How to Study the Bible
- Boma
- Jul 27, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 26, 2024
Studying the Bible is a transformational practice that can provide guidance, inspiration, and wisdom. Regular and consistent Bible study can lead to a strong foundation in Christ. Bible study is more than reading or listening to the Bible. It is the active pursuit of understanding God's Word. Whether you are a long-time Believer or new to the faith, studying the Bible is essential for Biblical character formation and growth in Christ-likeness. However, if you don't know how or are already juggling a lot, Bible study can feel daunting. Don't worry; I have got you covered. In this post, you will find various methods, tips, and guidance to help you study the Bible effectively and meaningfully.
This is the first in a series of posts on studying the Bible. Upcoming posts will cover specific Bible study methods and tools for studying the Bible. Subscribe now so you don't miss any!
The Importance of Studying the Bible
We are over halfway through the year and God is still calling us to go deeper with His Word. Do you feel it? One way we can do this is through studying the Bible.
The Bible contains spiritual nourishment and teachings to live by. By studying the Bible, we can grow in our faith, gain insights to live by, and find comfort and hope in times of need. As we study the Bible to understand what it says and means for us, the Word of God produces life within us.
The righteousness of Your testimonies is everlasting; Give me understanding, and I shall live. Psalm 119:144 NKJV
This life could be in the form of wisdom, comfort, or clarity. But ultimately, as we study the Bible our prayer is to receive what Paul prayed for the church in Ephesus in Ephesians 1:17-19 (ESV):
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might -
Establishing a Routine
Consistency is key when it comes to studying the Bible. By making Bible study a regular habit you can deepen your understanding of God's Word and strengthen your spiritual life. Dedicate a specific time to study the Scriptures. Whether morning, lunchtime or evening, find a routine that works for you. Write down when and where you intend to study. This simple act makes you more likely to achieve your goals. Put a reminder in your phone or write it on your calendar. Try to find a time when you are least likely to be interrupted. Explain what you are doing and why to family members if applicable.
Whilst I recommend engaging with the Word of God every day, Bible study does not have to be daily. For example, you could set aside time one day a week or fortnight to go deeper with the Word of God through study.
Routines are great for establishing habits but remember to be flexible. Sometimes it can take a while to find a routine that works. Other times, things that once worked stop working for a while or longer. Things can happen that stop us from studying as we would like for a day or even longer. The important thing is to get back to it as soon as possible.
Sometimes due to children's illness, interrupted sleep, schedules or other reasons I am temporarily unable to study the Word at my usual time. I may choose to catch up at the next scheduled opportunity or look for another opportunity outside of the schedule to help maintain the discipline.
Seasons also change so a routine that once worked might no longer be achievable. This can be especially true when you have children. Their sleep patterns, schedules health and other needs change can sometimes affect our routines. Rather than getting frustratred and trying to make it work anyway, recognise and accept the season has changed and try something new. My Bible time has bounced between early mornings, late evenings and even midafternoons for a while - all depending on the seasons of my household.
Choose the Right Translation
Choosing the right translation can make all the difference to the success of your Bible study. Whilst understanding can be gained from reading the same passage in different Bible translations, it is useful to have a primary version to study from. It is also important to understand what type of translation you have.
Read more about choosing a Bible translation here: Which Bible Should I Use?
Choosing the Right Tools
Having the right tools can enhance your Bible study experience. The essentials are the Bible and something to write with and on. A study Bible is a great place to start as it will have notes and commentary to aid your study.
My favourite study Bible is the Spirit-Filled Life Bible
My favourite notebooks for my Bible study notes are these:
They are great quality, durable, come in a variety of colours, and have lots of pages.
Consider using concordances, commentaries, and online resources to support your Bible study. These tools can provide valuable context, historical background, and interpretations to expand your understanding of the text. Additionally, apps and websites that offer daily devotionals and study plans can help keep you engaged and inspire your next study.
Subscribe for a weekly devotional direct to your inbox.
Engage with Different Study Methods
There are several methods you can use to study the Bible, depending on your learning style and preferences. I will go into more depth about some of these in upcoming posts. Some common techniques include:
Verse-by-verse study: Analyse individual verses in depth, exploring the meaning of each word and its significance in context.
Topical study: Focus on specific themes or topics across different books of the Bible to gain a comprehensive understanding of a particular subject.
Character study: Examine the lives of biblical figures to learn valuable lessons and insights about faith, perseverance, and obedience.
Historical study: Discover the historical and cultural background of biblical passages to gain a deeper appreciation for the context in which they were written.
Chapter summaries: Summarise the main points of each chapter to grasp the overall message and flow of the text.
Tips for Effective Bible Study
Remember the aim of studying the Bible is not to fill our heads with Bible knowledge but to allow our hearts to be transformed into Christ-likeness as we find the nature of God revealed through His Word. With this in mind, here are some tips for effective Bible study:
Pray for guidance: Begin your study sessions by asking the Holy Spirit for wisdom and discernment to understand God's word.
Take notes: Have a dedicated place to write reflections, questions, and key insights as you read, creating a record you can review in the future.
Study with others: Engaging with others in a group setting can provide diverse perspectives and generate discussions that deepen your understanding.
Apply what you learn: Consider how what you are studying applies to your life and how it can be acted on because there is Blessing in Action.
How to Study the Bible
Studying the Bible can nurture and establish you in the Word and faith. By establishing a routine, choosing the right Bible translation, using the right tools, engaging with different study methods, and following these tips, you will be equipped for a transformational journey through the Scriptures.
Blessing in Action: How to Study the Bible
Are you satisfied with your current level of engagement in Bible study? No matter how you answer, ask yourself why. This will help you identify what you can change and what you can maintain.
Consider ways you can improve or develop a Bible study habit. Commit to using some of the methods or tips for Bible study this week.
Subscribe now so you don't miss any upcoming posts and resources on studying the Bible, including guides to specific Bible study methods, tools for studying the Bible, and more.
Let me know in the comments which study method you want to learn more about.
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