INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE STUDENT

My Study Plan

Preparing a Study Plan before starting this Study Guide will assist you in completing it within a designated timeframe. It also helps in developing the discipline required for studying God’s Word effectively.

Proverbs 16:3:

Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

My Study Guide Journal

Keep a record as you progress through your Study Guide, including the Personal Responses for each section, for future reference and goal setting.

Content

• Introduction
• WHY STUDY?
• STUDY – IT’S OUR JOB
• THE WORD CLEANSES
• THE WORD IS LIFE GIVING-POWER
• THE WORD BRINGS PROFIT
• THE WORD LEADS TO SPIRITUAL SUCCESS
• THE WORD PRODUCES SPIRITUAL GROWTH
• THE WORD MAKES US EFFECTIVE WORKERS
• WHY SHOULD WE STUDY THE WORD OF GOD?
• SUMMARY

Important Points

• COGMA does not claim to be infallible or the authority.
• Infallibility and authority belong only to God and His Word.

COGMA therefore strongly advises that you prayerfully study the content of each Study Guide with the heart of a Berean (Acts 17:10–12).

Contact and Links

INTRODUCTION

In this initial module titled 'Study for Approval', you will acquire tools for learning how to study God's Word. This lesson unveils the principles of effective study.

When we are born again and transformed into a new creation, we develop a longing to understand as much as possible about the Word of God and His Kingdom.

Often, we feel a strong desire to study, but confusion arises about how to study God's Word effectively.

This series of lessons provides an outline to equip you with the knowledge and skills required for study.

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WHY STUDY?

Increasing Knowledge vs. Seeking Spiritual Truth

'Why study?' At first glance, this question seems straightforward with a simple answer. The natural mind might quickly respond, "to increase knowledge."

However, gaining knowledge for its own sake is not the ultimate goal. Simply acquiring knowledge is insufficient.

Many people hold theological degrees and can quote Scripture, yet continue to walk in darkness, sinning daily in thought, word, and deed.

The Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge

Genesis 2:9, 17 states:

“And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”

There is a significant difference between pursuing knowledge and seeking truth that guides our actions. Studying for the sake of knowledge alone is like eating from the "tree of the knowledge of good and evil", which does not nourish spiritual life.

Our primary focus should be on studying to discover spiritual truth by which we can live. This is equivalent to partaking from the "tree of life."

i.
The Danger of Studying for Knowledge Alone

When we seek knowledge only to increase our own wisdom, it often leads to arrogance and self-importance, rooted in selfishness. Instead, we should seek spiritual truth to align our lives with Christ's truth.

We must strive to become living "epistles" that reflect these truths in our daily lives.

The Contrast Between Knowledge And Obedience

i.
The Example of Building on a Rock or Sand

Jesus highlighted the contrast between humanistic study (for knowledge's sake) and spiritually inspired study (from the 'tree of life') in the following verses:

Matthew 7:22-27 states:

“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore, whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.”

The Purpose of Studying God's Word

The purpose of studying God's Word is to please God and obey His revealed truth. Seeking spiritual truth through study, with the intent to act upon and obey God’s Word, is fundamental.

On the other hand, studying simply to acquire knowledge for its own sake does not provide a lasting foundation and leads to spiritual death.

i.
Conclusion

The reason we study the Word of God is to please God and obey His revealed truth. Studying to seek and obey spiritual truth is essential, while studying solely for knowledge lacks an everlasting foundation and results in spiritual death.

INDEED, STUDYING TO SEEK AND OBEY SPIRITUAL TRUTH IS FOUNDATIONAL, WHILE STUDYING SOLELY TO ACQUIRE KNOWLEDGE LACKS AN EVERLASTING FOUNDATION.

ONLY WHEN WE STUDY GOD’S WORD AND LIVE BY WHAT GOD REVEALS ARE WE EATING FROM THE TREE OF LIFE.

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STUDY – IT’S OUR JOB

A Biblical Command to Study

Paul the apostle wrote these words in 2 Timothy:

2 Timothy 2:15 states:

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Studying the Word is a biblical commandment. For those of us who are spiritual, this is a significant blessing and a positive responsibility.

i.
Our Responsibility as Christians

As Christians, we have a responsibility. Demonstrating our true love for Jesus and His Word involves obeying His commandments. Our goal is to have our lives moulded by His Word into His image, to please Him.

1 John 5:3 states:

“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.”

ii.
The Revelation of Spiritual Truth

The revelation of spiritual truth, gained through proper study, is always beneficial, both spiritually and physically.

It is vital to remember that the Bible is a spiritual book and must be understood through spiritual discernment.

Scripture, being God-breathed, must be interpreted, or revealed to us by the Spirit of God, who is our Teacher.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Understanding

Understanding spiritual truth that benefits our lives is possible only when it is revealed by the Holy Spirit, in a way that enlightens our hearts and minds. This revelation of God’s truth not only satisfies our hearts but also encourages us to walk in His truth.

Isaiah emphasizes that God's ways and thoughts are vastly superior to ours:

Isaiah 55:8-9 states:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

i.
The Importance of Correct Interpretation

Correct interpretation of God's Word is unattainable without the Holy Spirit's assistance. We also understand that God's Word embodies love, and when revealed to us, it will not cause harm but will always bring spiritual benefit.

RIGHTEOUSNESS equates to the RIGHT WAY!

ii.
Study Gives Confidence

It is vital to study—it gives us confidence to know what the Bible, our manual, says about our job.

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THE WORD CLEANSES

Confession and Cleansing from Sin

The Word of God provides clear guidance on how a sinner can be cleansed from sin. This involves humbling oneself in confession, as stated in 1 John 1:9:

1 John 1:9 states:

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

i.
Staying Pure Through the Word

The key to maintaining our salvation and staying pure is through studying the Bible and living in the light it reveals.

1 John 1:7 states:

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

ii.
Walking in the Light of God's Word

Light becomes active in our lives through adherence to God's Word. It is the Word of God in Christ that sustains us.

Jude 1:24 states:

“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.”

iii.
The Power of the Gospel for Salvation

We must embrace the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation.

Romans 1:16 states:

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

iv.
The Word Saves and Dismantles Barriers

Benefits of the Word include:

• It saves us from pride.
• It dismantles barriers we have built around ourselves!

Your heart remains pure only when you let God illuminate your path. Psalm 119:105 encapsulates this truth:

Psalm 119:105 states:

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

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THE WORD IS LIFE GIVING-POWER

Spiritual Life Through the Word

The Word of God provides us with ongoing spiritual life through its daily sustaining power. 1 Peter 1:23 highlights this:

1 Peter 1:23 states:

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.”

i.
The Spirit Gives Life

It is through the Word that we are born again. It quickens us spiritually, as stated in John 6:63.

John 6:63 states:

“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”

ii.
The Word Sustains Spiritual Life

We must study the Bible because it not only initiates spiritual life but also sustains it.

Just as we need food and drink to maintain physical life, similarly, we must continually absorb God’s Word to uphold our spiritual life.

Jesus metaphorically expressed this in John 6:56, saying:

“He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.”

iii.
The Life-Giving Power of God’s Word

Job testifies to the life-giving power of God’s Word:

Job 23:12 states:

“Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.”

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THE WORD BRINGS PROFIT

Immense Benefits of Studying God's Word

There is immense benefit in both reading and studying God's Word. It enhances our spiritual well-being and positively impacts those around us, enabling us to 'exhort in sound doctrine and life.'

i.
Acting on God’s Word Yields Profit

Studying the Word of God with the aim to please God always yields profit. True benefit comes from acting on what God reveals.

While some attempt to use God’s Word for physical gain, such actions are like eating from the 'tree of the knowledge of good and evil', leading not to spiritual life but to spiritual death.

ii.
True Spiritual Prosperity

Profit in the truest sense is realised only when we draw from the 'tree of life', seeking what brings spiritual prosperity and success.

This spiritual well-being—inner peace, joy, fulfillment, and purpose—is essential for genuine success in our physical lives.

iii.
Scriptural Profit in the Bible

The Bible outlines the profit that God's Word offers. Consider these Scriptures:

3 John 2 states:

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”

Proverbs 4:23 states:

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”

Joshua 1:8 states:

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

iv.
Timothy’s Life of Profit from Scripture

The 'profit' evident in Timothy's life is highlighted in 2 Timothy 3:14-15:

2 Timothy 3:14-15 states:

“But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

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THE WORD LEADS TO SPIRITUAL SUCCESS

God’s Word Brings True Success

True spiritual success comes from obeying and applying the Word of God. As we meditate on Scripture and live according to its principles, we experience prosperity and success—not only in a material sense but in our spiritual lives as well.

Obedience to the Word Ensures Success

Joshua 1:8 reminds us that meditating on the Word day and night and acting on it ensures we will be prosperous and have good success. This is God’s promise to those who faithfully study and live by His Word.

Joshua 1:8 states:

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

The Word Produces Inner Fulfillment

By studying the Word, we gain spiritual riches such as peace, joy, and a sense of purpose. This inner fulfillment is the true profit we receive from the Word. God’s Word helps us achieve balance in our spiritual life and gives us the strength and courage to face any challenges that come our way.

BENEFITS: THE WORD WILL MAKE, KEEP, AND INSPIRE US

i.
The Word of God provides us with:

• Wisdom.
• Salvation.
• Encouragement to grow.
• Spiritual strength and guidance.
• Inner fulfillment and spiritual success.

The Word will make, keep, and inspire us as we continue to study and live by it.

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THE WORD PRODUCES SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Spiritual Growth Through the Word

A man or woman who studies God's Word for His approval seeks spiritual truths to shape their life. This process not only liberates from sin but also fosters spiritual growth.

While activities such as praying more or preaching might seem like paths to growth, they do not achieve what studying God’s Word can.

Peter emphasizes this in 1 Peter 2:2:

“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.”

i.
What Produces Spiritual Growth?

Studying the Word of God and acting upon it leads to spiritual growth.

Don’t be dismayed if you do not immediately grasp everything you read and study. Revelation from God emerges as we persist in our desire to know the truth and implement it in our lives.

Maintaining an inquisitive attitude and asking questions with the intent to understand will always yield answers. Jesus attests to this in Matthew 5:6:

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”

ii.
The Importance of Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness

If you possess a hunger and thirst in your heart to study and walk in the right way, you will achieve success and please God. It's common to feel concerned when you don’t immediately comprehend the Scriptures you're reading and studying.

Even Peter acknowledged that some of Paul’s teachings were challenging to understand, reflecting the complexity and depth of Scripture.

2 Peter 3:15-17 states:

“And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.”

iii.
Patience in Understanding God's Word

Even Peter admitted having difficulty understanding some of Paul’s writings. Therefore, don't be troubled if you don't initially comprehend everything you read. Be patient and wait on God; in due time, He will grant you understanding.

Focus not on what you don’t know:

• Trust in God and be patient!
• God will teach and reward the diligent student.

Avoid Forcing Interpretations

Br Gil shares his experience: "I remember studying the book of Revelation years ago. I had a preconceived bias about its meaning. When I reached the twelfth chapter, my reasoning collapsed! I realised I had been interpreting from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, trying to fit God’s Word into my understanding. I was falling into ‘the error of the wicked’ as mentioned in 2 Peter 3:16-17.”

Being casual and careless can lead to unwittingly sharing in the “error of the wicked”. Only your honesty and earnest quest for truth will safeguard you. Your genuine pursuit of God’s Word will protect you from such error.

To "wrest" Scriptures, making them conform to personal views, is dangerous and can lead to spiritual demise. Avoid forcing interpretations:

• The Word of God is a spiritual book.
• They are spiritual words.
• They are God’s Words.

i.
God's Word Is Unchanging

Our lack of understanding does not alter God's true intentions in His Words. He is unchanging. Consider these Scriptures:

Malachi 3:6 states:

“For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.”

Hebrews 13:8 states:

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”

Psalm 103:17 states:

“But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children.”

ii.
Be Patient and Seek God's Timing

There will always be aspects of God’s Word that we don't immediately grasp. This isn’t negative but an opportunity for patience, prayer, and seeking God's guidance. He will provide answers in His timing.

Br Gil reflects: "There were times when I asked God for revelation and didn't receive an immediate answer. But, in hindsight, I see God was preparing me to receive the revelation in His timing.”

Maintaining an attitude of inquiry and posing questions with a genuine desire to uncover the truth will always lead to answers.

iii.
Growing in Grace and Knowledge

Diligent study of God’s Word fosters spiritual growth, enhancing both grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ. As our understanding of God deepens, we grow increasingly graceful.

The "error of the wicked" that Peter refers to involves manipulating Scriptures to suit personal interpretations, taking them out of context, and misaligning them with the entirety of Scripture. Peter warns that those who engage in such practices do so to their own detriment.

iv.
Growing in Grace and Knowledge of Christ

Peter exhorts us to grow in grace in the knowledge of Christ in 2 Peter 3:18:

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”

This growth in grace is achieved solely through the study of God’s Word and the application of the truths it reveals.

v.
The Harmony of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation

One of the most powerful keys to studying God’s Word is the harmony found from Genesis to Revelation. There are no contradictions. This unity in Scripture will be explored further later in this module.

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THE WORD MAKES US EFFECTIVE WORKERS

Through Bible study, we acquire the knowledge of the Scriptures necessary to address people’s spiritual needs and life directions confidently and unashamedly. By studying the Word, we become equipped to minister God’s Word, which is the power of God unto salvation.

Studying the Word enables us to become effective workers, skilled in exhorting and convincing those who dispute or contradict God’s Word. This is as Paul describes in his letter to Titus:

Titus 1:9 states:

“Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.”

A “gainsayer” is someone who disputes or contradicts God’s Word. Through sound doctrine, we can effectively exhort and convince such individuals.

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WHY SHOULD WE STUDY THE WORD OF GOD?

There are many reasons why we should study the Word of God. Here are some key points:

• Because it cleanses.
• Because it has life-giving power.
• Because it has life-sustaining qualities.
• Because it is profitable.
• Because it causes us to grow spiritually.
• Because it causes us to grow in understanding.
• Because it makes us effective workers.

Each of these reasons highlights the importance of diligent Bible study as essential to spiritual growth, effective ministry, and daily Christian living.

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SUMMARY

In the module 'Study for Approval', the focus is on learning how to effectively study God’s Word. This study is essential for spiritual growth, not merely for gaining knowledge. While many may study the Bible for intellectual reasons, the true purpose is to seek spiritual truth and apply it in daily life. This is compared to partaking from the "tree of life" rather than the "tree of knowledge of good and evil."

Jesus emphasized the importance of building one's life on a firm foundation through obedience to God’s Word. The goal of study is to please God and obey His truth, not just to acquire knowledge for its own sake, which leads to spiritual death.

Studying God's Word is a biblical command. Paul, in 2 Timothy 2:15, stresses the importance of becoming an approved worker by rightly handling the Word.

Understanding spiritual truth is only possible through the Holy Spirit’s guidance. This revelation is always beneficial, leading to spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with Christ.

The Bible not only cleanses us from sin but also provides life-giving power. Spiritual life is sustained through the Word, which is essential for living a fruitful Christian life. Studying God’s Word makes us effective workers, equipping us to minister to others and defend the faith.

The reasons for studying the Word include:

• It cleanses.
• It has life-giving and life-sustaining power.
• It leads to spiritual growth and understanding.
• It makes us effective workers for God’s Kingdom.

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SUBMISSION TO COGMA FOR APPRAISAL

Instructions