Learning to know God

In our study of the Life of David on Sunday, we were looking at how David learned to know God.  It was exciting to hear the observations that you all made as we looked at Psalm 100. It still amazes me how many things we are told about God in just those five verses! My prayer would be that you as young people will learn to know God personally. Our culture has given us a perception of our God that is not even close to truth. If I were to ask you, “How do you get to know God?” Your answer would probably have something to do with prayer and/or Bible reading. And it should! Are you taking time to meditate on God’s Word and talk with Him in prayer? Don’t just take others opinions about God. Learn to know God yourself, like David did. As we saw on Sunday, it was one of the keys for David’s preparation for what God desired him to do in life. 

    A few years ago, my wife shared an interesting study with me. It was a study by one of the ladies from the Wilds Christian Camp. The study was entitled “What Do I Know About My God?” I want to challenge you to take a look at it. Here is a link to the PDF. I believe if we start to think this way, it will transform our Christian walk!

New Lesson Series

Paul writes Timothy and tells him to not let those around him despise his youth. The word "despise" means to disesteem or to hold in low regard. Looking down on or having a low view of young people is nothing new. A couple hundred years ago, William Shakespeare said "I would there were no age between ten and three-and-twenty, or that youth would sleep out the rest..." Sadly, that is some people's view of youth. But Paul demands more of Timothy. He compels him not just to make sure people don't look down on his youthfulness, but be an example of the believer. The word "example" is defined as a pattern or model, as of something to be imitated. Paul challenged Timothy to be a model of believers for others to observe. In a culture where teenagers have little or no responsibility for their conduct, a young person who has believed on Christ is called to a great responsibility, and that is to model true Christianity. The great thing about this is the Word of God shows us exactly how we are to do it. For the next few weeks we will be examining six areas we are to exemplify a believer. As we look at these things I hope that you will accept the challenge to live above the culture and model Christianity.

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.