Study for Success!

We all want to become better and more effective at it. What Christian would not want to improve his ability to call scriptures to mind, understand prophecy as it is being taught and learn how to become more like God? After all, Bible study is our opportunity to listen to what God has to say to us, and we all want to maximize this opportunity.

Of course, we know it is a tool of Christian growth and that we must use it daily. But perhaps you feel you are not using it to its fullest potential.

Well, there is a formula you can use to study God’s Word more successfully: the principles in Mr. David Pack’s booklet The Laws to Success.

You may have never thought to apply these seven laws to spiritual goals like prayer, meditation or Bible study. But they can be applied to anything, because they provide a formula—a pattern—that will always yield success, regardless of the subject!

In his booklet, Mr. Pack explained: “Though some might feel they are destined to fail, this is not true. Men and women of all ages can achieve success. But they must understand and practice the right formula—and only after they understand exactly what they are trying to achieve!”

These seven laws are not just nice tenets. Each one of them is a law. A law is a statement of fact that, if all conditions are met, always ends with the same result.

Thus, applying the laws to your Bible study will invariably guarantee success!

Set the Right Goal

The first law of success is to set the right goal.

The overall goal of Bible study is outlined in II Tim­othy 2. The apostle Paul wrote: “Study to show yourself app­roved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (vs. 15).

Being found approved by God is the epitome of success. It means we qualify for His salvation—an eternal reward!

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Approaching every Bible study session with this overall goal in mind will electrify your reading. You will be less prone to mindlessly wander through pages or treat study as an obligation you must check off your to-do list. Instead, it will help you look at every verse with deeper appreciation, knowing that it contains what you need to be found approved by God.

Underneath this overarching goal, set short-term, daily goals. Some examples in our article “Study to Show Yourself Approved” are studying a chapter, a small subject such as “Why kneel during prayer?” or looking into the background of a particular Bible book. You can also memorize one verse each day, study a difficult scripture, or write a summary of each lesson learned.

Medium-term goals could include studying all the scriptures on a particular doctrine, memorizing a series of key verses, reviewing sermon notes and looking up referenced scriptures, or researching a Christian behavior you are working on.

You could tackle reading all the major prophets, developing a Bible marking system and re-reading all of the Church’s literature alongside your Bible as long-term goals. The article referenced above provides more ideas.

Education

When you came into the Church, you were re-educated on how to study God’s Word. Periodically remind yourself that you are here to continue learning how to study.

Continue to employ the second law of success, education, in your studies.

If you have not done so yet, read the article “The Rules of Effective Bible Study.” It lays vital foundation to get the most out of your study.

The Church’s website, rcg.org, offers a plethora of Bible study supplements such as a library of sermons, questions and answers, books, booklets, World to Come videos, this magazine, and more.

Also, educate yourself on how to use Bible helps such as concordances, commentaries, lexicons for Hebrew and Greek, and online resources, including Blue Letter Bible and Bible Hub. Learn how to perform word searches in e-Sword. Familiarize yourself with different translations of the Bible, as well as their histories.

Good Health

Any kind of study is difficult if you are in poor health. Bible study requires academic exercises including reading, writing and concentration.

Therefore, the third law of good health directly impacts your study.

Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, a healthy diet and regular exercise. Do all you can to remain illness-free.

In addition, find ways to increase your mental alertness. Be sure to consume sufficient amounts of protein, natural sugars (from fruit) and water. One simple method is taking deep, slow breaths to maintain a sufficient flow of oxygen. You may find practicing this technique will instantly increase your ability to concentrate!

If you tend to do Bible study after you wake up, do what it takes to be alert before you study: Drink a tall glass of water, have some coffee or tea, take a shower or eat breakfast. There is no point forcing yourself to study when you are sleepy or hungry, and therefore easily distracted.

Lastly, balance the amount you eat. Consuming too much will make you feel tired and could lead to heartburn, whereas having too little will result in distracting hunger pangs.

Our booklet God’s Principles of Healthful Living expands on the habits that promote health.

Drive

The Greek word translated study in II Timothy 2:15 means to “use speed, that is, to make effort, be prompt or earnest” (Strong’s). The definition of the word itself implies drive—the fourth law of success—is necessary.

Drive is making a concerted effort to accomplish your goal.

A way to push yourself to accomplish your study goals is to set up a varied routine. For example, on Sunday, your main study could be reviewing your Sabbath notes. Then, on Monday, you read an article in The Pillar, Ambassador Youth or The Real Truth. On Tuesday, review a chapter in one of the Church’s books. And so forth. Each day may also include straight Bible reading.

Routines help you to look forward to studying. Proverbs 13:19 says that “the desire accomplished is sweet to the soul.” The satisfaction that comes from completing daily Bible study sessions will drive you to continue.

Resourcefulness

If you find yourself with no time to study, do not wait until you “find” time to do it. Make time for it!

That is where the fifth law of success, resourcefulness, kicks in.

An old saying applies: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Given all the resources God provides to aid us in our Bible study, there are multiple ways to get it done.

Have a long drive to work? Listen to a sermon or an audio Bible in the car. Out of town? Study online. Stuck on a plane or bus? Meditate on scriptures in your mind.

Besides these extenuating circumstances, if you are always pressed for time to study, reevaluate your priorities.

Schedule non-negotiable time for study, even if that means waking up an hour earlier exclusively for Bible study or using lunch time at work. Choose a time when you are least prone to interruptions.

Perseverance

Motivation tends to be fleeting, especially when challenges arise. Something will crop up that could throw you off your habit, if you allow it.

This is when you must apply the sixth law of success: perseverance. Simply stick to it!

Think of Bible study as your daily food (Luke 4:4). You are alive today because, except for occasional fasting, you have persevered in eating food daily since birth.

Of course, studying does not come with the same hunger pangs or stimulation of taste. But we should see Bible study as a spiritual “eat or die”! It is that simple.

One reason people fall out of a routine is they become overwhelmed. In this case, think of Bible study as a long-distance race. If you start with a burst of enthusiasm, you may get burnt out more quickly. Start slow and steady with reasonable goals. For example, instead of studying complex topics for hours every day, start by reading an interesting story or doing a simple word search.

God’s Help

Bible study is not only an academic exercise. It is actively seeking to learn from God.

Employing the first six laws alone with Bible study will never result in true success. We must study while maintaining contact with, guidance from and continuous help of God, which is the seventh law of success.

Ask God to lead your study. The Bible is a living book that will show you what God needs you to see. Our article on the rules of effective Bible study instructs: “Before beginning your Bible study, ask God to open your mind to better understand the Bible’s spiritual principles.

“Also pray for guidance and wisdom as to what to study…As God opens your understanding, what is confusing to the world becomes interesting and exciting to you.”

Continue to see the big picture by making God—the Bible’s Author—your partner.

Enjoying Success

Joshua, who was Moses’ successor as leader of Israel, was told by God that deeply studying His Word would result in “good success” (Josh. 1:8).

The Hebrew word that makes up the phrase “you shall have good success” is sakal. It means to be “circumspect and hence intelligent” (Strong’s).

This is the same word translated “wise” in Daniel 12, where it states: “They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever” (vs. 3).

Now that is “good success”!

Go incorporate the seven laws of success into your study, and you will be on the path toward the ultimate success—eternal life in God’s Kingdom.