A Call to Dig Deeper into God's Word

I must confess—nothing is set in stone in this life, except perhaps the unwavering call to grow in Christ! Over the years, I’ve stumbled upon countless acronyms for studying scripture: SPECK, SWORD, SOAP, WRAPS… and while all are useful, they can sometimes feel like those fitness gadgets you buy but never use. Today, I want to challenge you to actually do the work. We’re diving into S.T.U.D.Y., a framework that’s open to your tweaking, memorable, and hopefully transformative.  

But here’s the catch: studying scripture isn’t for the faint-hearted or the casual scroller. If you’re ready to stop skimming and start growing, let’s get into it!

S - Slow Down.

Let’s face it: the world moves fast. Your calendar is fuller than an overloaded matatu during rush hour. But here’s the truth: you cannot study the Bible while running on fumes. Slowing down is non-negotiable. Think of it as sitting down for a feast, not grabbing street food on the go. If you’re too busy to sit and rest, you’ll struggle to make room for the richness of God’s Word.  

Pro tip: You might need to drop a few unnecessary commitments (yes, even that extra chama meeting). Slow your mind, your heart, and your pace. It’s in this unhurried space that God reveals Himself.

T - Text Reading.

Now that you’ve cleared your schedule, don’t just stare at the plate. Eat. Read the Word—slowly and thoughtfully. Don’t be that person who takes a bite and spits it out before tasting it. Reading sets the stage for deeper study. Ask yourself:  

- Why this word?  

- Why this flow?  

- Where is this passage leading?  

Let the text sink in. It’s not about speed but about savoring each word.

U - Underline.

Here’s where we get into the nitty-gritty. Chewing is good, but if you don’t swallow, you’ve wasted the effort. As you read, underline what jumps out—questions, confusing ideas, or anything that makes you go, Wait, what? Engage with the text like a curious detective. This isn’t passive reading; it’s active, inquisitive, and sometimes even messy.  

God isn’t afraid of your questions. In fact, He invites them. So go ahead—mark up your Bible, highlight the weird stuff, and let your curiosity run wild.

D - Digest.

Here’s where the real work begins. Digestion separates the nutrients from the waste. In scripture, this means meditating on what you’ve underlined, asking God for clarity, and seeking insights from trusted voices (friends, commentaries, or sermons). This is where you stop being a mere reader and step into the role of a student.  

Be warned, though: digestion takes time. Don’t rush to “FINISH THE BIBLE” like it’s a marathon. The goal isn’t speed—it’s transformation.

Y - Yearn.

Here’s the final step—and it’s where many Christians falter. Don’t stop at learning for yourself. Yearn to share what you’ve discovered. Whether it’s leading a Bible study, blogging, or simply discussing scripture with friends, passing on what you’ve learned cements it in your heart.  

But remember: the goal isn’t to sound smart or earn a spiritual “certificate.” It’s to grow deeper in your walk with God and help others do the same.

Your Turn.

So, what are you waiting for? The Bible won’t study itself. Pick a book—Genesis, Romans, James, or any other—and commit to the S.T.U.D.Y. method. The time to start is NOW.  

And hey, if you’re not ready to sacrifice some comforts, then don’t expect transformative results. As someone once said, “The Word works when you work it.” So slow down, dig in, and let God shape you into the disciple He’s calling you to be.