AUDIO PODCAST

INCLUDED HANDOUT

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

1. INTRODUCTION: THE WHY BEHIND STUDY & SKILL ACQUISITION

• The Power of Why?
  • Know your “why.”
  • Why do we study the Bible? Why do we learn new skills? What drives us to make progress in any field?
  • Motivation is the foundation for learning. Understanding the “why” behind our study gives direction and clarity.
  • The Bible study journey is transformative because it connects us to the deeper purpose of life, just as acquiring new skills can transform our abilities and understanding.

2. THE FIRST 20 HOURS OF LEARNING

• The First 20 Hours of Skill Acquisition
  • Malcolm Gladwell’s 10,000-Hour Rule: Often misinterpreted as the time required for mastering any skill.
  • In reality, research shows that the first 20 hours of focused practice yield noticeable progress in any skill.
  • “The First 20 Hours” Concept: By dedicating just 20 hours of deliberate practice, we can gain substantial proficiency and break through the initial learning barriers.
• Application to Bible Study
  • First 20 Hours of Bible Study: By committing focused, intentional time to study Scripture, we can rapidly gain insights that start to shape our lives.
  • Like acquiring a new skill, learning God’s word also requires practice and dedication. In just 20 hours of focused Bible study, we begin to understand key principles that unlock deeper wisdom.
  • Motivation to study Scripture, just as with skill acquisition, is pivotal. The initial discomfort and the feeling of being overwhelmed in both learning a skill and studying the Bible are natural but temporary.

3. THE FRAMEWORK FOR EFFECTIVE BIBLE STUDY & SKILL ACQUISITION

• Applying a Framework to Learn Effectively:
  • 1. Deconstruct the Skill (or Topic):
    • Bible study is not just reading; it’s breaking down key topics (e.g., faith, salvation, grace) into understandable components.
    • In learning a new skill, we break it down into manageable chunks. Similarly, in Bible study, we dissect each passage to discover its deeper meaning.
  • 2. Learn Enough to Self-Correct:
    • Use resources like commentaries, online lectures, or Bible study tools to fill in gaps of knowledge.
    • For skill acquisition, research and apply knowledge to correct errors, just as we do in studying the Bible. We learn to align our understanding with God’s Word.
  • 3. Remove Barriers to Practice:
    • Eliminate distractions (e.g., social media, TV) to create a focused study space, both for learning a new skill and in Bible study.
    • As with skill development, Bible study requires a focused mind. When distractions are removed, understanding deepens.
  • 4. Commit to the Process (20 Hours of Practice/Study):
    • The emotional barrier of feeling “stupid” or overwhelmed is a real challenge. However, when we push through and commit to the study or skill, we break through this barrier and see results.
    • Just as 20 hours can make you proficient in a new skill, 20 focused hours of Bible study can deepen your understanding and bring life transformation.

4. WHY BIBLE STUDY IS LIKE SKILL ACQUISITION

• Faith and Installing New Code
  • Bible study is akin to installing new “code” to run our lives. The Word of God updates our internal drivers and allows us to interface with our new identity in Christ.
  • Just as installing new software changes the functionality of a device, immersing in Scripture reshapes the heart and mind, allowing us to function as God designed.
• Medicine for the Soul
  • Scripture is the healing balm for the soul. It’s like a spiritual medicine that repairs and restores.
  • Just as a doctor uses medicine to heal the body, the Bible is the “medicine” that heals our minds and souls, guiding us in our spiritual journey.
• Seed That Must Be Embedded
  • The Word of God is like a seed planted in fertile soil. Just as seeds need time to grow, the truths of Scripture need to be embedded into our hearts.
  • Etymology of “Save”: In Hebrew and Greek, salvation is like planting a seed that grows into a fruitful life. We must embed the Word in our hearts to experience the full transformation.
• Foundation for Building a Life
  • Building a life without a strong foundation is impossible. The Bible is the cornerstone of a strong spiritual life.
  • Luke 8: Parable of the Sower: The condition of the soil determines the outcome. Just as different types of soil determine the success of a seed, the condition of our hearts determines how deeply we let the Word of God take root.
  • Revelation is key to understanding Scripture. Without God revealing the truth to us, we are like the rocky soil, unable to sustain growth.

5. BOMBARDMENT OF INFORMATION

• The World’s Noise vs. God’s Word
  • In today’s world, we are bombarded with information. The distractions and noise of modern life can overwhelm us, making it harder to focus on God’s voice.
  • Bible study acts as a filter, allowing us to focus on the only information that truly matters for our life and salvation. It’s about choosing to prioritize God’s Word over the world’s distractions.

6. APPLYING THE “WALNUT SYSTEM” FOR STUDY

• The Walnut System: This is a metaphorical approach to Bible study.
  • Imagine the Word of God as a walnut. The outer shell represents the surface-level understanding, but the true, rich nourishment is inside.
  • Breaking open the walnut through study allows us to extract the deeper, transformative meanings hidden within.
  • Just as with any skill acquisition, the first 20 hours are about cracking open the shell of superficial understanding and reaching the inner depths of wisdom and revelation.

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

• Engaging the Heart
  • Studying the Bible isn’t just an intellectual activity; it’s about engaging with God’s heart.
  • A postcard of the transformed life is the result of Bible study. Through diligent study, we gain a clearer picture of God’s will and our purpose, and we experience the joy of seeing the fruit of transformation in our lives.
• Your Invitation to Join the Journey
  • In the same way that acquiring a new skill opens up new doors, studying Scripture opens up the pathway to a new life in Christ.
  • The “wish you were here” postcard is an invitation to step into this transformative process, with the motivation to push through the initial discomfort for a greater reward.

8. CONCLUSION: THE POWER OF “WHY”

• Why Do We Study the Bible?
  • We study to grow closer to God, to understand His will, and to align our lives with His purpose.
  • We study because it’s the key to unlocking the deeper meaning of life, transforming us into the people God has called us to be.
• The First 20 Hours of Bible Study
  • Just like learning a new skill, Bible study requires deliberate, focused effort. The first 20 hours are the beginning of a profound journey that yields spiritual fruit, deeper wisdom, and a transformed heart.