In Romans 12:2, Paul tells us to be transformed, which is an odd command. This doesn’t mean to metamorphize ourselves with some magic trick, but to be transformed, to be changed by the Holy Spirit. The question is, is our role passive?
Not in the least bit. In another letter, Paul tells us to think about things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8). As we fill our minds with these things—the things of God—we will renew our minds, and through the renewal of our minds, God will transform us. We will know what is of God and what is of the world (Romans 12:2). But how do we know what is of God? Where do we find these things that are true and honorable and all the rest? We go to the Bible.
For most of human history, children learned their trade through apprenticeships. They worked for their employer (or parent) day in and day out. For years, they lived with their parent, ate with her, watched how she went about both her business and her entire life. If we want our minds transformed to the mind of Christ, our wills conformed to his will, and our behaviors to mimic his, we need to apprentice ourselves to him.
Jesus’ first disciples walked with him, ate with him, camped out with him. They heard his teachings and saw his reactions to seekers and doubters, friends and enemies. Like any child, they asked all the questions: “Why did you do that? What does this mean? How do we do that?” We do the same in reading the Bible, praying, partaking in communion, and more.
We renew our mind with the Word of God. We live like Jesus when we learn who Jesus is in the Bible and spend time with him (1 John 2:5–6). As we follow Jesus’ journey throughout Scripture, we see what it looks like to be human. He walked around in a real place dealing with real people just like we do. Some people challenged him, some wanted to bring him down, and some loved him, just like the people in our lives. We see in his words and actions what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise.
As you study the Bible, take notes about the way Jesus lived and loved. We have a guide in our hands (the Bible) and a guide in our hearts (the Holy Spirit). Our time spent getting to know Jesus will change the way we live.
Yes, I do enjoy studying the bible. I always start my day reading the bible. This is how I stay close to the Lord with me studying, journaling, taking notes, and asking the Holy Spirit to lead me in what I need to learn for that day. This gives me great peace and joy that helps me through my day.
Yes, I do enjoy studying the Bible. I’ve found that I’m more consistent when I’m participating in at least one group study. My time looks different depending on what study or studies I’m working on. I keep a journal where I write scripture, answer study questions, record observations and applications, and prayers.
I love meditating on His Word and watching it come alive as He speaks to me through it. When I “present myself” as in Romans 12:1, He transforms…..but I must first present myself for that precious work of the Holy Spirit to happen. Too often I just don’t take the time to present myself. But if I focus on the transformation, which is honorable, right, & of good repute, I desire to present myself. ❤️
I do enjoy studying my bible. The bigger issue I have is focus. Sometimes it takes me forever to settle into the quiet space. And it takes a lot for me to not focus on all the other things in my life.
I’m intimidated by the Bible. I’m afraid that I won’t understand what I’m reading or I’ll interpret it incorrectly. I allow that fear to keep me from reading it. I have found a study guide that will walk me step by step, and even then I make excuses and allow other things to keep me from digging in. I need to be more intentional about making God first in my life.
There have been times that I have enjoyed studying God’s Word and other times when I have been convicted because my way of living was not in sync. I must admit that I have never read the entire Bible. When I confessed it in a Bible study well meaning friends said you’ve read it all but I haven’t. I have started on a 3 year journey of generally one chapter per day and am looking forward to the day when I can say I’ve done it. By focusing on one chapter and using a study Bible which has references I can get a better understanding than trying to read through in a year just to check the box. Sadly, I grew up in a home that did not model daily Bible reading, however, I am thankful that it has become a part of my life. I am still learning. Even when I read a passage that I know I’ve read before the Holy Spirit is giving me a fresh perspective and I ask myself where did that come from? God’s Word is alive and He is teaching me new things as I dig deeper. Studies like this one, especially when meeting in person may not be wise, has been such a blessing. Thank You!
I do enjoy studying scripture and it’s so exciting when a verse just pops out at me. I’m a work-in-progress and know I will always be when it comes to scripture study. When I don’t understand something, I’ll go to a different translation or the Blue Letter Bible app for study references that also has the meanings of words from the original Hebrew or Greek origin. I like studying my physical Bible and putting notes of my own in it, but I also enjoy using the You Version Bible app as I can bookmark, tag, and enter notes on verses that are available at a click of a few buttons.
I love God’s word but sometimes I find it to be overwhelming because I don’t know where to begin. I get anxious because there is so much to know and read.
I am frustrated because I feel that I have to learn everything at once. It’s a daily process for me and I have been choosing the bible reading plans from YouVersion bible App which is a great help for me. It takes away the stress.
Sometimes my cousin and I have fellowship together, like last night we read Mark chapter 1 then we spent some time discussing and sharing our experiences. We ended up going to bed after 12.
I find that I really enjoy these bible study sessions with her. It’s easier to study with someone than by myself.
I feel the same way! It’s exciting but overwhelming to think about studying the Bible. I often wish I was farther ahead in my studies and understanding than I am. Sometimes I get so restless to learn everything that I can’t choose where to start reading, and this feeling keeps me from actually just sitting down and reading something! It’s silly but true.
I do enjoy it so much! I love it when suddenly, although I’ve read it before, I have a new appreciation or understanding of a section.
I very much enjoy studying the Bible. When I was a new Christian I studied quite a bit better than I do now. I’m glad for this study – it is encouraging me to get back to those study habits.