The Process of Study

As disciples of Christ, many of us may use the words study and meditation interchangeably. And while similar, they do hold very different meanings.

Meditation is the careful observation of a principle or image from the word of God. During these times, you are engaged in devotion as you seek to apply what you have gleaned to your life in real time.

Study is more analytical. It is the practice of deep dive examination on a particular topic, usually in the space of clearer understanding and seeking accurate interpretation of what was read or heard.

Because study is closely related yet different from our devotional time, it is equally important to find regular time set apart for studying God's Word. We need meditation so that our hearts can connect with the Father, and we need study time so that our minds can be transformed.

How Important Is Study?

Pondering on your own life, how often do you spend time studying?

As I look back over my lifelong journey with Christ and the different seasons I have lived through, I haven't always been committed to studying as I should have been.

I would study if I were scheduled to preach or speak, but at any other time, I relied heavily on my devotionals to get me through my day.

This realization got me thinking: what would happen if, for some reason, we were forced to get rid of our Bibles? Is the Word dwelling richly enough in me to sustain me?

Pondering this, let's consider the honor and freedom we have to glean from God's Word while navigating the four steps of study.

4 Steps of Biblical Study

Richard Foster, the Author of the Celebration of Discipline, notes four steps to take when engaging in study.

Repetition

Repetition is the act of taking a particular topic and profoundly studying it.

"Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up."

Deuteronomy 11:18, 19, NKJV

This passage is a beautiful example of what intentional study looks like and how we can utilize this method in our everyday!

Concentration

Concentration is repeatedly going back to what you were studying and drawing the center of your attention to that subject for a particular time.

I like to use the term "hard thinking" for this type of concentration because after I study a particular principle or information, it is then that I start asking questions.

God, why did you say that to the woman at the well?

What does it mean she is from Samaria?

Why was it such a big deal that Jesus asked her for something to drink?

Comprehension

After you ask yourself and God the questions that come to mind, you will eventually find yourself in the rabbit hole of study. Then, before you know it, you will begin comprehending the thoughts and truth of God.

And when you receive understanding, you then acquire Holy Spirit insight.

Reflection

The fourth step is where study and meditation begin to overlap. As you think about what you are learning, you will start pondering or meditating on how you can apply this knowledge to your personal life.

Different Types of Study

God is so creative and incredible that He has provided endless things to study! 

From books to lectures and nature to people-watching, we have unlimited resources to learn from. 

While it is great to study verbal material, such as books and things you read and listen to, you can also learn much through non-verbal things, such as people. 

I remember when I was newly married, friends of ours were having a dinner party. However, we weren't invited. When I asked why our friends told us it was because they felt the people they were inviting were on a different level than we were. 

The nerve! 

But you know what? Those same people invited to the dinner party long ago are the same kinds of people we hang out with all the time! And this non-verbal material taught me how I wanted to treat others and the ways in which I don’t.

Lessons From Autumn

Last autumn, I was outside watching the leaves fall. As I was staring at the red, orange, and yellow foliage, God showed me that I was in a season where people would shed from my life's branches. And that it was okay.

How did that thinking come so naturally to me? I learned to study the Father who loves and cares for His children.

And the more you practice, the more these moments will become apparent, too.

Make it a goal this week to study something the Holy Spirit shows you. Then, invite God to help you find space to explore Him more and see how He shows up!