Things You'll Need:
- Bible
- Paper
- Pen
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Step 1
photo by Stock.XchngStart with prayer. Ask God to open our heart and mind. Give us eyes of understanding, and enable us to hear His commands. Example prayer might be something like the following:
Lord we know your grant wisdom and understanding to those who seek you. Help us to better understand you this day. Open our hearts and minds to receiving your precious word. Enable us to love you more. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. -
Step 2
Screenclipping by Elizabeth MarksPick a chapter of Proverbs. For example, you might select chapter 10. With paper and pen, make two columns. Label the first column “Righteous” and the second “Wicked or Foolish”.
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Step 3
Screenclipping by Elizabeth MarksAs you read one verse at a time, write down the benefits ascribed to the righteous and the consequences attributed to the wicked or foolish in the appropriate columns. Continue until you have finished the entire chapter. Your completed table may look something like the following:
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Step 4
Read out loud the benefits in the Righteous column. Now, reflect on how we obtain righteousness. Do we work for it? No. Can we earn it? No. Is it not by faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection?
Romans 3:28 NKJV says “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV says “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Dwell on this fact. Everything list in the Righteous column is ours, if we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. -
Step 5
Now read out loud the consequences in the Wicked or Foolish column. Reflect on how this was our future until Christ saved us. This should help us be more appreciative of all God has done for us.
John 3:16 NKJV says “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” -
Step 6
Photo by Stock.XchngEnd with prayer of thanksgiving. A sample closing prayer might sound something like this:
God almighty, you alone are righteous. We are righteous because of your love and sacrifice for us. We stand righteous in your sight because of Jesus’ righteousness. Thank you for caring for our souls and freeing us from the consequences of wickedness. Thank you for the new eternal life you have granted us. In Jesus’ precious life-giving name we pray. Amen.
