The Discipline of Study
Reading Notes
- The discipline of study is the main medium for making us think about the truth.
- The knowledge of truth comes through studying the Word of God that sets us free.
- We use both verbal and nonverbal books in our study.
- Study involves four steps: repetition, concentration, comprehension, and reflection.
- Study needs humility, and we should have teachable hearts among students.
- Verbal study contains books, and nonverbal study contains nature, human relationships, events, and culture.
- Study produces joy.
Reflecting on Study
The term’study’ evokes a sense of intense concentration during reading. When I hear the word, it conjures an image of a man reading in solitude. His focus is fully on the writings. He seems to be meditating, and no one can distract him from his focus.
In my studies, I apply these four components of the Discipline of study—repetition, concentration, comprehension, and reflection. I need thoughtful study of the Word of God. I often do not understand a book or long articles in the first reading. Then, I keep repeating the readings until I do not understand what the word, or passage, or page is trying to say. I concentrate on what I read to find out the theme and purpose of writing. I try to make the readings comprehensive. Gradually, I come to understand the theme and purpose. Thence, I reflect on all the readings that I have comprehended.
A Light For The Path
In the passage of John 8:31-32, Jesus tells his disciples to know what the truth is, which can set them free. Here, I think ‘to know’ means to repeat what you read or heard and concentrate on it until you comprehend it. Since comprehension alone is insufficient, it is important to reflect on it to determine whether it is true or false. Thereafter, knowing the truth will keep us free from our own thoughts, understandings, and the influence of others. Richard Foster also says that no ecstatic experience, good feelings, or getting higher can free us.
Journal Reflections
I got the privilege to learn about the development stages of the study. These four steps—repetition, concentration, comprehension, and reflection—helped me to form a concrete base for developing my studies. During work on the discipline of study, I realized how other reference books are helping me in my study. Besides, I felt that I also could learn from nonverbal books, which I had never thought about.
Most often I use reference books during studying. And I consider them the most suited to my personality and interest. Sometimes, nature, events, institutions, and cultures also help me to learn. I see God’s wonderful creation and his power in them. I come to the realization through them of how great our God is. They convict me of my need to abide in God and understand his will after recognizing his grandeur and the manifestation of his work in creation.
