“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” — Joshua 1:8 NLT
Welcome to the 24th weekly devotional recap of the year. This week, we continued our series on Christian devotion by learning about Bible study.
We began the week by understanding what Bible study truly is. The Bible is not a multi-purpose book; it is the inspired Word of God that points people to Christ (John 5:39-40, Luke 24:25-27). The right approach to Bible study is to find a good Bible teacher (Ephesians 4:8-11), submit to a sound local church, approach the Word with an open heart, listen attentively, and then confirm whatever you are taught through personal study (Acts 17:10-11). As you learn, the revelation of Christ and your new life in Him should influence every aspect of your life (Romans 12:2).
Tuesday’s devotional answered the question of why we should study the Bible. God’s revelations to men across generations were documented in what we now have as the Bible. Its primary purpose is to show us the Father through the lens of Jesus. As people who are saved and sent to preach, we must be ready to answer everyone who asks about our faith (1 Peter 3:15). You must be diligent to study and truly understand what you say you believe. An accurate understanding of Scripture is also your defence against temptation and the attacks of the enemy (Matthew 4). The Bible must not be handled carelessly; it needs to be rightly explained, understood, and applied (2 Timothy 2:15).
On Wednesday, we learnt that we must study the Bible in and out of season. The Word of God was never meant to be seasonal; it should be something you feed on daily, not just when it’s convenient. There will always be stress, distractions, and responsibilities competing for your attention, but God’s Word must have a permanent place in your daily routine (Joshua 1:8). Build a system that allows you to study your Bible effectively—by having a clear plan, using helpful tools, and building consistency with discipline. Studying the Bible is not something you do only when you feel like it or when things go wrong; it is how you stay grounded and live out God’s purpose for your life (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Thursday’s article encouraged us to set apart specific times to spend with God. You cannot build spiritual sensitivity and discernment in an atmosphere of constant distraction. God is always speaking, but the noise around us can often drown out His voice. A quiet place fosters stillness of heart and spirit, making it easier to receive from Him (Psalm 46:10). If Jesus, the Son of God, constantly sought the right place and atmosphere for prayer and teaching (Mark 1:35), how much more should you? You must also be intentional—seek out a place where your heart can be fixed on Him without distraction.
We ended the week with a reminder of the importance of having a Bible teacher. Many times in Bible study, you will need someone else to show you what your untrained eye might not see (Acts 8:26-40). We all have blind spots, especially when we’re just starting. Even the most sincere reader can miss spiritual depth without proper teaching. That is why God gifts teachers to the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13). Be humble enough to seek help and disciplined enough to meditate. Stay planted and teachable, and soon enough, your growth will become evident.
Dear believer, let the Word of God dwell richly in you. Let it guide your thoughts, shape your convictions, and fuel your devotion. As you set out today and beyond, let it be your meditation at all times.
Have a great weekend!
Bible Reading Plan: Ezra 6-10; Luke 16:19-17:37