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One of the most important things
in the life of the Christian is the study of God’s word. One need only look at
the Bereans in Acts 17:11 to see an example of early Christians who spent time
in study daily. Other passages teach us to study as well. For example, 1
Tim.4:13. Paul told the young preacher Timothy to “give heed to reading, to
exhortation, to teaching.” He was to study, then use what he had learned to
exhort and teach others. 2 Tim.2:15 also comes to mind. Paul said, “Give
diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, handling aright the word of truth.” In our diligence to present
ourselves approved unto God and in our handling aright the word of truth we must
study the Bible. Peter’s words in 2 Pet.3:18 also encourages study. He said,
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” How
can one grow in knowledge of Jesus without studying the Bible? You can’t.
Paul told Timothy, “the things which thou hast heart from me among many
witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach
others also.” What we have learned we are to teach to others so they can teach
yet other people. Since we are clearly to be involved in teaching others
(Heb.5:12; Mk.1:17) we must also study to have the knowledge necessary to teach
others.
But often times when I study a passage or a subject I find I soon lose or forget
part of what I have learned. Since this is a problem many may experience, let’s
examine three steps to retaining the things we have learned when we study the
Bible.
The first thing we need to learn about being able to retain the things we learn
from a Bible study is Repetition. In other words, we need to study it
over and over again. In just about anything in this life we can see the
importance of repetition. On the job we may have to operate a piece of
complicated machinery. For the first little while it will be difficult to
remember everything you have learned about its operation. But the more you
operate the machine the easier it gets. You retain what you have learned because
of repetition. The same is true with the word of God. The more we study a
subject or passage or the more we make use of the things we have learned the
easier it will be to retain it. Several passages teach this principle of
repetition in the process of learning (Josh.1:8; Psa.49:3; 119:11-148; 1
Tim.4:15). By meditation, or repetition in the mind, of things learned, we come
to know and understand fully the will of God. So the first step to retaining
what we have learned is repetition.
The second step to retaining what we have learned is Repetition. In other
words, we need to study it over and over again. In just about anything in this
life we can see the importance of repetition. On the job we may have to operate
a piece of complicated machinery. For the first little while it will be
difficult to remember everything you have learned about its operation. But the
more you operate the machine the easier it gets. You retain what you have
learned because of repetition. The same is true with the word of God. The more
we study a subject or passage or the more we make use of the things we have
learned the easier it will be to retain it. Several passages teach this
principle of repetition in the process of learning (Josh.1:8; Psa.49:3;
119:11-148; 1 Tim.4:15). By meditation, or repetition in the mind, of things
learned, we come to know and understand fully the will of God. So the second
step to retaining what we have learned is repetition.
The third step to retaining what we have learned would naturally be
Repetition. In other words, we need to study it over and over again. In just
about anything in this life we can see the importance of repetition. On the job
we may have to operate a piece of complicated machinery. For the first little
while it will be difficult to remember everything you have learned about its
operation. But the more you operate the machine the easier it gets. You retain
what you have learned because of repetition. The same is true with the word of
God. The more we study a subject or passage or the more we make use of the
things we have learned the easier it will be to retain it. Several passages
teach this principle of repetition in the process of learning (Josh.1:8;
Psa.49:3; 119:11-148; 1 Tim.4:15). By meditation, or repetition in the mind, of
things learned, we come to know and understand fully the will of God. So the
third step to retaining what we have learned is repetition.
I am convinced if we will put these three steps into action in our study life we
will be better able to retain the things we learn from our studies. Remember the
three steps: Repetition -- Repetition -- Repetition. By these three steps we can
retain what we have learned and thus make continual use of that information as
we teach others.
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