We want to learn today how to study the Bible and make it come alive. What people need today is knowledge of the truth.

1. You must appreciate the virtues of the Word of God

It has three great virtues:-

• It is a timeless book (vs. 89, 160) – Other books come and go. The Bible has remained throughout the centuries. Many have tried to destroy, ridicule and ignore the Bible. The Bible has remained untouched by all attacks. See 1 Peter 1:25.
• It is a truthful book (vs. 142, 151, 160) – Pilate asked Jesus what is truth? Jesus said that God’s word was truth. There are those who want to prop the Bible up with psychology or with their experiences. The Bible does not need help. The Bible is the breath of God. God breathed the scriptures out. Men wrote what God had said.
• It is a treasured book (vs. 72, 127) – It is more valuable than all the gold, silver and gems in the world. The saints of the Bible were prepared to die for the truths of God’s Word.

2. You must assimilate the vitality of the Word of God

The Bible is living and energetic. See John 6:63. The Bible is vital. It pulsates with life. You do not just read the cookbook, you also eat the meal. The Bible is there to be eaten.

• Pray over it – God will open your eyes. Your heart will be stirred (vs. 26). Your mind will be enlightened (vs. 73).
• Ponder it (vs. 15, 147) – The quiet time is important to the Christian. It takes time to ponder over the word of God. If you have to get up early or stay up late then do it. Take a pen to write things down. Is there a promise to claim? Is there a lesson to learn? Is there a blessing to enjoy? Is there a command to obey? Is there a sin to avoid? Is there a new thought to carry with me? Ask those six simple questions.
• Preserve it (vs. 11, 16) – You hid it down in your heart. The human mind can remember many things if you are sufficiently interested and motivated. You have got to cultivate your mind. God gives you a beautiful box but we fill it with junk. We need to weed our garden.
• Practice it (vs. 119) – The quiet time is important to the Christian. It takes time to ponder over the word of God. If you have to get up early or stay up late then do it. Take a pen to write things down. It is better to obey then to be able to recite passages. If you keep the Word of God it will start to mean more to you.
• Proclaim it (vs. 15, 27, 46, 172) – Give the word of God away.

3. You must appropriate the values of the Word of God

It will be a source of victory. It will be a source of growth. If you do not learn to feed yourself then you will starve. It is a source of guidance – it will direct your feet on the right path. The Bible addresses the problem of sin. The Bible has one villain – the Devil. The Bible has one hero – Jesus. The Bible is a two-edged sword. If it does not cut to heal you then it will cut to slay you. Put your trust in Jesus and you will not perish – but have everlasting life.

Categories: Psalms