Spiritual Disciplines – study resource sheet

Study Resource Sheet ‘Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.’ (Philippians 4:8) ‘Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.’ (Romans 12:2a) In the discipline of study we seek transformation through regularly applying our minds to the Bible and other books that help us to understand what it teaches us about God.

Get into the habit This is perhaps the hardest part – building Bible reading into the regular rhythms of our lives. Reflect on the shape of your day / week / month / year – where can I set aside time for study? Start small – even in 15 minutes a day you could easily read 10 300-page books in a year and the whole of Calvin’s Institutes in nine months! Treat it as an experiment – give it a try for two weeks, then review. Use a structure such as daily Bible reading notes (e.g. from BRF, Scripture Union, the Good Book Company) or one of the Bible in a year schemes available.

Try something new Feeling stuck in a rut or going through the motions? Switch to different Bible study notes, or a different Bible reading scheme Start a journal to record what you are learning, questions you have, etc. Try a different time of day Choose a book to study and book a retreat Read a whole book of the Bible in one sitting Read a book about the Bible

Engage with others For encouragement and accountability, nothing beats other people. We’re members of the body of Christ for a reason. Join a Lifegroup Form a prayer partnership or triplet with people you know and trust, and choose something to study together

Leverage technology So much is available on-line, and portable technology means you have access to vast Bible study resources at your fingertips. Here are just a few: Bible reading notes o http://www.brfonline.org.uk/iphoneapps/ o http://www.wordlive.org (from Scripture Union – app also available) o http://www.thegoodbook.co.uk/bible/daily-bible-reading/explore/exploreapp Other Bible resources o http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com o http://www.biblegateway.com o http://www.youversion.com Bible reading apps o YouVersion o Accordance o Bible Gateway A group resource o http://www.lyfe.org.uk – group resource from Bible Society and Renovare

Further resources The Oxford Diocese has produced a very helpful leaflet on Bible reading. The Simple Guide is available (free) from the Saint James Centre Welcome Desk or can be downloaded from: http://www.oxford.anglican.org/living-faith-for-the-future/

A recommended reading list can be found in the Resources section of the St. James website: http://www.saintjames.org.uk/category/resources Some books: Alexander, Pat & Alexander, David, The Lion Handbook to the Bible (Lion) Beynon, Nigel & Sach, Andrew, Dig Deeper: Tools to unearth the Bible’s treasure (IVP) Page, Nick, The Bible Book: A user’s guide (Collins) Stuart, Douglas & Fee, Gordon, How to Read the Bible for all its Worth (Zondervan) Stuart, Douglas & Fee, Gordon, How to Read the Bible Book by Book (Zondervan)

This resource sheet was originally produced to accompany the sermon series ‘Deeper with the Spiritual Disciplines’ September 2013