The key to Bible Study: Some just don't get Bible study. Why study a book written over two thousand years ago? Is the book going to magically give me spiritual power? And, let's face it, the book is hard to understand. A lot of it just doesn't make much sense. After all, what do I have in common with people who lived in the first century? 
     The first thing we have do realize is that when we study the Bible we are reading someone else's mail. Imagine you moved into a new home and found a personal letter written to the former owners. It would be full of things you wouldn't understand. You're not part of their family, their relationships, their world. Same with the Bible. This is why it takes study to understand it. There are three parts to Bible study: 1. What does the text say? 2. What does the text mean? 3. What does this mean to me? All three are vital to powerful Bible study. The reason many people have trouble with Bible study is they stop at number 1. They read what the Bible says and then they stop. This is shallow and does not produce any effect in our lives. It is sustained only out of habit or duty. You will never fall in love with the Bible this way. The juice comes with numbers two and three. More about that later.

It is time to clear our heads and to realize that God has called us to be warriors. Too many Christians are taking for granted their faith--being lazy and thoughtless. Many act as if their faith, and their ultimate salvation, is a done deal. It is not. Read the book of Hebrews. Read 2 Peter. Read Jude. Many will say, "Lord, lord" in that terrible day and be turned away.
     So what are we to do? 
     Give yourself completely to God--everything. Your time, your body, your mind, your life.
    Study the Word every day. Go deeper and deeper. Make this your lifetime exercise. Once you know what the books say, read commentaries. Once you master this, study the Greek and Hebrew. Never stop. Believe me, you will never reach the end as long as you live. Why study? because we are training ourselves to have the mind of Christ.
     Develop a devotional life of prayer and worship. Talk to God. Listen to Him.
     Fight sin in yourself. Again, this is a life-long battle.
     Be an example of Christ-likeness to all.
     Study what the world is saying. You cannot reason with people unless you understand them.
     Share the hope you have with all who will listen.
    If you do these things, you will be a true warrior, one who will strike fear in the forces of evil around us. There is no higher calling for our lives.