Spiritual Formation

A Thought On Study

“Reading gives us breadth, but study gives us depth.” – Jerry Bridges by Cari Nimeth

We are called to love the Lord with all our heart, mind and soul. The mind is often undervalued in spiritual formation practices. Faith isn’t only a heart issue. God created us with the ability to think and reason, and He wants us to use that ability to grow more and more like Christ. Of course, we should study the Word of God. It’s also important to study other subjects. It’s helpful to do that particularly through the lens of Scripture, which means Bible study is foundational. To study means to apply our mind to knowledge, investigation and reflection. Reading is a primary source of study but not the only source. We can listen, watch, think and experiment. Pay attention to those around you who live out the words of Jesus. Study their example. Then apply it to your life.

“The study of God’s Word for the purpose of discovering God’s will is the secret discipline which has formed the greatest characters.”

James W. Alexander

10 Scriptures On Study

  • Deuteronomy 11:18-23
  • Joshua 1:8
  • Psalm 119:105
  • Proverbs 3:1-2
  • Proverbs 4:6-7
  • Romans 15:4
  • Colossians 3:17
  • 2 Timothy 1:7
  • 2 Timothy 2:15
  • Hebrews 4:12

Steps to Salvation

The Bible states that God loves you and cares for you as a person (John 3:16). Humankind has been separated from God by sin (Romans 3:23). God sent His Son as a provision for our salvation through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross and His resurrection from the dead (Romans 5:8). Doing good deeds is not enough (Ephesians 2:8-9), but receiving the free gift of salvation is (John 1:12).

You can invite Jesus Christ into your life right now by praying something like the following:

Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I need your forgiveness and grace. I believe that Christ paid the penalty for my sin, and He died in my place, and He rose from the dead. I invite Jesus Christ to come into my life as Savior. Thank You for saving me from my sin and making me Your child. Help me to grow and learn how to serve You. Amen.

A Prayer for Study

Lord, thank You for making me a living, thinking being. I acknowledge that my mind is part of Your creative design and is to be used for Your glory. Give me discernment about what and how to study the wonders of the world and Your Word. Guide my thoughts and my actions to be thoughtful and in line with Your Son, Jesus, and His example. Amen.

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