As a young believer, I was encouraged to take advantage of all the benefits of God’s Word. Today, an illustration that helps me consider the ways that I can interact with the Scriptures is the “Hand Illustration.” The “Word Hand” shows five very important methods of learning from the Bible.
- Hearing – Romans 10:17
Hearing the Word from godly leaders and teachers provides insight into others’ study of the Scriptures, as well as stimulating our own appetite for the Word.
- Reading – Revelation 1:3
Reading the Bible gives an overall picture of God’s Word. Many people find it helpful to use a daily reading program, which takes them systematically through the Bible.
- Studying and Applying – Acts 17:11
Studying and applying the Scriptures leads to personal discoveries of God’s truths. Writing down these discoveries helps you organize and remember them.
- Memorizing – Psalm 119:9,11
Memorizing God’s Word enables use of the Sword of the Spirit to overcome Satan and temptations. To have it readily available is life-giving for interactions with those yet to embrace Christ or to help other believers with a “word in season.”
- Meditating – Psalm 1:2-3
Meditation is the thumb of the “Word Hand,” for it is used in conjunction with each of the other methods. Only as you meditate on God’s Word—thinking of its meaning and application in your life—will you discover its transforming power at work within you.