Digging For Diamonds

Ever wish you could understand and get more out of the Bible? If you rake the surface, you only get leaves. If you want the diamonds, you have to dig! Come learn some tools to dig deeper and learn more every time you read the Bible this year! Podcaster: Blake Chrisman Questions to consider: How do you typically approach your time reading the Bible? What would change if you truly grasped that it is “God-breathed?” The fact the Bible is God-breathed reveals with certainty: 1) Who God is, 2) A sound worldview, and 3) How to live. That is what is at stake every time you open this book. The Bible is like an endless mine of truth to be discovered and lived. It’s full of diamonds that show the character of God, His creation, your life and eternity. Spend some time making as many observations as you can about 2 Timothy 1:1-2. What do you typically LOOK for when you read the Bible? There are 3 major OBSERVATIONS to look for every time: Descriptions (of Author, Audience and God), Types of Statements (Commands, Promises and Warnings), and Repetitions. What do you do when you don’t understand what you just read? To interpret well: 1) Ask questions of observations, 2) summarize the answers, 3) Pay attention to context, and 4) discern the author’s big idea How often do you notice your life changing when you read the Bible? You aren’t studying the Bible better until you are living it better! Application is the last step of Bible study. Let the Bible do surgery on your heart. Remember the acrostic: SPECK! Is there a Sin to avoid, Promise to claim, example to follow, command to obey, or knowledge to gain? Turn these into specific prayers and action steps! Where will you start reading in the Bible and using this process? It doesn’t have to be formal and academic. This should be devotional! It is a way to know God’s Word more and live it out! Scripture Referenced: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 2 Timothy 1:1-2 2 Timothy 1:3-18 Philippians 4:13 Philippians 4:9 James 1:22-25 Hebrews 4:12 Resources: KnowableWord.com Preceptaustin.org blakechrisman.com/deeper-devotionals/