Great Students beyond College Life

Being spiritually strong and healthy is a pre-requisite to be successful in anything you do in life.  Even the smartest and wisest people will tell you that we need God’s words so we can grow.  “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.”  1 Peter 2:2. The value of God’s words manifests when we study the Bible and practice His teachings to the point it becomes part of us.  By looking at the good role models from the Bible, we can follow how they study the Bible and put His teachings into practice.  We learn from the habits and practices of those who faithfully and diligently studied His words.  Let us learn from some great students in the Bible.

Joshua—A lifelong student of God’s words

Joshua took over Moses’ place after he died.  Moses led God’s people for 40 years.  As the new leader for Israel, God encouraged Joshua to be strong, courageous and studious.  “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”  Joshua 1:7-8.  It was Joshua’s relationship with God that led to his success.  “But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his Law Day and night.  That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither–whatever they do prospers.” Psalm 1:2-3.  

Note that all the promises that God made to Israel regarding the promised land were fulfilled during Joshua’s time.  It is quite obvious that Joshua put God’s words into action…meditating on His words was a regular habit or practice for him. Do you?  The success that Israel experienced was a direct result of Joshua’s obedience and active engagement.  Likewise, we will also prosper if we did the same.  We should be diligent students like Joshua.

Daniel—Reading the Prophecy and Taking Action

God’s servants including prophets not only knew of what God wants them to do, they also had to learn other things.  “Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things. 1 Peter 1:10-12.  Daniel was strict about his habits to remain pure and holy—from his diet to his consistent prayer life.  He was also a great student in studying the scriptures.  Daniel read what Jeremiah wrote in the scriptures and realized that in the first year of Darius that the captivity of God’s people in Babylon was ending, and they were heading back to Jerusalem.  (Jeremiah 25:7-11)  In response to this prophecy, Daniel prayed a deep prayer of thanksgiving on behalf of the people.  Daniel’s studying of the scriptures enabled him to hold on to God’s promise and driven to prayer.  Let us study the bible like Daniel to act on God’s promises.  “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so, through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”  2 Corinthians 1:20-22.    

Bible study when done properly should result in prayer.  In your prayer, ask for God’s forgiveness, seek His guidance in applying what you read and ask for courage.  Be like Daniel—adopt his study practice, interpret and understand the Words and pray fervently.

Jesus—the Ultimate role model

When Jesus was on earth as a human being, He was a superb student.  At the age of 12, Jesus was sitting in bible studies with leaders asking questions and giving amazing answers.  (Luke 2:46-47) Jesus was able to counter all of Satan’s temptations by referencing Deuteronomy (see Matthew 4:1-11).  He even died with the Psalm on His lips (Matthew 27:46).  Because Jesus always had the Word in His heart, it kept Him from sinning.  If even Jesus needed the Bible to get through His life on earth, so will we.  Let us imitate Christ –know the Bible, quote the Bible and live out the teachings in the Bible.  (1 John 2:3-5)

Come and learn how to be great students together with us at church.  Studying and learning together is so much more enrichening.  Here’s our address:

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Bensenville, IL 60106
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