For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel. EZRA 7:10 ESV
RESOLUTION #1: BECOME A LIFELONG LEARNER OF GOD’S WISDOM
THREE TOOLS TO STUDY THE WORD OF GOD:
READ THROUGH ALL OF THE BIBLE
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. PSALMS 119:105 NLT
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17 NIV
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. PROVERBS 4:7 NIV
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. 2 PETER 1:3 NLT
STOCKPILE GOD’S WISDOM BY MEMORIZING SCRIPTURE
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 20 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. DEUTERONOMY 11:18-20 NIV
My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. 2 If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. PROVERBS 3:1-2 NLT
I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. PSALMS 119:11 NLT
SLOW DOWN AND MEDITATE
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful 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. JOSHUA 1:8 ESV
Inductive Bible Study:
- Descriptions
- Repetition
- Contrast
- Comparison
- Commands
- Warnings
- Promises
But they [righteous] delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. 3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. PSALMS 1:2-3 NLT
Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” JOHN 14:21 NIV
My Notes
Discussion Questions
Choose a couple questions from each section to discuss and reflect on the sermon as a group:
- START HERE: Describe the kind of life you truly want. What have you resolved to do to get there?
- START HERE: What’s something God’s word has recently revealed to you about Him, other people, or yourself? How has learning that truth changed what you feel or think about reading the Bible?
- KEEP GOING: Read Ezra 7:10 ESV. Ezra “set his heart” to study God’s Word, do it, and teach it to others. What stands out to you about that progression of learning, living, and then teaching God’s word? Where are you in that process right now?
- KEEP GOING: Read Psalm 119:11 NLT. Is there a verse you have memorized and return to often? How does or how could having God’s Word stored in your heart change the way you respond to everyday situations?
- KEEP GOING: Read Proverbs 3:1-2 NLT slowly. Read it again. As you meditate on this passage, what stands out to you? How do you want to respond?
- KEEP GOING: Read Joshua 1:8 ESV or Psalm 1:2-3 NLT. Do you find it difficult to give God’s Word this kind of time and attention? According to the passages, what would you gain if you approached God’s word this way?
- LIVE IT OUT: Which will you resolve to begin or focus on more consistently: reading all of the Bible, memorizing Scripture, or meditating on it? What practical step can you take this week to do that?