I was trying to lose stubborn fat around my hips, thighs, stomach, arms . . . EVERYWHERE! Intent on completing an eight-week fitness program, I got up every morning at 5 AM to complete a 30-minute video. One morning, while completing a bicep curl, the instructor explained the importance of holding the dumbbell correctly, positioning our arms to ensure the greatest impact on the muscle. At that moment, the Holy Spirit began to speak to me. (Scripture says that the Holy Spirit will teach you all things but who knew He would interrupt an exercise class to do it. :-))
The Holy Spirit revealed to me that elements necessary to be successful in exercise are the same for being successful in bible study. We exercise to get physical strength. We study the Bible to get spiritual strength. Let’s reflect on the elements of exercise that can be used in the practice of bible study to get maximum gains.
FOCUS. Nothing ever gets done without having a plan, knowing what you want to do, and understanding how to accomplish it. In exercise, lack of focus can end up in injury, at worst, and wasted time, at best. Working out is maximized when we come to our exercise space focused on building a particular muscle or increasing our capacity in a certain exercise. In the same way, bible study is enhanced when we come to the table with methods to extract truth revealed in the scriptures. Too often, bible study time has been defined as finding a scripture, reading it, and then checking the experience off our “This Is What Christians Do” checklist. The psalmist says, when scripture is hidden in his heart, he will not sin against God (Psalm 119:9-11). Adopting bible study methods will help us get the most out of our time spent with God resulting in a life submitted to Him.
Reflection: Which bible study method will you try this month? Check out this list of bible study methods https://pursuitbible.com/ways-to-study-the-bible/
ACCOUNTABILITY. Following through on our commitment to grow spiritually is difficult. Our desires shift with every new enticing opportunity. Group fitness organizations and classes come alongside to help us achieve our health and physical fitness goals. People sharing the same goals help us feel supported and encouraged. Even when the goal is not sufficient to cause us to show up, the fellowship among others is. Developing relationships with those who desire to grow in their relationship with God through bible study will keep you focused on spiritual growth as well. Bible study is more enriched with the insights and shared experiences of others.
Reflection: Who can you recruit to be on your bible study team? Select a bible study to walk through with this group. Bible studies can be found at Christian bookstores. Check out www.christianbooks.com. Often, bible studies offer companion videos where the author walks you through the study. The author will guide the study, you simply press Play
;-). There is no need for you to feel confident in your biblical knowledge.
TEACHERS. I cannot tell you how instrumental teachers have been in my life. As a forty-something, I am inspired by active sixty-something fitness instructors that can do push-ups and sit-ups well beyond my capacity. The tips they share about growing in fitness empower me because it’s obvious they have walked the road I am going. In the same way, having mature believers/teachers has helped me understand and apply scriptures into my life. I have benefitted from teachers in classrooms, through words on pages, social media videos and across the table at a restaurant.
Reflection: Who in your life embodies the spiritual life you want to have? How can you develop a relationship with them? Can you read a book or watch a video that shares their wisdom? I have grown by walking through studies written by Priscilla Shirer, Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth, Tony Evans, and Henry Blackaby.
BREATHE. Breathing powers your workout. Oxygen has to get to your muscles to sustain your movement. Breathing in God’s Spirit as you sit down to study scripture invites God’s presence into your study time. His Spirit will reveal the truth to you. (John 16:13). Through prayer before and after your study, pray for God to speak to you through His Word.
Reflection: What’s the last truth the Holy Spirit revealed to you while studying scripture?
CONSISTENCY. It’s difficult to see results when exercising is done sporadically. Muscle strength and lung capacity are built when they are put under pressure consistently. To grow spiritually, we must be consistent with studying our Bible. The more we know, the more we will grow. Just like exercise, developing a schedule, and sticking to it will help us progress.
Reflection: Where in your schedule can you prioritize time to study the Bible weekly? Please note: Bible study is different than reading a daily devotional. Bible study takes more time because you are devoting time to reflect and examine the scriptures.( See Focus for bible study methods)
I pray this piece has been a blessing to you. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below. Also, in the comments, let me know what other parallels you see between exercise and bible study. Happy Studying!!
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