Swindoll Study Bible and Searching the Scriptures - Flipbook - Page 9
SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES
The application of Scripture isn’t something you need a pastor for—it’s something
you can do every day during your own time with the Lord. Here are some helpful principles for you to remember when you begin to apply the Scriptures:
1. Think. When you apply the Scriptures, reflect on what is going on in your life.
2. Acknowledge. Identify any personal trouble spots in your life. Don’t try to hide
from the truth or act like these things don’t exist.
3. Ask. Bring up specific questions as you invite the Lord to probe within your
heart.
4. Pursue. Seek out paths that lead you to wholeness and spiritual health.
Benefits of Studying the Bible
When you get into the Scriptures on your own, your judgment will improve, and you
will become more and more confident in your ability to read and understand the
Bible. You’ll get wisdom as well as insight and understanding. We tend to use these
words interchangeably, but they’re not really the same. Wisdom is the ability to look
at life as God looks at life. Insight is the ability to see through life’s circumstances—
to look beyond the obvious or the apparent. Understanding is the crowning blessing; this is the ability to respond to life correctly. As we gain wisdom and insight,
the understanding that comes will enable us to handle life in a God-honoring way.
My prayer is that the notes and study aids included in this Bible will help you in
your growing understanding of God’s Word, whether you’ve been studying it for sixty
years or six months.
Now It’s Your Turn
1. Observe: Slowly and carefully read Philippians 4:4-9, and then write down twenty
key observations. Take your time, following the instructions from the observation section above.
Write your observations here:
1675