As godly women who desire to glorify God, we know that Scripture teaches us to closely examine, not just read, the Word. God’s workmen and servants devote time and attention to study to acquire understanding by a detailed investigation and analysis of a subject, verse, or section. They zealously pursue clarity, diving in to understand depth by the Spirit. The Word of God is multi-layered; too much is beneath the surface to attain for a quick read. Often it necessitates purposeful searching, seeking, and meditation. The purpose to go deeper in study is to be more fully enabled to apply it in our lives. Devotionals can stir up spiritual thinking and commentaries or sermons teach us what ‘another person’ thinks about verses. However, these can’t replace our own reading and study. There is profound, personal joy that comes from this kind of study and fellowship with God. Consider:
Philippians 4:8-9: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”
I Thessalonians 4:11: “And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you.”
I Timothy 4:15-16: “Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shall both save thyself, and them that hear thee.”
II Timothy 2:15: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
II Timothy 3:16: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
Study with meditation takes time, plan with intent and action. The Word encourages us with words like “let,” “allow,” “yield,” “consider,” and “focus,” which all have fruit: “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” (Gal. 6:8) There is intimate communion with God the Father, Christ the Word, and the Holy Spirit as you regularly go deeper, immersed in connecting with God as your Father.
A few ideas to get started to gain depth in understanding a verse:
-Memorize, write out, or read aloud passages, thinking about each word.
-Slow down your study to define unfamiliar or key verses to gain further insight.
-Search for the topic being addressed in the chapter and how the verses fit into progressing us with that understanding.
-Use a concordance to see how a word is used in other places in the book or chapter being studied and the immediate context of the passage.
-Consider the context: who, what, when, where, why, and how of a verse or verses to attain clarity about its meaning, application, and the application to you. (II Tim.2:15)
To Do: Is there anything you have read so far that helps you in your study? Write it down, purpose to follow up, and do it unto the glory of God. (I Corinthians 10:31) Study Ephesians 2 and choose one passage to apply some of these tools.
SUPPLY OF GRACE 
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