At the start of each new year, it’s common for people to set goals and targets they aim to achieve over the coming months and personal fitness is a prime example of this.

However, a familiar pattern emerges year after year: gyms are packed in January, but by February, attendance starts to drop, and this decline continues throughout the year.

The key difference between those who maintain their momentum and those who don’t, lies in structure. By taking proactive steps—such as signing up for a gym membership, hiring a personal trainer, finding a workout partner, or curating an inspiring workout playlist, people can work daily, stay on track and achieve results at the end of the year.

This is because zeal and enthusiasm are important, but what truly sustains progress toward your goals is structure and strategy.

Similarly, to be good students of the Word, we have to create structures for studying the Word.

We have established in the previous devotionals this week that we are to make conscious efforts to study the word by devoting ourselves, investing our time and letting the word of God transform and satisfy us.

Proverbs‬ ‭21‬:‭5‬
New King James Version
15 The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.

The principle of diligence highlighted here isn’t limited to natural activities but extends beyond just daily tasks; it ought to permeate every aspect of a believer’s life —including Bible study.

Every believer is to be a good student of the Word and just as the author of Proverbs said. Intentional planning and creation of structures are essential to growth in the knowledge of God’s Word.

In the scriptures, we see precedence that almost every natural order relies on planning and preparation, as seen in the example of the ants;

Proverbs 6:6
New King James Version
6 Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, Which, having no captain, Overseer or ruler, Provides her supplies in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest.

If the ants, without any master, can prepare and plan for their future, how much more you?

This ant paints a picture of diligence; just as we have been instructed in II Timothy 2:15 to study with all diligence to show ourselves approved unto God. This means there is a standard in God and you are to meet this standard in your study of God’s Word, being a worker that rightly divides the Word.

As with every other endeavour in life, it will be futile to leave your Bible study to chance, there are practical ways to equip yourself for deeper study of the word, these include;

1. A Bible plan

Any and every effective bible study must have one thing: a plan.

You cannot just jump into the year and expect to have a seamless Bible study—you must have a plan and a target.

By the end of each month, how many books should you have covered?

How many chapters would you read in a week?

By the end of 3 months, can you measure your progress?

Yes, you want to finish the New Testament in 6 months but have you to create a system that will make that happen?

Have you broken down your large goals into smaller targets?

These are all questions you have to answer when curating a functional bible study plan. You must set apart regular time for it. The psalmist understood the importance of consistency in the study of the Word, which is why he quips in;

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭148‬ ‭
New King James Version‬‬
148 My eyes are awake through the night watches, That I may meditate on Your word.

In another Psalm, he talks about meditating on the Word day and night (Psalm 1:2). To be a man of the Word, you have to continually dedicate time and effort to it because a half-hearted and lazy approach to Bible study would only lead to wrong interpretation.

So schedule the time daily, set an alarm for and keep to the time daily.

2. Fellowship with other believers.

Every local church must spur growth in the believer through the accurate teaching of the Word. Hence, the zeal to study will be fuelled when you are under a set man who teaches and rightly communicates the true realities of God’s Word.

Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭22‬-‭25‬
New King James Version
22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell.

23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.

24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.

25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith,

Apostle Paul in his letter to the church in Philippi said it was better he remained with them because he was confident that they would experience progress —which is furtherance, in the faith.

God has given you men to equip, train and position you to rightly divide God’s Word. You have a part to play in staying consistent and learning under the set man and community God has given you.

Consistency in Bible study thrives in the community.

3. Accountability:

This is one of the most imperative steps towards a functional and effective Bible study plan.

Finding a trusted person who can offer assistance and direction when required is essential to your success and development in Bible study. Your Bible study objectives should be communicated to this person, who will also monitor your progress; they should be able to call you to order in critical times.

There will be times this year when life and its chaos might want to throw you off track but always remember that consistency isn’t just showing up every day. It’s also coming back to pick up the rope where you left off.

This is why it is important to have someone who can call you back when you derail from the plans you made at the beginning of the year.

Is a consistent Bible study life possible? Yes, it is! But it doesn’t occur by chance, but rather by a deliberate choice, effective planning, setting structures and keeping to these structures.

You can decide to have 30 minutes every morning by 6:00 am (time) at your dressing table (place). Do whatever works for you but ensure that you have a set time and place in your daily schedule for Bible study.

Finally, before you start your day today, take the first step: draw out a plan for Bible study and start your journey towards a more intentional and consistent Bible study.

Prayer Point:
As I go about this year, I experience spiritual growth when I come to Bible study. I spend time planning and building myself, I am a diligent workman. Labour is discernible in my life.