Spiritual Disciplines Course

Introduction to the Discipline of Study.

The process that occurs in study should be distinguished from meditation:

• Meditation is devotional - Study is Analytical.

• Meditation will relish a word - study will explicate it.

• Study provides a certain objective framework within which meditation can successfully function.

Study involves four steps:

1. Repetition
   Repetition channels the mind in a specific direction regularly, thus forming ingrained habits, and even changing old habits.

2. Concentration
   Concentration centres the mind and focuses attention. We live in a world that is full of distractions and so it is difficult to focus and concentrate on one thing, but if we do, it will lead us to understanding which is the next step.

3. Comprehension
   Comprehension focuses on the knowledge of truth. When we suddenly move from repetition to comprehension it is a lot like a bolt of lightening. That kind of understanding of the truth catapults us to a new level of growth and freedom.

4. Reflection
   Understanding leads to insight and discernment, upon which we reflect. this allows us to see things from God's perspective. We may even come to understand ourselves and God's purpose for us more clearly.

In our search for knowledge and comprehension there are three intrinsic and three extrinsic rules that govern our study:

While reading we need to look at the following:

1. Understanding
   What is the author saying?

2. Interpreting
   What does the author mean?

3. Evaluating
   Is the author right or wrong? (We must not do this first - we should seek first to understand and interpret before we judge)

1. Experience
   The only way we can relate to the material is when we relate it to our own experience (this may also change us if necessary).

2. Other Books
   Books often have meaning only when read in relation to other writings. We need to allow these thoughts to interact with one another in order to properly understand.

3. Live Discussion
   Often it is only in discussion or even debate that we fully realise the meaning of something or its significance in our lives. Others may have a different insight that we lack.

Remember:

• We come to Scripture to be changed not to amass information.

  The difference between Study and Devotion:

• In study a priority is placed on interpretation - what it means.

• In devotion the emphasis is on application - what it means for me.

  The two go together - we seek to understand in order to discover life transforming truth.

Exercises:

• Structure and Flow

• Areas of Difficulty (make a note to return to them once you have read the whole letter)

• Thoughts and Impressions (jot them down to reflect on later ).

An alternative exercise for a group (6-12 people):

1. Repetition
   Each person read James 2: 14-26 aloud (it helps to have a few different translations of this text).

2. Concentration
   Spend some time in personal contemplation. Try to:
   
   • Understand - What is the author saying?
     
   • Interpret - What does he mean?
     
   • Evaluate - Is he right or wrong?
     
   • Relate it to your own Experience.

3. Comprehension
   Spend some time discussing your personal observations (above) together.

4. Reflection
   What is the significance of this for us?
   How can we apply it to our lives?
   What is he saying, how does he want me/us to change?

Alternate Bible Readings for Study: