How can we apply the diligence of Moses in our Bible study habits? Noting Moses’ Example “When Moses had finished writing in a book the words of this law from beginning to end” (Deuteronomy 31:24). Moses did not leave the task half–done. He captured every word God gave him, line by line, all the way “from beginning to end.” That single sentence supplies a rich model for how we handle Scripture today. Finish What You Start • Moses wrote until the assignment was complete. • Adopt a reading plan that takes you through all of Scripture—Genesis to Revelation—so no part remains unexplored (Acts 20:27). • Resist the urge to cherry-pick passages that only feel comfortable; God’s whole counsel is “profitable” (2 Timothy 3:16). Write It Down • Moses’ diligence included physically recording the Word. • Keep a journal: – Summaries of what a passage says. – Observations about God’s character. – Personal applications and commitments. • Writing reinforces memory (Deuteronomy 17:18-19) and encourages obedience (James 1:22). Handle the Text with Precision • Moses copied “the words of this law,” not vague impressions. • Follow the plain meaning of the text first; avoid forcing personal opinions onto Scripture (2 Peter 1:20-21). • Use careful tools—concordances, literal translations—to see what God actually said (Proverbs 30:5-6). Read Daily, Meditate Continually • Joshua, Moses’ successor, was told, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth; you shall meditate on it day and night” (Joshua 1:8). • Schedule daily, unhurried time in the Word. • Memorize key verses; rehearse them while driving, walking, waiting (Psalm 1:2). Guard and Preserve the Scriptures • Moses placed the finished scroll beside the ark (Deuteronomy 31:26) to protect it. • Treat your Bible with respect: – Store it where it won’t gather dust. – Use protective covers if needed. – Share with family so the next generation receives an intact, trustworthy text (Psalm 78:5-7). Teach What You Learn • After writing, Moses read the law to the people (Deuteronomy 31:11-13). • Discuss your discoveries at the dinner table, in small groups, at work when appropriate (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • Teaching others cements truth in your own heart (Philemon 6). Depend on the Spirit, Not Just Discipline • Moses wrote under direct inspiration (Exodus 34:27; 2 Peter 1:21). • Ask the Holy Spirit to illumine each passage (John 16:13). • Discipline organizes your study; the Spirit energizes it. Practical Weekly Rhythm • Sunday: overview a whole Bible book. • Monday–Friday: read one to two chapters daily; journal observations. • Saturday: review notes, memorize one verse, share a takeaway with someone else. Following Moses’ pattern—complete, careful, written, shared—keeps us rooted in the unchanging Word and growing steadily in the knowledge of the Lord. |
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