Thursday, September 21, 2017 Studying Books – “The Rules” of Learning to Study (The Discipline of Study, Part 4) (Inspired by Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster)

Thursday, September 21, 2017

Studying Books – “The Rules” of Learning to Study (The Discipline of Study, Part 4)

(Inspired by Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster)

Devotional:

In today’s section on study, I appreciate how Pastor Foster breaks down the basic rules of studying a book. When embarking on the discipline of study, the rules as he shares are:

Intrinsic rules (belonging naturally; essential to the nature of the book):

·       Understanding what the author is saying

·       Interpreting what the author means

·       Evaluating – whether we believe they are right or wrong

Extrinsic rules (not part of the essential nature; coming or operating from outside):

·       Experience (personal, life)

·       Other books (especially the Bible) for comparison

·       Live discussion with others

In Bible school, I discovered that I had no idea how to study—at all, let alone the Word of God. I tended toward the habit of skipping to evaluation, and only looking at Scripture and other books for what they meant to me. This is what Pastor Foster refers to as “devotional reading,” and this is a habit that is immensely valuable and necessary. However, the two disciplines are very different. Making sure to first concentrate on understanding what the author is saying, then coming to understand what they mean (interpretation), needs to be a habit that we embrace if we want to get the most of our study. It is a different place of discipline, and enables us to look at other perspectives to broaden our view. We of course must always evaluate the efficacy of a subject, but to avoid fully understanding where another is coming from will truncate our ability to fully analyze.

The extrinsic rules are equally as precious, and in particular I was reminded that in order to get the most from a time of study, having the opportunity to come together for live discussion is vital. We learn best in community, though for many introverts like myself it can feel daunting. Even one or two trusted friends can help to provide perspective, and to enhance and even cement that time of study.

Don’t feel like you need to go grand, friends. A season of focused study with a purpose is a precious gift. Take advantage of your or another local church’s organized Bible study for community, accountability, and to form the habit. Join me here, reading the books that I am studying! Comment, share you heart, agree or disagree. I pray we all find the place in our walk that will allow us to embrace this with joy!

Prayer:

Thanksgiving:

Father, I worship You today. Thank You, Lord, for Who You are. You are Apha, Omega, Beginning and End. You are in all, through all, above all. I give You glory, Lord! I love You. You are so awesome.

Confession:

Lord, I come to You and humbly confess (name area of sin or struggle. Mine today: I confess that I am struggling again with anxiety, especially in areas of unknown social pressure. I give this to You and ask that You will heal any place that might cause me to be reactive or shut down or hide. Walk out grace through me when I feel unable.)

Supplication:

God, I want to live a full, rich Christian life and ask that You will show me the best route to incorporate study into that full life. I can get overwhelmed with the many demands on my time, so help me to be intentional and follow Your lead for my time.

Intercession:

Today I lift up my children. Give them a deep love and hunger for study, and in particular the study of Your Word. (Journal areas of need, concern, progress, victories. Chloe today: She is progressing so beautifully. She is growing in maturity and obedience, especially since she received You, Jesus. Thank You. Help her to increase her attention and be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger. Christian today: He was mildly elevated in temperature at school and a little fussy for his teachers. I pray that he does not get sick, Lord! Please heal his sweet little body. Also for his new speech device and goals, that he and I will find a great rhythm together at home.)

Consecration and Thanksgiving:

Father, I give You this time and ask that You will seal it for Your glory. Let Your works be made manifest as we continue to surrender to You in this home. I love You, and lift You up, Most High. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.