Lesson 4 of 4
Building a habit
Read
Study objective: Plan a reading rhythm you can keep, and find others to read with.
Reading: Psalm 1:1–6Acts 17:10–12
Psalm 1:1–6 WEB
1Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand on the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers; 2but his delight is in the LORD’s law. On his law he meditates day and night. 3He will be like a tree planted by the streams of water, that produces its fruit in its season, whose leaf also does not wither. Whatever he does shall prosper. 4The wicked are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. 5Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked shall perish.
Acts 17:10–12 WEB
10The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Beroea. When they arrived, they went into the Jewish synagogue. 11Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. 12Many of them therefore believed; also of the prominent Greek women, and not a few men.
Background and context
Psalm 1 pictures a person who meditates on God’s law day and night and is like a tree planted by water. The Bereans received the message eagerly and examined the Scriptures daily. Steady reading, even a few verses, shapes a life over time. A reading plan, a regular time and place, and a friend to read with all help.
Observe
- The person in Psalm 1 delights in God’s law and meditates on it (Psalm 1:2).
- The picture is of slow growth: a tree that yields fruit in its season (Psalm 1:3).
- The Bereans examined the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11).
- Many believed as a result, both women and men (Acts 17:12).
Words, people and events to notice
- Meditate
- To think over and repeat, turning words over slowly, rather than reading quickly and moving on. Psalm 1:2Joshua 1:8
Understand
- What does Psalm 1 compare a person who delights in God’s law to, and why?
- What two attitudes do the Bereans show (Acts 17:11)?
- What might “day and night” look like in an ordinary life?
Connect
- Deuteronomy 6:6–7
God’s words are to be talked about at home, on the road, when lying down and rising up.
- Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and encourage one another.
Reflect
- When and where could you read each day?
- Which reading plan will you start with?
- Who could you invite to read with you?
Key takeaways
Editorial summary, not Scripture.
- A little every day is better than a lot now and then.
- Choose a time, a place, a plan and a companion.
- If you miss days, simply begin again.
Answers, notes and progress are saved on this device only. Nothing is sent to BibleKenya.