The Psalm 119 Method for Bible Reading and Bible Study (Part I)

Scripture

Psalm 119

Read This Week's Passage from Your Bible

As a Wingman, reading and studying the Bible are spiritual disciplines. A spiritual discipline is a method, based only on Scripture, that helps a follower of Jesus grow in their knowledge of God and sense of closeness to God.Psalm 119 is one of the most powerful Scriptures in the entire Bible. The author is unknown, but we get the idea he was God’s man going through a very difficult time. There are 176 verses. The subject is the Word of God. The Psalm is written as an acrostic. There are 22 stanzas each beginning with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet (in order). There are eight lines in each stanza. We learn what happens if we read, study, and apply God’s Word to our lives.

Knowing the Approach to Bible Reading and Bible Study

The serious Christian needs a specific approach to reading and studying God’s Word.The Psalmist gives us 8 steps:

1. Read and Study the Bible Obediently

Before you even open up the Bible, tell God, “No matter what Your Word says, I will obey it, I will embrace it; even if it is uncomfortable or inconvenient for me, or goes against what I want to do.Psalm 119:2² How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, who seek Him with all their heart.“Observe” means to obey, to practice.

2. Read and Study the Bible Intentionally

Psalm 119:11¹¹ Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.“Treasured” means to store it, hide it. It is something you have to intentionally do every day. You choose to make spiritual deposits when you read and study God’s Word. “Heart” means your mind. Put the Bible in your mind and what you think about the most you will eventually act upon.Psalm 119:48⁴⁸ And I shall lift up my hands to Your commandments, Which I love; And I will meditate on Your statutes.“Shall” speaks of intentionality.

3. Read and Study the Bible Prayerfully

Ask God to help you understand what you are reading.Psalm 119:18¹⁸ Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Your law.Pray that God would remove anything from your eyes, mind, and heart that would prevent you for understanding what you are reading.Psalm 119:33-34³³ Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, and I shall observe it to the end.³⁴ Give me understanding, that I may observe Your law and keep it with all my heart.Psalm 119:145¹⁴⁵ I cried with all my heart; answer me, O Lord! I will observe Your statutes.Ask God, “Please speak to me through Your Word.”

4. Read and Study the Bible Rightly

I am speaking of a heart that is right with God.Psalm 119:22²² Take away reproach and contempt from me, for I observe Your testimonies.When there is sin in the heart, there will not be a desire to open God’s Word. Confess your sin, and then open the Bible. Ask God to cleans you and forgive you. As you read the Bible and the Holy Spirit convicts you of a sin, stop and deal with it immediately.

5. Read and Study the Bible Trustingly

Psalm 119:31³¹ I cling to Your testimonies; O Lord, do not put me to shame!“Cling” means that you are stuck to it. Not stuck to it because it is sticking to you, but you are sticking to it—God’s Word. You attach yourself to God’s Word, and cling to it no matter what anyone else says or teaches, or no matter what your circumstances.

6. Read and Study the Bible Thoughtfully

Psalm 119:97, 99⁹⁷ O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.⁹⁹ I have more insight than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation.“Meditation” means to reflect upon, to think about, to consider in your mind. A great tool for Bible study is a four-fold process that involves:

1. Reading the Scripture.
2. Reflecting upon the Scripture.
3. Praying the Scripture back to God.
4. Listening for the Voice of the Holy Spirit to speak through the Scripture.
5. Read and Study the Bible Confidently

Psalm 119:89⁸⁹ Forever, O Lord, your word is settled in heaven.The Bible is “Settled” in heaven. In other words, it stands firm no matter what happens, no matter who is in power, no matter what anyone says—none of that affects the power of God’s Word. No one can alter the Bible. No one can erase what it says. The Bible is eternal. There are only two things that will live eternally—the Bible and peopleMatthew 24:35³⁵ Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.I Peter 1:25²⁵ But the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word which was preached to you.

8. Read and Study the Bible Passionately

Approach the Bible with great expectancy. Expect God to speak to you every time you open the Bible. You never waste time when you are reading and studying the Bible. The Bible is the only Book Whose Author shows up when you open its pages. The Psalmist was passionate about the Bible because he knew it had the power to transform his life, others, and circumstances.