Introducing the Subject:

Studying Philippians 1:9-11, we discover knowledge and discernment are gifted to believers with the expectation of growing and exercising those gifts through study of God’s Word. These gifts serve as tools we utilize to enjoy fruitfulness and spiritual vitality. The more we study and learn of who God is according to His Word, the more our life, affections, and good works demonstrate His thumbprint. But how do we study God’s Word with knowledge and discernment? What method best serves to lead us to become, as Alexander Nisbet put it, “sensible to our spiritual privileges”? Consider the following method as one tool for believers today. Choose one unit or small self-contained section of Scripture. After prayer for wisdom, prudence, and usefulness, open the Word and plod through this four ‘A’ process.

Artistry, the First Step:

As we read the Word revealed of God, clear markers, distinctives, and peculiarities become evident in each passage. Our task is to understand the passage we are reading for its particular purpose. Accomplishing this means careful consideration of the structure, the interconnectedness of the passage, particular words and images, repetitions and emphases, and the various connections from the rest of Scripture incorporated in the passage. The artistry God demonstrates in His Word shows not only His beauty, but where we are to focus our attention. Scripture draws us to see developments, silences, problems, and goals which fit together in the whole. What do you notice in the artistry of the passage?

Attributes, the Second Step:

Having understood the Scripture on its own, we turn to recognize the author. The goal of Scripture is to grow in our knowledge of God. Our faith is in Him, not in the pages of Scripture by themselves. Head knowledge, anemic and purposeless, can never be our goal. The Lord calls us to study so that our affections are stirred, our appetites increased toward Him, and our worldly passions diminished. The only way this knowledge happens is by discernment from the Scripture as to who He is in each and every nuance. The joy of such spiritual study is that we can identify ever-interweaving attributes of God across the whole Bible. Christian’s must develop the art of deducing attributes of God from Scripture; when deduced, these spiritual truths invigorate, grant confidence and fortitude, provide correction, and lay firm and better foundations concerning our Savior. Where in the passage do you recognize doctrines of God? What is one attribute revealed here? Who is God in the passage, what is He relating, where is (would be) His absence most telling?

Application, the Third Step:

First, we sought the Scripture to speak to us. Second, we discerned who our God is according to His own words. Third, God the Spirit applies the truth with intimate care. Proper biblical meditation is distinguished in one word: application. If we do not leave the experience applying God’s Word, then we have not practiced biblical meditation. As we study God in His Scripture (doing theology) we develop intimate truth for living unto Christ. Those questions which best cultivate our newness in Christ include: “how am I to grow?”, “where am I lacking?”, “where have I overlooked obedience in my relationships or in service to Christ’s church?”, “why am I to depend on Christ in this area of my life?”, and “based on what I know of God now, what must I change?” Application ought to lead us to pursue the riches of our spiritual privileges in Christ Jesus, our access to the infinite Spirit, and our intimacy with other Christians. Pray the Spirit equips you and makes you useful through such application.

Adoration, the Fourth Step:

The final action step in time spent growing in knowledge of God is praise—adore the truly adorable. Experience through the Word necessarily leads to prayer and worship. Not only do we thank the Lord for His revelation of our own hearts through the study, but for equipping us for the work afterward. We praise God for who He is and for how He transforms us. Don Whitney points to the use of Philippians 4:8 to ask question not only of the text but of God’s doctrines: What is praiseworthy, noble, or true here in this passage? From out of this work of exposition and meditation we discover new ways and reasons to praise and adore our Immanuel.

Conclusion and Example:

Our time either individually or in a group setting can be made for more useful when approaching a passage following patterns like the four ‘A’ approach. Consider how you might utilize this method individually, with your family, or in leading a group formally or informally. If you would like to discuss this more, or seek examples, feel free to contact me.

Pastor Chris