The Bible Hand Illustration
Little Finger: HEARING the Word from pastors and teachers provides fresh insight into the Scriptures. The weakest finger—the pinkie—represents hearing, because we retain only 5 percent of what we hear. Romans 10:17
Ring Finger: READING gives us an overview of the Bible and is the foundation of a daily quiet time. This is represented by the ring finger. We generally retain 15 percent of what we read. Revelation 1:3
Middle Finger: STUDYING the Scriptures deepens our convictions. It requires greater time and effort but results in increased Bible knowledge. Most people retain 35 percent of what they study. This is represented by the middle finger. Acts 17:11
Index Finger: MEMORIZING God’s Word enables us to use the Sword of the Spirit to overcome temptations and to have verses readily available for ministering to others. The index finger, our strongest finger, represents memorization. We remember 100 percent of what we memorize if we consistently review it. Psalm 119:9–11
Thumb: APPLYING and TEACHING God's Word is what changes us (James 1:22,25), sets us free (John 8:31-32) and shows our love to Jesus (John 14:21) as we apply what we hear, read, study, and memorize. The goal is to "meditate on [God's Word] day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it." Joshua 1:8 NIV. Our prayer should be "Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart." Psalms 119.34 NLT. Our Goal should be "teaching them to obey EVERYTHING I have commanded you" Matthew 28:20. This is how we "encourage each other daily, ... so that none of you is hardened by sin's deception." Hebrews 3:13
James 1:25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. NIV
Matthew 28:19-20 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." CSB
Matthew has 13% of the NT, Probably at least 30% of the commands (not counting repeats).
In Chapter 4
- What are we to do? (instructions to obey and Jesus’ examples to follow)
- How will you do each one this week?
- Now practice teaching them to me, primarily by using questions.
- Can be simple questions like "In verse 4 what are we to do?"