What a blessing it has been to be a part of Deep: A Bible Study Conference! Thank you to all those who came out to join us and Heartfelt Ministries for this amazing time in God’s Word. I pray that you left encouraged and empowered to go “Deeper Still” in your walk with the Lord.
Together we examined John 17:17, “Sanctify them by the truth. Your word is truth.” Below is a recap of the steps you can use to get the most out of your time in God’s Word.
Bible Study Tools for Your Everyday Life:
- LOOK ~ What do I see when I answer these questions:
- Who? Jesus is praying to God the Father
- What? Jesus is praying for His disciples after He has comforted them with His final words of encouragement (ending with John 16:33)
- When and Where? After the Passover dinner/Before His arrest
- Why? Because He loves the disciples and He knows what is about to take place (His crucifixion)
- LISTEN ~ What is God telling me through His Word?
- Context: What comes before and after the passage?
- The disciples have obeyed, accepted, and believed the Word of God. Jesus asks for protection of the disciples from the evil one. They are not of the world, but they are being sent into the world for the sake of the gospel.
- Content: Examine each word
- “Sanctify” is hagiazo which means “to be set apart” or “to be holy as God is holy”
- “Truth” is a repeated word relating to the disciples’ sanctification and the Father’s Word
- “Word” is given by the Father and spoken by Jesus
- Compare to other Scriptures
- John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus is the Truth!
- John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Jesus is the Word!
- Culture: Then vs. Now
- Jesus (the Word) was physically with the disciples
- Today we have God’s written Word, the Bible
- Commentary
- New American Commentary on John 17:17, “Truth is here related to the word (logos) of God. But truth and the word in John are not merely ideas. They are to be embodied in people the same way that the word became flesh. Since God is holy, God’s people are to be holy.”
- Context: What comes before and after the passage?
- LIVE IT!
- How does this truth apply to my everyday life?
- I must accept God’s Word as the ultimate truth in my life
- I need to have the discipline to set apart time to read God’s Word daily
- I should allow His Word to sanctify me (to make me holy as He is holy)
- What one thing can I implement today in order to shine the light of Christ?
- Facilitate a Bible Study
- Start a Scripture memorization group
- Host a worship night in my home
- How does this truth apply to my everyday life?
Online Bible Study Tools:
My favorite apps that I mentioned are The Holy Bible app by YouVersion, She Reads Truth, and Superbook for kids.
What are your favorite Bible study tools? Please comment below.
Awesome April, what great words to encourage us in our walk with God and our Bible Study. You just may be the next Beth Moore or better still, Ann Lotz! Blessings abundant to you dear!
Thank you, Mrs. Lea! I am grateful for your support!
April I was so blessed and inspired by your segment of The Deep conference. Thank you for the tools you shared and the outline of how to get more out of God’s word. I pray God continues to bless your ministry.
Becky, thank you! Your comment blesses me more than you know!
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I always enjoy hearing your story of love from our Heavenly Father!
You made mention of a scripture similar to ‘I was created for such a time as this’ however it was about your path, do mind telling me what scripture that was!! I was listening so intently that when it hit my heart I was sad I hadn’t made note of it!
Thank you, Caronda! Was it this one: “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever”
Psalm 30:11-12? I love this verse!