Tech-Free Bible Study

Almost everyone knows that I enjoy technology. (sometimes even a little too much) But today, we're going "old school" with five non-techie items you can use to help you study the Word of God.

1. A Bible

I know this sounds pretty obvious, but I think it needs to be discussed. I enjoy reading and studying the Bible on my iPad and myriad of other electronic devices, but I do believe it is important to have a physical copy of the Word of God. It amazes me how many young people do not own a Bible. Young person please invest in a good Bible. We spend a lot of money  on clothing, shoes, video games, and other personal interests. Why not invest money in a quality study Bible. If you don't know which one, ask your parents or another spiritual leader what they would recommend.

2. A Pen and Paper

I told you this list was old school.  A pen (unless you prefer a pencil) and paper are great tools for Bible Study, because they are versatile. Pen and paper can be used to take notes, keep a journal, or even create a prayer list. As you study the Word of God (which hopefully you do regularly), make notes of things that come up as you read. Write down things that encourage you, questions that come up, or even things that convict you (that may take up a lot of paper). Sometimes just writing things down impacts what we remember.

3. A Highlighter

Highlighters are an awesome way to make verses stand out in your Bible. Every now and then I will flip through my old Bibles and read verses that I have highlighted. It can be pretty encouraging to be reminded of Biblical truth. There are plenty of things you can highlight. Highlight the Romans Road, the promises of God, or even verses that challenge you to be a better Christian. Don't make your Bible look like someone spilled Kool-Aid on it, but feel free to highlight things that are helpful to you.

4. A Dictionary

One of the big excuses people make about studying the Bible is that they do not understand it. Some things would be easier to understand with a simple tool  like a dictionary. When you read and study the Word of God, don't skip over the words you do not understand and assume that you do understand. Grab a dictionary and put it to good use.

5. A Parent

Yep, they are not technological! They run on coffee and not batteries. Godly parents are huge assets  in your Bible study! God has given your parents the responsibility to instruct you in the Word of God. (Deuteronomy 6:7; Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4) If God has blessed you with parents that love the Lord, approach them about what you are studying in the Word of God. Your parents have a special insight into your life that no other spiritual leader has. Let them help you! Sadly, in the world we live in there are many young people who do not have such parents. If you do not have godly parents, find a pastor or godly adult that has Biblical wisdom.

Bible study is essential in the life of a young person! It is awesome that we live in an age where we have great technological advances that help us study the Bible. Sometimes though, it is the simple things that help us accomplish great things. Hopefully these things can help you as you seek to study God's Word.

My Old Bible

Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:14-17,

But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 

We have been studying 2 Timothy for a couple of weeks (okay maybe more than a couple), and I hope we are starting to understand the importance of the Word of God. The other day I was looking through the Bible I had when I was a teenager (a long long time ago). I read through verses that I had highlighted and quotes that I had written down. I even laughed at myself for putting Bugs Bunny stickers in the cover! But as I looked through my old Bible, I was hit by the awesome opportunity that I received of learning the Truth of the Word of God early in life. If you have a Christian home, a great church, and a copy of the Scripture, take full advantage of the opportunity God has given you. One day you'll look back with a smile, thanking God for the impact His Word had on your life!