WORK OUT A PLAN TO STUDY
Learning
God’s word is an intentional activity.
So, this requires the student to have a plan when setting out to study
the Bible. By planning when,
where, how and why one studies a Christian can develop personal discipline.
Remember, one of the Biblical Literacy Ethic principles points to the
fact that God expects Christians to take their spiritual growth and
development as their own responsibility.
Planning is one way to claim
responsibility over personal spiritual learning.
By doing so, a Christian’s convictions will be his or her own and not
the faith of another. Too many
who claim the Christian faith fail to grow because of lack of ownership in
learning. It was observed that soldiers, when taken prisoner during
war, who had a firm grasp of their own convictions were less likely to be
subdued by their captors.
Alex
Hailey, author of Roots, once said that a people who know who they really are
cannot truly be enslaved. The same is true for Christians who take charge of
their personal learning are less likely to be taken captive by the world, by
falsehood or by false teachers and are less likely to buckle during
persecution. Christian’s safety depends on personal involvement in
learning.
Planning how to learn can also
help a Christian tailor his or her learning according interests in ministry.
By setting goals on what to learn, a Christian can specialize in areas
of ministry that best suits the needs of the local church.
By specializing, a Christian can be more empowered in learning since
this creates purpose in studying while helping the Christian be “thoroughly
equipped for every good work.”
Suggestions on making a plan
- Take a personal inventory of your beliefs toward
learning and the Bible.
 | What are the attitudes do I have toward learning? |
| What are the attitudes, beliefs, assumptions, fears,
worries, or concerns that hinder me from learning on my own. |
| Where did I learn these beliefs, attitudes,
assumptions, emotions that hinder my learning? |
| Inventory the costs and benefits for holding the
beliefs, attitudes and emotions. Rate
each side with the scale of 1 to 10 and observe which is higher in
score. |
| Inventory the costs and benefits for changing the
beliefs, attitudes and emotions. Rate
each side with the scale 1 to 10 and observe which score is higher.
Compare the two inventories and find out which score is higher
(the hindrance scale or the change scale). |
| How can these beliefs, attitudes and emotions affect
my relationship to God? |
| Pray to God for guidance and change.
If you discover that anxiety hinders your learning,
remember first that there is some anxiety to learning new things. If anxiety is unbearable, it may be a stress reaction
that needs special attention. Find
out methods of relaxation to help you through your anxiety (remember God
can help!). |
- Make a preparation plan.
| Decide a time that is right for you.
Remember, it must be a time that is the optimal time for you
(considering family schedule, etc.) |
| Set a reasonable length of time.
The length of study time can be lengthen as your needs requires
more. |
| Set a reasonable deadline for starting. |
| Decide a place where you will study the Bible each
time you study. |
*Remember lighting, temperature, basic
surroundings, comfort, distractions can effect your study.
| Choose one Bible to study out of at first. |
| Gather a note book and pen or pencil for journaling
questions, points, reflections of what you observe in scripture. |
| Sometimes gathering with fellow Christians can help
to form a group session every once in a while. Sometimes a study partners
can help with motivation to study.
Remember to select someone who will be a help not a hindrance. |
