How to Study the Bible: A Guide
I’m going to start by saying, THERE IS NOT JUST ONE WAY TO STUDY THE BIBLE! Why am I yelling? Because it bothers me when Christians think they have to follow some specific guidelines of Bible study to be found worthy. Not only is this untrue, but it can create guilt and shame (especially for those who come from a works-based religious background).
I’m not that person, but I have always struggled with “performance approval.” In other words, the more I do for the Kingdom of God, the more I will please God. Or the work I do reflects me, so rarely is anything good enough (i.e., with more effort, it could always be better). ANYBODY… or is it just me?
God cannot love me more than He does right now. God cannot love me less than He does right now. God’s love for me is unchanging and unconditional. It is not dependent on my performance.
The main problem existing in the scenarios above is value being dictated by anyone other than God. When my focus shifts to how God values me (rather than what I accomplish—or don’t), I rest in the truth that there is nothing I can do to make Him love me more or less than He does right now. His love for me is unchanging and unconditional. It is perfect love, which does not depend on my performance.
This is an important personal truth for a person like me who struggles with consistency—and organization—and rules—and…
God loves and values me regardless of my successes or failures
Can I get an AMEN? Don’t believe me? Let’s head over to the Psalms and sing a song of praise with the exceedingly imperfect King David of Israel (Ex. story of Bathsheba - 2 Samuel 11).
“The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.” Psalm 145: 8-9
“Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. The Lord is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works. The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.” Psalm 145:13-14
Does this mean we shouldn’t work at improving areas of sin and weakness in our lives? Absolutely not! The Bible teaches, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24
This is the balance we must strike:
As someone who loves God’s Word and teaches it to others, I hesitate to share the truth about my Bible study routine. Why? Because there is nothing routine about how I study the Bible.
As a younger student of the Word, I sat under many wonderful Bible teachers. I bought workbooks and filled in lots and lots of blanks. It was exhilarating!
When life became more chaotic (raising children, teaching, etc.), my pursuit of God’s Word seemed to take a back seat. I studied in the so-called “cracks” of my very busy life, which was oftentimes unsuccessful.
As my boys needed me less (sad face), I was able to spend more time focused on ministry. Studying to teach became my common practice and a great joy.
Story Time: As a mother of three young boys, the goal was to wake up early to spend time with the Lord. Still in my pajamas, I’d tiptoe downstairs, grab a cup of coffee, and settle into the corner of the couch for my “quiet time.” Inevitably, one of my monsters children would sense my solitude and rush down to disturb it.
KIDDING…NOT KIDDING!
I can’t tell you how many times this happened. And I can’t tell you how many times my internal reaction was an exasperated, “God, why can’t I just be left alone so I can spend time with You without any interruptions?”
Then came the transformative day when the Holy Spirit whispered, “Rather than getting frustrated, why not invite Derek to join you? Rather than being annoyed that David is awake and wants to snuggle with you, why not teach him to read the Bible and pray? Rather than wishing away these precious moments with Brady, why not embrace them—and him?”
HOLY CONVICTION, Batman! (boy mom)
The lesson that still influences my approach to Bible study today is this: God isn’t as concerned with the amount of time spent reading and studying His Word as He is in the application of His Word. So, the question you and I should continually ask:
“ Is God’s Word doing the work in my heart and life it is meant to do? ”
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” James 1:22-25
NOW, WITHOUT FURTHER ADO…
Set aside 10-15 minutes a day to seek God in His Word. If you’re anything like me, as you begin to experience the transforming power of the Bible, you’ll want more time.
There is no specific amount of time we’re told to study the Bible. But, like everything in life, the greater the effort, the greater the reward.
Be consistent. I’m not great at consistency, but building a habit helps create the discipline we need to seek God each day. Some say creating a cozy Bible study nook enhances and encourages the experience.
Choose a Bible translation that is user-friendly and accurate. In my opinion, the best translation of the Bible is the one you will read.
I don’t want to step on any toes, but the King James Version (KJV) is NOT a holier translation than others. Yes, I said it! We don’t speak the King’s English, so why should we struggle trying to read the King’s English when so many other good options exist? Not to get snarky, but didn’t the 13 North American Colonies fight a little war in the 1700s to free us from Great Britain’s sovereign?
Now, if you like the “thees” and “thous” of the KJV, please don’t let me stop you. But I think I can speak for most modern-day English speakers, in saying it’s a more difficult translation to read and understand.
Pray asking God for wisdom and understanding before reading. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” Who better to teach you the Bible, than the author, Himself?
Be intentional. Choose what to read rather than randomly selecting a verse or passage. For example:
To understand Creation, The Fall of Man, and God’s chosen nation of Israel, read Genesis and Exodus.
If you want to learn about God’s Law as applied to the Nation of Israel, make your way through Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Be warned, this is not light reading.
Fulfilled and yet-to-be fulfilled prophesy, can be found in the Old Testament prophets (Major and Minor) as well as the book of Revelation.
For a daily dose of wisdom or comfort, consider adding a Psalm or Proverb to your reading.
If you want to study the unmatched life of Jesus, read the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
The history of the early church is in the book of Acts.
Letters written to the church by the Apostle Paul and other church leaders are filled with instruction and warning. There are 21 to choose from. Take them one at a time and try to find the overarching themes of each.
Read passages and stories in context. Not doing so will lead to errors and misunderstandings. There is a lot to learn about studying Scripture in context (literal meaning, historical setting, grammar, synthesis). For now, practice reading the passages before and after the verses you’re trying to understand. One method to avoid is Biblical cherry-picking.
Biblical cherry-picking: Picking Bible verses you like to give meaning or support to a personal situation or point you’re trying to make, while ignoring those you disagree with or don’t like.
Examples:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
“I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7
“God is love.” 1 John 4:8b
Reflect-Meditate-Apply. The Bible is God’s transformative, living Word. It is meant to change and challenge your life. For that to happen, take it with you throughout your day. Reflect on a passage you read. Choose a verse to memorize and meditate on. Don’t just learn what it says, seek to apply it.
Here are a few resources I’ve used to help me in this endeavor:
SOAP Method https://lovegodgreatly.com/how-to-soap/
SEED Method https://www.amazon.com/SEED-Bible-Study-Book-1/dp/1415869588
THE FIVE DAY BIBLE READING PROGRAM – www.FiveDayBibleReading.com
Olive Tree Bible App
Strong’s Concordance App
BLB App – Blue Letter Bible
Got Questions www.gotquestions.org
Find a community of believers. God intended us to do life with each other. If you are a follower of Jesus, we need you. You are a critical part of the body of Christ. If you haven’t already, try to find a Bible-believing church or an in-person Bible study nearby. If that’s not possible, there are a slew of us online to help answer questions, encourage, and walk with you as you seek to grow up in Christ.
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. Romans 12:4-5
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20
