Sermon Help - The Discipline of Study

Calvin Miller writes, “Mystics without study are only spiritual romantics who want relationship without effort.” Miller, The Table of Inwardness, 83.

Study is more than a consumption of information. It is a spiritual discipline that requires time, focus, and a willingness to change. For Christians the Bible is foundational in our pursuit of God. So how does the discipline of study help us know God and ourselves?

In his book, Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster outlines four steps that are central to the discipline of study:

1. Repetition. Repetition. Repetition. It may seem juvenile but it works. Just count how many times you see the same television commercial during your favorite primetime show. When it comes to the Bible, the more you repeat a word or a phrase, the better chance you have of believing it. Try taking a scripture text and recite it throughout the day. Pin it on your refrigerator; tape it to the bathroom mirror; stick it on your computer screen. Before you know it you’ll have it memorized and it’ll be rolling around in your head.

2. Concentration. In a world where change is the only constant, the ability to focus is a rare treasure. Once you’ve found a text, focus on it. Centre your mind upon it. Take a walk and think about it as you repeat the text.

3. Comprehension. Knowledge of the truth sets us free. Repetition and concentration can only lead so far. Eventually, there is a need to understand. Have you ever caught yourself reading pages from a book and understanding nothing? If that happens as you read the Bible try asking God to help you understand. Go back and read it again. See if it starts to make sense. Without comprehension there is no insight or discernment.

4. Reflection. This is the final and often neglected step of study. It’s tempting to read the Bible for information purposes alone. But failure to apply it to our lives will lead us to become puffed up and arrogant in our knowledge. Reflection is the antidote to this deadly disease. Reflection leads to two things: an understanding of the material being studied, and an understanding of self. So, take time to reflect on the materials being studied. Your learning will take on a whole new meaning when you find yourself being transformed by the living Word of God.

Helpful books from this session:
Packer, J. I. Knowing God
Foster, Richard. Celebration of Discipline: The path to spiritual growth
Foster, Richard. Life with God: Reading the Bible for Spiritual Transformation
Willard, Dallas. The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding how God changes lives