One of our statements of faith in Shelter of Elyon Ministries states as follows;
We believe that the bible is error free, unchangeable, active and alive word of God. It consists of 66 books which are the basis of life and ministry of the church.
One of the initial Steps of Bible Study is, “Preparing Yourself to Study the Bible!”
Matthew 11:25 states that,
I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.
It is of great significance to be aware that in order to successfully engage God’s most precious Word, one must: BRING HIS / HER MIND TO BE RIGHT WITH GOD!
Because, the Scriptures is our primary means of knowing God, learning His precepts and growing in His grace (Joshua 1:7-8; Ps. 1, 19, 119; Matt. 4:1-11, 7:24-29; John 8:31-32, 15:1-11; Col. 3:12-17; 2 Tim. 3:15-16; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1: 22-2:2).
We must be willing to not just read the Bible, but be willing to obey God’s decrees! It is not about you, it is about God! Make it your choice and work out your salvation (Philp. 2) hard with a surrendered will to His!
First and foremost Bible study sessions should Begin and End with prayer. Psalms119:18 says that,
Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.
We simply direct our will to God and seize the opportunity.
Secondly it is important to know that commencing with the right attitude or approach is relevant. Gal. 2:20, says,
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
If we are to be followers of Jesus Christ wholeheartedly and be fully- engaged ,we must realize that the purpose of Scripture points to Him (Luke 24:27; Col. 1:16-18). For that reason, we need to have a good attitude based on seeking Christ and not seeking ourselves. Our minds must be clear and childlike before Him, because when you read His Word you are before the face of God! You are going before a Holy God. Therefore, the following attitudes are key,
- REVERENCE: (Hab. 2:20, Psalm 89:7)
- Quiet YOUR WILL: (Prov. 2:1-5)
- ANTICIPATION: (Psalm 63:1)
- BE ALERT: (Prov. 1:7; 3:5-6)
- BE AWAKE AND MAKE TIME: (Psalm 119:148)
- BE IN LOVE: (Job 23:12; Jer. 15:16)
- TRUST and OBEY: (Col. 3:16)
- BE OPEN TO THE HOLY SPIRIT: (Psalm 119:18)