Learning is when God teaches you new revelation you didn’t know before.

Watch how Malarie connects with God through Learning!

What is Learning?

Through learning, you enter into God’s presence and you feel closest to Him when He shares His revelation with you.

The Greek word for "revelation" is apokálypsis, which literally means "to lift the veil." Like a bride at the altar looking at her bridegroom, she only sees in part until the bridegroom lifts the veil from her eyes, allowing her to look fully upon His face. When we encounter God through learning, Jesus Himself lifts the veil by giving us revelation (insight) into His word and His thoughts. Every bit of revelation not only teaches us His ways but allows us to look more fully upon His face and know Him. As you read through Scripture and something grabs your attention, don't mistake an invitation into learning as a distraction. Instead, pull on the loose thread that the Lord has laid before you. He is inviting you down Holy rabbit trails! When He is giving you insight on a topic that leads to another, follow where He is leading you! He is giving you access to something once hidden, allowing you to encounter Him in a new way.

Proverbs 25:2- "it is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.”

Parents understand what it's like to put toys away over and over again only for our children to joyfully pull them out every single time. It can be easy to get frustrated by that cycle but notice how children aren't frustrated that their toys are hidden over and over again. Instead, they take joy every time they find them. It is the Father's pleasure to conceal things in His word because He takes delight in the joy we experience as we uncover it. Know that God created us to encounter Him through learning! As we seek out the mysteries of God, He desires to make them simple so we can encounter Him every step of the way.

You can connect with God through learning in everyday life as He teaches you through the examples around you. Jesus often taught His disciples through trees, farming parables, and other various things, but know that those things are no substitute for His Word. Make sure to spend time in the word of God!

Practical Tips for connecting with God through Learning

  • Revelations are mysteries made simple. Be aware of any resources you use that make simple things mysterious. True revelation will always be in unity with what the Bible is saying!

  • Don't forget as you are learning that the goal isn't to know more about God but to know Him more.

  • Look into the original context of Scripture through Greek and Hebrew translations, commentaries, and Biblical resources (BibleHub.com, BlueletterBible.org)

  • Be aware of how you learn best! You may learn best visually, audibly, kinetically moving, writing, etc. Many people who love learning also love to teach others because this is how it gets inside them. When you learn, share your encounters!

  • Keep learning!

Grow in How You

Connect with God.

Encouragement

Lean into your daily encounters to know God and not just know about Him. When He teaches you and gives you understanding, He is giving you access to Himself. As you are learning, ask God to show you things in a different way and receive His revelation about who He is and who you are. When God is teaching you, follow His leading. Don’t limit yourself to the Bible plan you are reading. If God is speaking to you, allow yourself to take extra time on a single word, phrase or portion of Scripture. Part of connecting with God through learning is allowing space to go down the rabbit-trails He is leading you into through Scripture—there is revelation waiting for you as you follow His lead. The Holy Spirit is the best teacher, and He wants to reveal new things to you each time you sit down to listen.

Suggested Activities 

  • Read the Bible through the lens of gaining understanding and knowledge of who God is and the way He relates to His people. This will help you connect to the heart of God as well as gain knowledge about Him.

  • Invest in biblical study. Use tools to help enhance your study and understanding of scripture such as commentaries, websites (BlueLetterBible.org or BibleHub.com), Logos software, etc.

  • Read books that give a deeper understanding of God’s Word.

  • Do a year-long in depth study of one topic.

  • Listen to podcasts and sermons from a wide array of communicators. Be sure to include those that challenge the way you think and believe. 

  • Invite God into your curiosity!

  • Don’t be limited to studying Scripture or history, encounter God by learning from different resources. 

Scripture

Genesis 2, Deuteronomy 33:10, 1 Kings 4:29-34, Pslam 49, Proverbs, Zechariah 4, John 8, 2 Timothy 2:15

Books

  • The Enduring Word Commentary by David Guzik

  • Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

  • Bible Study Methods by Rick Warren

  • Spirit filled Bible by Jack Hayford

  • How to Read the Bible for All its Worth by Douglas Steward

  • Understand the Bible in 30 Days by Max Anders

  • Knowing Doctrines of the Bible by Myer Pearlman 

Mix It Up

Learning how we connect with God shows us how we can enter into His presence daily. While you may best connect with God through one or a few ways, remember that you can connect with God in all the ways! Use this guide below to help you grow in connecting with God through Learning by pairing it with your favorite way.

  • Study the topic of fasting in Scripture. Follow the rabbit trails that the Holy Spirit is inviting you to as you study Scripture in your encounters. Fasting is a time to intentionally set your eyes on God while letting go of distractions. Set your eyes on God and where He leads you as you learn! 

  • Spend time in the Word of God to give you language and vocabulary to praise Him! You can't adequately worship Him when you don't know Him. Read His word and study it. Get to know God deeper through His word and your language in adoration will grow!

  • As you meditate on Scripture to renew your mind, go further in your study by looking at the original context of the Scripture. When was it written, who was the audience, where did it take place, and what language was it originally written in? Find further understanding by looking into definitions of the Word in Hebrew or Greek. Doing this may take meditation on the Word of God to another level! 

  • Jesus taught on elements of creation through trees, farming, etc. When you are in creation, ask Jesus to teach you as you connect with Him outside. 

  • Study scripture where Jesus was in solitude. What did He focus on in solitude, where was He, what did He do with His time, and what words did He say? Ask God for revelation on how He went into solitude and how He benefited from being in solitude with the Father. Learn from Jesus! 

  • As you study scripture, pay attention to the different revelations Holy Spirit reveals to you! Find ways to communicate that revelation through your chosen creative expression. What mysteries does God want you to communicate through your expression?

  • Learning from God comes from having conversations! Connect with God by asking Him questions before going to search from other resources. 

  • You learn through movement--kinetic learning! Be aware that learning doesn’t have to look like sitting still and reading. Walk, run, or bike while you listen to the Bible, sermons, and podcasts! 

  • Do a study on people in the Bible that brought reformation to their cities. Do a study on Esther, Deborah, Nehemiah, David, Jesus, etc. 

  • Study scripture where Jesus showed compassion. Dig deep into commentaries, definitions of the original language, and the context of the Scripture. Ask God for revelation on His compassion for you and how you can walk in His compassion for others. 

  • Take time to steward and remember revelation that God has given you in the past. Ask God if there is another layer He wants to show you today! 

Don’t know how you best Connect with God?