripture offers a focused, undistracted means of engaging with God's Word. This focus can heighten our awareness of God's presence and the specific message He has for us in our study.
Personal Connection: Handwriting verses creates a personal connection to Scripture. This physical manuscript becomes a personal treasure, a record of our journey with God that we can revisit and reflect upon. (Don’t forget to add insights next to your written scripture.)
Creative Expression: For many, the act of handwriting is a form of creative expression. Incorporating art, such as illustrated journaling or calligraphy, can further enhance this creative engagement with Scripture, making the practice both a spiritual and artistic endeavor.
Incorporating Handwriting into Your Bible Study Routine
To integrate this practice into your Bible study, consider starting with a single verse that stands out to you during your reading. Write it out in a dedicated notebook or journal.
Reflect on each word as you write, praying over the verse and asking God to reveal its depth to you. Over time, you may build a personal scripture journal that not only strengthens your faith but serves as a testament to your journey with God.
In embracing the practice of handwriting Scripture, we find a powerful tool for deepening our faith, enhancing our memorization, and forging a more intimate connection with the Word of God.
This method, rooted in the physical act of writing, invites us to slow down and engage with Scripture in a profoundly personal way, allowing the truths of God to permeate our hearts and minds more deeply.
This is why I recommend the In The Word Journals by Reformation Heritage Books. The series currently contains the four Gospels and each book provides space for writing out scripture. But that’s not all, it also includes insightful questions to get us thinking about the text.
In collaboration with Reformation Heritage Books, the Stoic Christian project now has the Gospel of John, as provided by the In The Word series, as a digital challenge absolutely free.
To get started on this challenge click the button below: