Bible studies for February 2003

 Study 1: THE BELIEVER’S QUITE TIME II

(Please note: This bible study topic continues from January 2003)

The quiet time is the believer’s proven method of getting closer to God on a daily basis. It brings us into intimacy with the Son, gives us a new and fresh awareness of Christ’s presence and reassuring insights into the nature of God’s love. It is the believer’s gateway to daily victory, the period of recouping strength and power for the day’s christian service and life’s work.

THE MEANING OF THE QUIET TIME
Isaiah 50:4,5; Psalm 40:6; 66:18; Proverbs 20:12; Matthew 13:16,23; Luke 10:39; Mark 1:35; Nehemiah 9:20,21; Genesis 19:27

The believer’s quiet time goes beyond the practice of admiring frescoes, cameos and cool paintings to relax the mind commonly found in professional circles. It is a period especially set aside by the christian for the all-surpassing purpose of having fellowship with God, allowing Him to talk to you through His word (the Holy Bible) and also bringing your request before Him in prayer.

THE MATERIALS FOR THE QUIET TIME
John 5:39; Acts 17:11; 8:28-32; Matthew 12:3-5; 21:16, 42; 2 Timothy 4:13

A good Bible with concordance (KJV); an aid to daily devotion; a quiet time notebook to jot down lessons learnt; a prayer notebook to write down prayer requests as well as noting the answers to prayers.

THE MANNER OF THE QUIET TIME
Proverbs 1:7; 9:10; Hebrews 11:6; Psalm 22:26; 25:9; Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:16; John 16:13

Come before the Lord in reverence, in faith, in meekness and with an open mind. Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate the word and open your understanding. Listen in your spirit to God’s message for you for the day. Is there a command to obey, an example to follow, a pitfall to avoid, a warning to heed, a promise to claim, a task to perform? Is there a new insight into God’s nature and Christ’s Sonship? Is there a new vision of Christ’s cross and glory? Write down what God has taught you in your quiet time notebook for future reference (Acts 17:11; Exodus 17:14; Proverbs 3:3; 7:3; Hebrews 2:2). Pray in faith on what you have learnt with a firm decision to obey the Lord believing that His grace is sufficient for you (Hebrews 11:6). Pray on the topics you have listed in your prayer notebook, praying about your needs last (John 14:14; 1 John 5:14, 15; 3:22). The quality more than the length of the quiet time is more important. But the length increases as we grow and love Him more.


READ YOUR BIBLE AND PRAY EVERYDAY, IF YOU WANT TO GROW

If you have been blessed by these bible study outlines, please send your comments to pastor@deeperlife-liverpool.org.uk