what difference does Bible study make?

This month marks the 10-year-anniversary of joining a community Bible study. When I got the call from my leader that a space had opened for me to come, I was a young mom 7 months pregnant with my second child, and had my hands delightfully full with a toddler. I thought I knew pretty much everything I needed to know about God, about parenting, and about how life works.

I remember the way this Bible study was first explained in an introduction class, and thought for sure the woman leading it was talking to people who didn't take the Bible very seriously. What I didn't realize at that time is I was one of those people. God had some humbling to do in my soul, a humbling that did not come easily but was necessary if I truly wanted to know Him like I said. In fact, when I began to discover the holiness of the God of the Bible, I nearly gave up on Christianity altogether. This from someone who thought she took the Bible seriously!

Thankfully, the Lord pursues His own and kept me securely in His hands. I almost wept later when I read John 6: 67-69, "You do not want to leave, too, do you?" Jesus asked the twelve. Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." There is a preciousness in knowing my Savior that will never fade, no matter how long my life will last.

However, it is a love that is constantly fanned into a flame through the careful study of the word of God. This month I have been reflecting on this question: what difference has it made to spend 10 years in systematic Bible study, which has spanned such books as the Pentateuch, two of the gospels, all of the minor prophets, part of a major prophet, many of Paul's letters, and other books I have delved into on my own to study and share with others? What lessons have I learned along the way?

1. We really are no greater than our view of God.
A small view of God translates to small living--often for selfish pursuits. A high and lofty view of God gives way to a life that manifests Christ--for God's glory and the good of others.

2. The best way to study the Bible I have found is to first look for what it says and reveals about God, and then how He would have me respond.
The Bible is not primarily a rule book for life. It is primarily about God and His activity in human history culminating in the redemption of man. The more I understand God and His character, the more my rebellious heart is exposed to be dealt with before a holy God. And the more I see my need for a Savior, and my love for Jesus grows.

3. The Bible has one message, and every part rests on the whole.
It is impossible to understand the gospel without seeing God's wrath on sin. The Old Testament is fulfilled in the New. God is pictured both as a broken-hearted parent and a holy Judge. Everything points to Christ. We must contend with every part of Scripture to truly grasp the character of God and His purposes in dealing with man.

4. Daily prayer and Bible study is the key to growing in my relationship with God.
There are no shortcuts, and I need a steady intake of God's word and time with Him more than I need daily sustenance. In ten years of practice, it has become an unbreakable daily habit, but it is so much more than that. It is communion with God. How can intimacy grow without it?

5. The Holy Spirit is a person of the Godhead, and not an "it."
We can go through our Christian lives completely oblivious to the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. However, if we miss His work, we miss much.

6. God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
When I started studying God's word, I was so shy I could hardly look a stranger in the eyes. I rarely started conversations and had no idea how to draw people out in them, nor did I care to do so. However, my weakness is the perfect showcase for God's strength to be manifest. Inexplicably, God has given me the privilege of sharing the gospel with complete strangers and see them come to Christ. He has also allowed me to shepherd around 200 women in the past 8 years through various Bible studies, and to witness lives being changed through belief in His word. Yet I feel like I am only beginning to learn the skills it takes to truly love, speak with, and disciple other believers. Truly nothing is impossible with God, and it is all about Him!! There is no greater joy than to be His instrument and see glimpses of His work.

7. The greatest threat to Satan's schemes is one saint on her knees.
Not because of what she is doing, but because God has chosen to work through prayer. He hears and answers. Christ triumphs over evil--is there any greater spectator sport than seeing answers to prayer?

8. Hell is a real place and I deserve to go there.
The more I know God, the more I see myself for who I really am. As the Holy Spirit makes me aware of my thoughts, attitudes, and actions, sin still has a hold. Truly I am an object of the grace of God.

9. The best gift I can give my spouse and children is my relationship with Jesus Christ.
They are not the center of my world--He is. I pray that He would be the center of their world as well.

10. Joy is not dependent on circumstances.
It is an attitude of my heart no matter the circumstance, because the Lord Jesus Himself IS my circumstance. My heart bows to Him no matter what may come, and I know that He can be trusted.

So much yet to learn, to forsake for my Savior, and I still don't take the Bible as seriously as I should...but I can't imagine where I would be without the Lord intervening in my life through the study of His word.

Luke 13:33 "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away."
John 17:3 "Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."