Peter Hasert

The Hungry Hearts Collective

PARABLE OF PARABLES: HANDOUT ONE

MINI SEMINAR HANDOUT: CONNECTING BIBLE STUDY WITH THE “WHY?” OF SKILL ACQUISITION

INTRODUCTION: THE WHY BEHIND STUDY & SKILL ACQUISITION

  • Why Do We Study?
    • Transformation requires a change of “mind” or thinking (Romans 12:2).
    • Whether it’s the Bible or a new skill, the motivation behind our learning journey is key.
    • Asking “Why?” helps clarify our purpose and drives meaningful, sustained effort.
    • For Bible Study: We study to grow closer to God, align with His will, and be transformed by His truth.
    • For defence: Faith comes by “hearing” the word of God with ours hearts (Romans 10:17). Faith, like a shield, is our defence (Ephesians 6:16)
    • Without immersing ourselves in the Bible through study, we will also:
      • Not know what belongs to us.
      • Not know how to co-operate with God to receive it.
      • Not have the faith to lay hold of it.

THE FIRST 20 HOURS OF LEARNING: RAPID SKILL DEVELOPMENT

  • The 10,000-Hour Rule: Debunked
    • Popularized by Malcolm Gladwell, this rule applies to achieving world-class expertise, not everyday learning.
    • The First 20 Hours: Josh Kaufman’s research shows that with just 20 hours of deliberate, focused practice, you can make noticeable progress in any skill—including Bible study.

THE FRAMEWORK FOR EFFECTIVE LEARNING & BIBLE STUDY

  1. Deconstruct the Skill (or Topic)
    • For Bible study: Break it into smaller parts (e.g., themes like faith, salvation, grace).
    • For skills: Focus on the most essential sub-skills first.
  2. Learn Enough to Self-Correct
    • Use resources like study guides, commentaries, and devotionals to check your understanding.
    • Example: In Bible study, cross-reference verses or use tools like Strong’s Concordance.
  3. Remove Barriers to Practice
    • Eliminate distractions like social media or multitasking.
    • Create a quiet, intentional space for study and prayer.
  4. Commit to the Process (20 Hours)
    • Push through initial discomfort or fear of “not getting it.”
    • Consistency matters more than perfection—set aside time daily.

WHY BIBLE STUDY IS LIKE SKILL ACQUISITION

  1. Faith as Installing New Code
    • Bible study rewrites your mental “software,” renewing your thoughts to align with God’s truth (Romans 12:2).
  2. Spiritual Medicine
    • Scripture heals and restores, just as medicine restores physical health.
  3. Seed That Must Be Planted
    • Like a seed, the Word grows when nurtured in prepared soil (Luke 8).
  4. Foundation for a Strong Life
    • Studying the Bible builds a strong foundation, helping you withstand life’s challenges (Matthew 7:24-27).

THE WORLD’S NOISE VS. GOD’S WORD

  • The Noise of the World
    • We’re bombarded with endless information. Bible study filters out the noise, helping us focus on what matters most.
  • Prioritize Scripture
    • Daily study aligns your heart with eternal truths instead of fleeting distractions.

THE WALNUT SYSTEM: A METAPHOR FOR BIBLE STUDY

  • Outer Shell vs. Inner Truth
    • Scripture is like a walnut: surface-level understanding is the shell, but the nourishing truths are inside.
    • Bible study cracks open the shell, giving access to God’s deeper wisdom.

WHY YOU WANT TO STUDY: THE “WISH YOU WERE HERE” POSTCARD

  1. Engaging the Heart
    • Bible study is more than intellectual—it’s relational. It connects us with the heart of God.
  2. Transforming from the Inside Out
    • Just as acquiring a new skill builds confidence and competency, Bible study shapes our identity in Christ.
  3. Your Invitation to Growth
    • The “wish you were here” postcard invites you to embrace the transformative journey of Bible study and spiritual growth.

THE POWER OF “WHY”

  • Why Study the Bible?
    • To deepen your relationship with God.
    • To renew your mind and transform your life (Romans 12:2).
  • Overcome Emotional Barriers
    • Many avoid learning or studying because of fear or discomfort. Push past it to unlock growth and joy.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  1. The First 20 Hours Matter: Dedicate focused time to learning or studying. Progress happens faster than you think.
  2. Break It Down: Deconstruct the Bible into manageable topics or passages for deeper understanding.
  3. Stay Consistent: Transformation requires deliberate, consistent practice.
  4. Renew Your Mind: Bible study updates your thoughts and actions, aligning them with God’s truth.
  5. Engage with Purpose: Understanding the “Why” behind your study fuels motivation and growth.

APPLICATION: YOUR NEXT 20 HOURS

  1. Start with Purpose: Define why you want to study the Bible.
  2. Choose a Focus: Select a topic (e.g., faith, grace) or passage (e.g., Romans 12).
  3. Set a Plan: Dedicate 20 hours to focused, intentional study. Break it into daily increments (e.g., 30 minutes/day for 40 days).
  4. Track Progress: Keep a journal to note insights, breakthroughs, and how God is speaking to you.

QUOTE TO REMEMBER

“If you want to change your life, start by changing how you think. That requires new information. Better information for a better life, or worse information for a worse life”

  • Like learning any skill, transformation begins with what you focus on and how you approach it. Let Bible study be the foundation for renewing your mind and living out God’s will.

Let the journey begin. Your first 20 hours await!

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