Devotions on F.I.R.E. Year TwoSample

But be doers of the word (James 1:22 NKJV).

Are you studying the Bible by comprehending the text, applying it in your life, and teaching others?

Ezra demonstrates a practical approach to Bible study. "Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel" (Ezra 7:10 NKJV). This method unfolds in three stages:

1. Understand the Text: Bible study begins in the third person with the author's message. We see, "Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD" (Ezra 7:10a NKJV). This means we first need to understand the scripture.
2. Personal Employment: Next, it shifts to the first person, as indicated by "and to do it" (Ezra 7:10b NKJV). Like Ezra, we must personally apply the Word to our lives.
3. Teaching Others: Finally, it moves to the second person, shown by "and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel" (Ezra 7:10c NKJV). What we have learned (third person) and applied (first person), we should share with others (second person).

Employment Point: Study your Bible, employ what you learn, and then teach others.