Start Unlocking Scripture with This Study Method

Current Teaching Series 40 Days in the Word

Start Unlocking Scripture with This Study Method By Rick Warren — Feb 18, 2017 “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives” (Colossians 3:16a NLT). Studying the Bible in a way that changes your life doesn’t take a bunch of expensive tools. You don’t need commentaries or Bible study software. In fact, if you were stuck on a desert island with just a Bible, you could simply use the method you’ll learn about in this devotional. God says that if we meditate on his Word, we’ll be successful. Here’s a method you can use to meditate on God’s Word in a way that’ll please God. The “pronounce it” method of biblical meditation is an easy method for meditating on Scripture — and getting every ounce of spiritual nutrition you can out of it. You start with a verse and read it over and over again. Each time you read the verse, you emphasize a different word. It’s the simplest way to start unlocking Scripture. You can do it even if it’s the first time you’ve ever opened up a Bible. It’s simple but amazingly powerful. Each time you emphasize a different word, you get a different perspective. Take the first part of Colossians 3:16 for example. The verse says, “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives” (NLT). The first time you read the verse, emphasize the word “let.” “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you.” What does it mean to let? It means “give permission.” You open the door; it’s your choice. You have to choose to let the Word of God dwell in you richly. Then read the verse again and emphasize “message.” “Let the message of Christ dwell in you richly.” That means you need to get God’s Word in your mind. Then emphasize the word “Christ.” You’re not dwelling on what some philosopher, guru, or talk show host has to say. You’re dwelling on the words of Christ! You may not want to let the word of the world dwell in you, but that’s what happens when you spend your time watching TV instead of reading God’s Word. Then you focus on the word “richness.” What does that mean? It means the opposite of poorly. In other words, richness means lusciously, extravagantly, and profoundly. God doesn’t want his Word to be a poor substitute in your life. He wants it to create beauty in your life. Then emphasize the word “fill.” Don’t rush through God’s Word so you can get on with the rest of your day. To let the Word of Christ fill you is to let it live within you. Finally, focus on the words “your lives.” The Bible isn’t just God’s Word for your pastor, a seminary professor, or your small group leader; it’s God’s Word for you! The Bible is instruction for every single believer. See all the great jewels you discovered in this passage just by focusing on one word at a time? You didn’t need a seminary degree or a great library of reference tools. You can do this! PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >> Talk It Over How will you dwell on God’s Word throughout your day? How does your life reflect the richness of God’s Word and his grace? How would it look different to other people if you allowed God’s Word to make a greater difference in your life? Practice the “pronounce it” method during your next quiet time. What difference does it make?

Our Gift: 40 Days in the Word Study Kit + Bookmark Build a more vibrant relationship with Jesus! A close relationship with Christ doesn’t happen by accident. You have to make spending time with Him a priority every day. And you have to approach that time with the right attitude. Pastor Rick Warren shows you how to get more out of God’s Word and deepen your daily time with Jesus in his 40 Days in the Word study kit. Through a 200-page study guide and six-part DVD teaching video, you’ll learn… LEARN MORE

Complete Audio Series (Purchase) Includes seven full length teaching CD's from Pastor Rick's series 40 Days in the Word. LEARN MORE

Series Summary Message 1: Building My Life On The Bible Message 2: Why Can I Trust The Bible Message 3: How The Bible Changes Us Message 4: Seeing What God Wants Me To See Message 5: How To Study a Bible Passage Message 6: Understanding the Meaning of a Text Message 7: Integrating God's Word In My Life PLAY TODAY'S BROADCAST

Pastor Rick Warren

Enjoy today's Devotional? Listen instantly to the full radio message at Daily Hope Radio. Did someone forward this devotional to you? Subscribe to Pastor Rick Warren's Daily Devotional. This devotional is based on the current Daily Hope radio series at pastorrick.com. Rick Warren has helped people live with hope and on purpose for more than 40 years. He’s the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California and author of several books, including "The Purpose Driven Church" and "The Purpose Driven Life," read by more than 100 million people in 137 languages. He created the PEACE Plan (plant churches of reconciliation, equip servant leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, educate the next generation), which is used by churches in 196 countries. His radio teaching and daily devotional, Daily Hope, is offered across America. This devotional © 2017 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission. You can unsubscribe at any time by changing your e-mail preferences. Update your preferences  |  Unsubscribe