Treasure Hunting

Digging Deeper Bible Study Method

That you may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:1-3).

Begin your study by reading a Psalm, and then write down the attributes of God that are listed in the passage. Meditate on those attributes for a few minutes. Then, for each character trait, use a Bible concordance to find other Scriptures that mention those traits, and write those verses down. You might also use a dictionary to look up the definition of the attributes (e.g. see "shield," below). Jot down thoughts that come to you as you think on the Scripture and how it applies to your life. Spend a few more minutes thanking and praising God for who he is and what he has done for you. 

This study technique can be applied to many Scripture passages, most particularly to the Psalms, and will help you dig for spiritual treasure during your devotional time. Hopefully, you will find this method an effective way to strengthen your faith and relationship with the Lord. I chose Psalm 3 for today's devotion:

God is . . . 
My shield,
My glory,
The lifter of my head.
He is the Hearer of my cries.
He grants me sleep; 
He sustains me.
He is my Protector, 
My Savior, 
the Just One.
God blesses me.

God's attribute: "a shield" is used in battle as an offensive protection against blows or missiles. Other Scripture: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground . . . take up the shield of faith" (Ephesians 6:12-17). Reflection: The Evil One doesn't go on vacation! Get ready for battle, there will be in-coming attacks!

God's glory was revealed in Scripture in the Fire and Cloud, as he led the Israelites out of Egypt. Later, God's Glory Presence, his Spirit, resided in the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle and then the Temple. Fire is often associated with God's judgment. Our God is a consuming fire. But when we're in Christ, God's Spirit indwells us, we undergo the mercy of the Refiner's Fire: "So that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:7).

The lifter of my head. "Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1). "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God" (Psalm 42:5). Keep your eyes on Jesus! I cannot run an effective race if I am looking down! Look up! 

He is the Hearer of my cries. He has recorded my tears, he knows each one (Psalm 56:8).  "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth . . . I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God . . . And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away'" (Revelation 21:1-4). God promises to wipe away all my tears, the pain of this world is temporary.

God grants me sleep, he gives me rest. "For anyone who enters God's rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his" Hebrews 4:10. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works" (Ephesians 2:8-9). 

He sustains me. God promises to supply all my needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). 

My Protector. "But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you" (Psalm 5:11). 

My Savior. "Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long" (Psalm 25:5).

The Just One. "Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the ages" (Revelation 15:3).

God blesses me! To be blessed is to be approved by God, because of what Jesus has done for me—he has forgiven my sins and chosen me to be his child. "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will-- to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding" (Ephesians 1:1-3). Lavish means extravagant quantities!

Copyright 2016 - Sarah A. Keith
SundaySchoolNetwork.com

You can make a difference! 
Your donation to the site helps us distribute our children's ministry resources to churches across the world.

 Subscribe to our Newsletter - Learn More

Site Map