How I Study the Bible to Hear the Holy Spirit

You wanna become the man or woman of God that you're called to be. You know that you should read the Scripture, but maybe you don't know how to approach it. Maybe you do approach it and you're frustrated when you can't seem to hear the voice of the precious Holy Spirit. I wanna give you keys to hearing the Holy Spirit as you study the Bible. Number 1, revelation. This begins with asking the Holy Spirit to guide you as you read the Word. In John chapter 14, verses 15 and onward, we read, If you love me, obey my commandments, and I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him, but you know him because he lives with you now and later will be in you. Verse 26: But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative, that is the Holy Spirit, he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. The Holy Spirit has a twofold job: to remind and reveal. He reminds you of what you've received while revealing the truth as you approach it. When I first began to read the Word, I remember being very frustrated. I would begin with verse number 1, and by the time I got to verse number 10 or 15 of the chapter, I would realize that I didn't understand anything that I was reading. Or I would read verse 1 and onward, and by the time I finished the chapter, I realized that I had zoned out the entire time, my mind distracted by various different things. It wasn't until I asked the Holy Spirit for wisdom that I began to receive revelation from the Word. You see, you can approach study on your own without the Holy Spirit and get information, but only when you approach the Word with the Holy Spirit do you receive revelation. Information informs, revelation transforms. 2 Peter 1:20-21, above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet's own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit and they spoke from God. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, all Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. The Holy Spirit is the key to approaching the word. As you sit down to receive the word, it's not just a time of study, it's a time of fellowship because the one who inspired the writing of scripture, the author himself, will sit next to you and teach you as you approach the scriptures. Number 2, dedication. Have consistency in your devotion to the scripture. The Holy Spirit may be able to give you new desires, but you have to make the decision to act upon those desires. The Holy Spirit will remind you to read the Word, but you must implement the discipline when it comes to the reading of the Word. There's nothing that we do for God that doesn't require our participation. This is just how God wills it to be. He chooses to work with our free will. The same is true when we approach the scripture. When we approach the scripture, we have to understand that we bear the responsibility of committing to reading it daily. Joshua 1:8 says, study this book of instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. In Matthew 4:4, we read, but Jesus told him, no, the Scriptures say people do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Think about the analogy being used here. Jesus is talking about bread. He's comparing the Word of God to the daily bread. Well, that bread is something that you have to receive on a daily basis. Why? Because that is sustenance. Just as you have to have a meal, at least one every single day unless you're fasting, so you have to be in the Word daily. It is daily sustenance for the growth of your spirit. Now, each time that you read the Bible, you become more familiar with it, and that familiarity makes it easier to understand. Repetition brings familiarity. Familiarity is the foundation of understanding. You'll find that the first time you go to approach the Word, you may find it difficult to commit. Maybe you don't know how many chapters you're gonna read or how many verses you're going to read. Or maybe when you do go to read those chapters and verses, you find that it's difficult to understand and grasp everything. Well, the more times that you read it, the more times that you approach it, the more consistent you become, the more familiar the Word will become, and then understanding will follow that familiarity. Just stick with it. And on that note, let me just give you a little bit of advice. When it comes to those daily Bible reading programs, I have nothing against them, but make sure that you're not just trying to fill a daily quota. Make sure that you're making a daily connection with the Lord through the reading of the Word. And this is something that you have to prioritize. Carve your schedule around the approach to the Word. Carve your life around the receiving of the Word. Don't just go about your day and then at the last minute say, well, let me throw in a few verses here or there. Instead, build your life upon the word. Make sure your schedule in a practical sense is prioritizing the receiving of the word. Now I'm gonna give you point number 3, which is one of the more detailed points that we're going to cover. But first, let me encourage you, if you're enjoying this so far, make sure to leave a like. And also, if you wanna continue to receive content from me on a regular basis, Make sure that you're subscribed and click the notification bell on the YouTube channel when you subscribe. Number 3, observation and interpretation. This is to study God's Word. Now, it's very, very, very important that you get this in your spirit because the study of God's Word is your safety net. Many times we're carried off by our own whims or our own emotions, and then we say it's the Holy Spirit. And because of pride, because of religious ego, we find it very difficult to admit when we didn't actually hear the Holy Spirit. So let's spare ourselves the heartache and stay grounded in the Word in the way that the Lord intended it. And this is done through the study of the Word. 2 Timothy 2:15, study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed. Rightly dividing the word of truth. If the Scripture is telling us that we should rightly divide the word of truth, it stands to reason that there is a wrong way to divide the word of truth. You see, when the Holy Spirit inspired the writers of the Scripture in the New Testament, when the Holy Spirit moved these mighty men to speak and to pen, he He did so with intention. He did so with a message in mind. Sometimes people approach the Word of God like they do fortune cookies and they say, well, let me take a verse out and let me decide what this means to me. Now, there's nothing wrong with extracting meaning from Scripture and then applying it to your everyday life in a way that is meaningful to you. But we have to make sure that we are not putting our own intention, our own desires on the Scripture. That we are extracting the meaning that was intended, not placing the meaning that we want to see. In order to do this, we have to follow a few steps that are practical. First of all, we have to identify the books of the Bible and make sure that we recognize what we are studying. You see, when you approach the Word of God, you wanna start with the big picture, and then you zoom in for the smaller picture, and then you zoom out again for the bigger picture. I'll show you what I mean. Let's first take a look at big picture, the books of the Bible. The books of the Bible are broken down like this. First, we have the Law. This is Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. Then we have the Old Testament historical books or Old Testament narratives, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther. And then we have what is often referred to as the Wisdom Literature, or the poetic books. This is Job. This could technically be historical. Job could technically count as a historical book, but we'll put it in the Wisdom Literature for now. Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon. And then we have Prophets, and the Prophets are broken down by major and minor. And basically, that means big book, little book. We have Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, and then what we would refer to as the minor prophets: Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. The New Testament historical books: or the New Testament narratives: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts. Then we have the epistles. Now, the epistles sometimes are broken down by epistles and Pauline epistles, and by Pauline epistles, I mean the epistles that Paul the Apostle wrote, but we'll just lump them all into one category for now: Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2, and 3 John, and Jude. And then we have, of course, the Book of Revelation, which some say is in a category of its own. I've actually heard some even suggest that it's a 5th gospel. This is debatable. There's lots of ways you can categorize this, so we're just going to put the Book of Revelation in a category of its own, and that's just for now. Now, the kind of book that you are reading will impact the way you interpret that book. So, for example, as I'm reading the Book of Job and I'm seeing the different instructions that Job's friends gave to him during his suffering, I'm not going to take the quotes of Job's friends and then apply them in the same way that I would a direct instruction from an apostle of the Lord Jesus. One book is instructional, and another book is descriptive. One book is giving insight for how you ought to live as a Christian, that is directly to the church, and one book is describing a historical event. And so, while every word in the Bible is inspired by God, while the Bible is completely the inerrant Word of God, the foundation of all truth, we have to make sure that we're approaching it properly. rightly dividing the word of truth. So make sure that you're aware of the book that you're reading. And then you're gonna wanna look at various other considerations or factors. You wanna take a look at the author. Who wrote this book? What was the purpose of them writing this book? What is the overall theme of the book? What is the overall tone of the book? What are the historical and cultural backdrops? And who were the intended recipients of these books? And so, as you take into consideration the type of book and then the factors that I just gave you, this gives you a safety net. This places boundaries so that you're not just coming to wild conclusions on your own that are outside of what was intended in the original inspired meaning. Now, of course, you're going to break these books down into chapters and verses. Now, the chapters and verses weren't there originally. They're there for reference so that we can read together, so that we can memorize, so that we can study. But the chapters and verses, in many instances, help us to break down the various different thoughts. Now, these chapters and verses aren't always added in the best places, but again, they're there for reference. And so this will help you to take the Word of God in bite sizes. You break it down, read a few chapters, read a few verses. Again, be careful. Of just trying to fill a quota. So big picture, the book and those other factors. Little picture, now we're looking at chapters and verses. And then we're gonna zoom in just a little bit more for an even smaller picture. And this is where you look at the words that are there. Remember, the Bible wasn't written in modern-day language. And so we have to make sure that when we look at these words, we are considering the context of the original language. And by the way, sometimes you'll note that different words have various different potential definitions. For example, using a modern-day analogy, let's say that I drove over the bridge and I didn't therefore sink in water. You just pictured a physical bridge, a structure that was engineered. But if I say, they were arguing, but then they built a bridge between each other, well, now you know that's a metaphor for reconciliation within a relationship. Same word, bridge, with 2 different meanings depending upon the context. And that works similar, in a similar way, for the original language. You take that original word, which can have various definitions, and often this is where people get into trouble. They'll say, well, the translators missed it here. What it really means is this, this, and this, and this. But remember, the translators consider the context. You take the word, you look at the possible definitions, and then you find it in its context, and the context dictates meaning. Again, context dictates meaning. Be careful not to try to stretch these words beyond their intended meaning within their context. Big picture, what type of book are you reading? Medium picture, we have author, purpose, overall theme, overall tone, historical and cultural backdrops, recipients. And you zoom in a little more to the words. And then once you've studied that out, you can zoom out again. And then as you read over, remember, familiarity brings understanding. And you do this again and again and again and again. And each time you go over it in this way, your understanding of and your appreciation for the Word of God is going to deepen. Number 4, Meditation. Psalm chapter 1, verses 1 through 3. Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers, but they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. Meditation is that repetition in thought. Now, I know that when I use the word meditation, this may incite in some a bit of a defensiveness where they're saying, wait a minute, isn't that a New Age concept? Well, no, meditation is a biblical concept that the enemy has taken and twisted. You see, worldly meditation says, empty your mind, empty your mind, empty your mind. And we know how much evil spirits enjoy vacuums. But godly meditation says, fill your mind, fill your mind, fill your mind with the Word, the Word, the Word. The Word must become an obsession. The Word must become the focal point. The Word must become May the Holy Spirit light within you a fire of a love for the Word. And as you grow in your love for the Word, you begin to think about the Word. You wake up thinking about it. You go throughout your day thinking about it. You fall asleep thinking about it, and it begins to renew your mind. As you go over the Scripture, don't just rush over it. Many Christians approach the Word like they do fast food. They just unseal the wrapper, they eat it real quick, and then they're off to the next thing. No, my friend, when you make time for the Word, you need to sit down realizing that laid before you is spiritual fine dining. And as you sit down to receive the Word, you receive it intentionally. You receive it slowly. Repeat it to yourself. Think about it. Memorize it. Amen. Internalize it, obsess over it, quote it, quote it back to yourself slowly. Think about the words that are being spoken and then pray as you do so. Holy Spirit, what are you speaking to me through this based on your word? Holy Spirit, what do you want me to correct based on this standard? Holy Spirit, what do you want me to learn based on this truth? How do you want me to apply this to my life. And in so doing, you are now digesting the bread of life. If reading the Word and hearing the Word is like eating the Word, then meditation is digestion. Meditation allows for all of the nutrients of the Word to fill your spiritual being. Keep it in your mind. Be a person of godly meditation, meditating upon the Word day and night. Amen. Number 5, application. In Matthew chapter 13, verse 12, we read, to those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. What we see here is the law of stewardship. Here, Jesus is saying that if you do nothing with the understanding that's been given to you, even that will eventually be taken away. Why? Because our minds become consumed with other things if we're not stewarding well the revelation that God has given to us. But if you take what you've received and you steward that revelation well, then God will add more to you. You see, The law of stewardship applies to more than just material things, to more than just ministry responsibilities. The law of stewardship also applies to revelation. That is, when God gives to you a revelation, you have to treat it like a treasure. And you treasure what God has given to you by applying it, by living it, by not just listening to it and saying, well, that was poetic. Well, that was beautiful. Well, that was inspiring. But allowing the word of God to transform you in such a way that it actually begins to affect your attitude and actions and thought patterns. We must apply God's word. Application is a part of the study of God's word because it's what causes you to experience the word. Many people know the word in theory, but not in practice. For example, Many say they believe in the power of the Holy Spirit, they believe in miracles, they believe in the gifts of the Spirit, but when it comes to practicing it, they're only ever critical of it. Why? Because they believe it in theory, not in practice. Only when we begin to practice what the Word of God tells us do we then begin to experience that truth in a way where it becomes a part of our lives. In James 1:20-25, we read, But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don't obey, it's like glancing at your face in the mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, Then God will bless you for doing it. Father, I pray that you would help your people to become people of the Word. Lord, teach us to treasure the Word. Teach us to be disciplined, to commit to the Word. Teach us, Lord, to study that we might stay within the confines of your intended meaning for Scripture. And Father, I pray you would help us to live it, that we might experience your truth. I thank you, Father, that you are giving your people now— I pray it now— give them a passion for the word. Make them obsessed with the word. For your word says in Romans 5:5 that the love of God is shed abroad by the Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen. And Lord, may that love for you become a love for the word as well. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. I want you to type it real big in the comment section if you believe it. Type a big amen. Well, I want to thank you for joining me. Consider supporting this ministry, knowing that productions like this, our live streams, our pre-produced programs, our in-person events, the Holy Spirit School. the Holy Spirit School Online, all of it is supported by generous believers like you. So if you haven't signed up yet to become a monthly ministry supporter, go to davidhernandezministries.com/partner. You can begin a monthly partnership for as little as $15 a month, and it would be greatly appreciated. It would help us continue to go and grow, expanding the work and winning the soul of a generation. If you've already signed up to become a monthly partner or you're not ready to do so yet, you can give a single gift by going to davidhernandezministries.com/donate. Don't count yourself out. Every gift, large or small, it matters. Thanks for being a part of what God is doing through your giving. Well, I love you. I appreciate you. I pray for you. And until next time, remember, nothing is impossible with God.