Becoming Like Christ (Part 5)

Dr. Donald Schmidt   -   February 23, 2025

Growing in Christ-likeness: Learning from Jesus’s Prayer Life and Bible Study

Jesus provides the perfect model for how Christians should live their lives. Two critical aspects of Jesus’s life that we should emulate are His dedication to prayer and His engagement with Scripture.

How Did Jesus Approach Prayer?

Throughout Luke’s Gospel, we see Jesus consistently withdrawing to pray, especially during pivotal moments:

 

  • Before choosing His disciples
  • Before discussing His coming suffering
  • Before His transfiguration
  • In the Garden of Gethsemane
  • Even on the cross

 

Prayer wasn’t occasional for Jesus – it was a habitual practice that characterized His life. The busier He became, the more He prioritized time alone with the Father.

How Can We Develop a Prayer Life Like Jesus?

To cultivate a meaningful prayer life:

 

  • Plan a specific time each day for prayer
  • Choose a dedicated place free from interruptions
  • Use the PRAY acronym:
    • Praise God
    • Repent of sins
    • Ask for needs
    • Yield to God’s will
  • Let Scripture guide your prayers

 

How Did Jesus Use Scripture?

In His temptation in the wilderness, Jesus repeatedly used Scripture to resist Satan’s attacks. He:

 

  • Knew Scripture thoroughly
  • Believed Scripture completely
  • Memorized Scripture diligently
  • Obeyed Scripture faithfully

 

How Can We Study the Bible Like Jesus?

To engage with Scripture effectively:

 

  • Study daily – treat it as daily bread, not occasional cake
  • Study systematically – work through entire books
  • Study submissively – apply what you learn
  • Study corporately – learn with others in church and small groups

 

Life Application

This week, commit to growing more like Christ by:

 

  • Setting aside specific daily prayer time
  • Establishing a systematic Bible reading plan
  • Finding ways to study Scripture with others

 

Ask yourself:

 

  • Am I treating prayer as a vital daily necessity or just an emergency response?
  • Do I approach Scripture to truly know God or just gain information?
  • What specific changes can I make to prioritize prayer and Bible study in my daily routine?

 

Remember: Just as Jesus relied on prayer and Scripture to fulfill His mission, we need these spiritual disciplines to grow in His likeness and fulfill our calling as His followers.