Grow: Reading Scripture
"...like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither..." -Psalm 1
"They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor." -Isaiah 61
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." -John 15
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." -Galatians 5
Growth is a rich metaphor throughout the Scriptures. Roots and branches and vines and fruit. But it is always clear that the goal is not simply producing fruit. It is the rootedness and abiding. That is the invitation. And all else grows from that.
One of the ancient paths toward this abiding life is rootedness in God's Word. Yet we often struggle with how to develop a rhythm, engage in a meaningful way, or respond to what we've read. So, here is a simple guide for growing in the Scriptures, using the easy to remember acronym, GROW. It was created in a local church for the local church. Use this for your own rhythm, for a small group, or share with your congregation.
Gather
Begin with intentionality. If you are engaging in this with another disciple, gather for intentional time together and pray for one another. If this is personal Scripture reading, ‘gather yourself’ by intentionally preparing your heart. Settle in. Don’t rush. Take a deep breath and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart, mind, soul, and body through the Word.
Read
In order to cultivate growth in Christ and bear the fruit of the Spirit, we need roots in fertile soil. We need to be planted in the Living Word and have it planted in us. So, we make engaging with Scripture a central part of our discipleship path, personally and together in community. We don’t gather to simply share our own ideas and opinions, but are intentionally shaped by the power of Scripture.
Observe
Go beyond reading and start seeing. Take a focused look at this passage and record your observations.
Walk
Discipleship calls us beyond observation and into obedience. The Word sparks authentic transformation that moves from the mind and heart into action.
*There are countless other transformative ways to engage with Scripture. One other similar model uses the acronym, SOAP, which stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer. We highly recommend that as well. We adopted GROW because it fit better with our organic metaphor of the rooted life, which made it easier to our people to remember.
**by Matt LeRoy for Love Chapel Hill
"They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor." -Isaiah 61
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." -John 15
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." -Galatians 5
Growth is a rich metaphor throughout the Scriptures. Roots and branches and vines and fruit. But it is always clear that the goal is not simply producing fruit. It is the rootedness and abiding. That is the invitation. And all else grows from that.
One of the ancient paths toward this abiding life is rootedness in God's Word. Yet we often struggle with how to develop a rhythm, engage in a meaningful way, or respond to what we've read. So, here is a simple guide for growing in the Scriptures, using the easy to remember acronym, GROW. It was created in a local church for the local church. Use this for your own rhythm, for a small group, or share with your congregation.
Gather
Begin with intentionality. If you are engaging in this with another disciple, gather for intentional time together and pray for one another. If this is personal Scripture reading, ‘gather yourself’ by intentionally preparing your heart. Settle in. Don’t rush. Take a deep breath and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart, mind, soul, and body through the Word.
- How do you need God’s help?
- How has He been at work in your life?
Read
In order to cultivate growth in Christ and bear the fruit of the Spirit, we need roots in fertile soil. We need to be planted in the Living Word and have it planted in us. So, we make engaging with Scripture a central part of our discipleship path, personally and together in community. We don’t gather to simply share our own ideas and opinions, but are intentionally shaped by the power of Scripture.
- What passage are you reading?
- Where does this fit in the larger story?
Observe
Go beyond reading and start seeing. Take a focused look at this passage and record your observations.
- What do you see?
- What stands out to you?
- What does this mean?
- What does this mean for us?
Walk
Discipleship calls us beyond observation and into obedience. The Word sparks authentic transformation that moves from the mind and heart into action.
- What are my action steps in response?
- How will I obey?
- How will I walk this out in my life?
*There are countless other transformative ways to engage with Scripture. One other similar model uses the acronym, SOAP, which stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer. We highly recommend that as well. We adopted GROW because it fit better with our organic metaphor of the rooted life, which made it easier to our people to remember.
**by Matt LeRoy for Love Chapel Hill
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