as i've been teaching the Bible more regularly lately, i've noticed what i call "the three secret ingredients of effective bible study" (specifically for preparing to teach but applicable to general study also). here they go:
1- lots of questions - i've noticed that the best teachers challenge the text. they don't leave any stone unturned. that's what i've been noticing in my observations of great teachers and then applying to my own teaching preparation. "why did he use this word instead of that?" "why is 'the month of nisan' important to the context of this passage?" the difference between good teachers and great teachers is the questions they ask.
2 - lots of prayer - this is something i've learned in "the school of failure and fatigue" as i've heard some say. we as teachers get so absorbed in the study of the text that we forget to engage the Spirit who inspired the text. our studying must be soaked in praying. that's what makes a passage take life. that's where a 'burden' is formed in our hearts. that's what gives our teaching that "demonstration of the Spirit's power." (1 Cor.1).
3 - time to let it marinate - this is so crucial and all too often i'm pressed up against the last minute. there is a depth of insight and precision of application that rarely comes immediately. i'm sure you've had that "if only i had more time" afterthought. something you noticed later. clarity you didn't have at the time. an illustration that would've been perfect. we all know that feeling. but when we sit with a text, then leave it, and let it turn over and over in our minds, it has a way of working its way down into our hearts, and the Spirit brings it back up with a refined, spiritual quality to it that can only happen with time. so START EARLIER!
that's what i'm learning. take a passage of scripture, throw in lots of questions, add lots of prayer, then give it time to marinate and...now you're cookin! (yep, couldn't resist it. it was just too perfect.)
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