- There are many valuable tools that can help in studying; almost 40 are listed in “Exploring the Bible Using Study Tools,” which is available on Amazon or free on our website, Christianlifecoachsupport.squarespace.com. This book only skims the surface, but can be a beacon to help shine light on how to study and gain increasing depth for application in life. God’s amazing, eternal Book can teach us many tools to help in our examination of Scripture. As we learn what the Spirit is teaching, we are also to grow in understanding. Simply accumulating Bible data can puff us up. “Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.” (I Cor. 8:1)
- ‘Knowing’ how to rightly divide is an important key, opening a window, but just the first step. We need to mature, learning to use this key for godly living. 1) Learn to pray according to God’s plan and purpose in this dispensation of grace. 2) Realize there is a purpose to sufferings, which work in the inner man for our good. (Rom. 8:28) 3) Understand how to live the grace doctrine to make wise decisions motivated in godly love. Answers become clear as we regularly read the Word, meditate, and have conviction to yield to live it. This progression is not automatic, but a part of our spiritual journey and choices. As we read and allow God to work, the Spirit uses the Word to set aside the flesh, tradition, and legalism. This process takes time and is unique for each saint.
- Much emphasis is often given to teach right division, yet due to strongholds, challenges, and unwise choices, many dear saints seem to be stumbling or become shipwrecked because they are unaware of ‘how’ to practically live it, especially in grievous difficulties. Saints can know much about Paul’s distinctive ministry and doctrine, but its power and effectiveness to be a real help in life seems limited when they don’t know ‘how’ to apply it. Many may assume its practicality is self-evident or saints will naturally be wise to live the Truth. However, personal experience and examples in the Word show that even seasoned rightly dividers often struggle with application. A few examples: the Corinthians, Galatians, and Ephesians were all pulled aside. Though Paul taught advanced doctrine to the elders of Ephesus, sadly they fell away, succumbing to Satan’s tactics: “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” (Acts 29-30)
- Think on This: The most difficult aspect of maturing in our faith journey seems to be learning how to practically live the doctrine. It takes a lot of time, prayer, and reflection on Truth, together with the challenges of circumstances and learning from mistakes for application. If practical living is not a main focus of sermons or Bible study, a babe in Christ will find it enormously helpful to have a godly coach or mentor to help in this process as this aspect of growth can be quite tumultuous. I pray more mature saints see this great need and opportunity to step up to the plate and help. However, if you can’t find a spiritual mentor, God is able to teach it to you, but it may take a bit longer. Be diligent and determined to read, meditate, and ask yourself questions to apply it. A deeper understanding for application comes as you purposefully use the study tools God has embedded in the Word. For years I saw pastors teach and use tools, but did not make them my own. In time, God taught them and now I am enabled and learning.
Practical Study Ideas
SUPPLY OF GRACE 
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