What is the best way to study the Bible. This short article suggests several ways we can study the Bible that both glorifies God and draws us closer to God.
The Bible is God’s Word for the world. It is inspired by God and reveals who God is, what He has done, what He is doing and what He will do in the future. It reveals that God had a plan for us so we can live with Him forever. This plan centers on our need to believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, who died for sins and bore the punishment for our sins. All we need to live with God for forever is contained in the Bible. Studying the Bible is the most God honoring and God exalting and God glorifying study activity we can undertake.
Four basic elements are discussed for effective Bible study. They are contained in the word READ: Read, Educate, Apply, Duplicate. So, lets get to it!
Read
Reading the Bible is the most essential way to start studying the Bible. It would take only 72 hours to read the Bible from cover to cover and many books of the Bible can be read in 30 minutes and other books in 15 minutes. Where should you start? First select a Study Bible that is a “word for word” translation such as the English Standard Version, the New American Standard Version or the New King James Version. Many still prefer the King James Version. See below for recommended Study Bibles.
Second, choose what to read for your study. Many begin with the Gospel of John, but shorter books are also excellent choices such as Philippians or 1 John. Pray that God will direct you in where to begin. It is not suggested that you start with a topical study, following a theme or word through the Bible, but that can certainly be done once you have become familiar with the Bible. If you choose a book or a section in a book to study, read it through at least five times to get a good understanding of what the book is all about. Next, we will discuss how to educate ourselves in understanding the Bible.
Third, choose what to read for your study. Many begin with the Gospel of John, but shorter books are also excellent choices such as Philippians or 1 John. Pray that God will direct you in where to begin. It is not suggested that you start with a topical study, following a theme or word through the Bible, but that can certainly be done once you have become familiar with the Bible. If you choose a book or a section in a book to study, read it through at least five times to get a good understanding of what the book is all about. Next, we will discuss how to educate ourselves in understanding the Bible.
Resources
Bibles:
John MacArthur Study Bibles,
Zondervan Study Bibles
Nelson Study Bibles
Books:
How to Study the Bible by John MacArthur
Reading the Bible Supernaturally by John Piper
Reading the Bible for All its Worth by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart
Educate
After reading the book or a section of a book several times, you will likely have many questions about what you read. There will be words that are new to you and ideas and concepts that need to be explained. There is an old saying, “Scripture interprets Scripture.” In your study Bible there should be a centre column or side columns that have “cross references.” These are usually references from the same book or other books of the Bible that are designed to help explain the idea or concept of the Bible verse you have read. Also, a good Study Bible will have notes below the Bible text that will give you a brief explanation of the verse or key words in the verse.
Many people make notes in the column of the Bible as they study or underline key words for future study. Also. many a notepad to write down key ideas from what they are studying. This will help you remember key concepts and ideas that will naturally arise as you study the Bible.
If you want a deeper understanding (education) of what you have read, you may want to consider acquiring a few recommended resources, see below, that will help you in your study. These resources should never replace the Bible itself. Keep the Bible as your first and best resource. The recommended resources will help you to understand meanings of Bible words and also what is the greater context of the book or passage you are studying.
Resources
Bible Concordance with Stong’s or other numbering system
Bible Dictionary: Unger’s Bible Dictionary, Hailiey’s Bible Dictionary
One volume Bible Commentary: the Moody Bible Commentary, Believer’s Bible Commentary; King James Bible Commentary
Two volume Bible Commentary: The Bible Knowledge Bible Commentary
Bible Commentary Sets:
Online set: Thomas Constable Notes (free for downloading);
Printed set: Expositor’s Bible Commentary, 12 volumes, first edition. New American Commentary Series.
Online Resources: See the Recommended Resources on this website including the digital study sites, Logos and Olive Tree.
Apply
As you study the Bible, you should discover that you need to put into practice what the Bible text is saying. Bible study should lead you to make decisions about your life, such as things that you need to repent from doing, things that you need to change in your life, and things that you should start doing. Remember that the Bible is God’s word. Carefully consider Hebrews 4:12 and Hebrews 12:25-29. Applying God’s word to your life is not an option but a necessity as you seek to glorify God in all you do. See also John 20:30-31.
Duplicate
Having completed one study, either of a book or a selection within a book is really just the beginning of your life-time journey in studying the Bible. Prayerfully consider what God would have you study next. Many begin with the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and then move on to studying the letters of Paul or the general letters from Hebrews to Revelation Others find that God is leading them to the Psalms, the Prophets and other books of the Old Testament. As you continue in your study of God’s word, you will become more efficient in discovering the many wonderful and God glorifying things that He has woven into the text of the Scriptures.