How to Study the Bible

Bible Study Guidelines

The Bible was written by God, so it’s extremely important!

God gave us Scripture, His Word, so that we could know Who He is and who we are. It holds deeper truth than anyone can ever completely wrap their mind around. It has continued to be relevant for over 2000 years. 

When you really look at Scripture, all the ancient documents, and the importance of them, it’s pretty incredible that people like you and me are able to have copies of it. 

Every time you read your Bible, the goal is to meet with, know, and hear from God. He speaks to us through His Word. One of the most important things you can do each day is spend time in God’s Word. Below, is outlined a strategy to study God’s Word in a meaningful way. Use this method each day as you sit down to study God’s Word. 

Remember: We seek to know not only what the Bible says, but also what it means, and how we are changed by it so that when we encounter the various situations in our lives, we respond in line with God’s will. 

Before you begin:

Approach your study each day with prayer, asking God to open your heart and mind to what He will be saying to you through His Word. 

Five basic steps to study the Bible:

~ 1. Observation: what does it say?

Who, what, when, where, why, how do you see in this passage?

What is surprising, emphasized, or challenging? Anything else?

~ 2. Interpretation: what does it mean?

Read the principles on the back side - this is the most crucial step and will take the most time.  

        The more time you put in during the “Observation” stage, the easier this will be.

~ 3. Application: how am I changed? How do I respond?

How does your life compare to this? What does this passage say to someone in your shoes. 

        How specifically will you change? 

Keep in mind that Application isn’t about next week when a certain situation comes up. You should ask “how does this change me right now?” Obviously it will impact what happens in every situation and there are definitely specific implications, but remember that God’s Word has power. The change should occur right now. How are you changed right now? Then that change will continue to overflow and affect other areas of your life in the future. Your decisions should be reflective of a changed heart and mind. 

~ 4. Pray: (prayer is talking to God) 

What do you need to praise God for, repent of, ask Him for, or yield in response to this Scripture 

         passage?

~ 5. Sharing it with someone: don’t keep it to yourself!

Who will you share this truth with? How will you share it? 

Interpretation Principles:

As you read the Bible, seek to understand what it means, and apply it to your life, please keep these principles in mind. 

1. Content – This flows from the Observation. You look at terms, structure, the grammar (who do the pronouns refer to? who is “he” or “they?”), the who/what/where/when/why/etc.. The more observation you do, the more content you have and the easier interpretation will be. 

2. Context – The Bible is a unified book. It is 66 books that stand together as one. Context basically means you look at the before and after of the passage you’re studying. Keep in mind the historical situation, the cultural situation, the geography, and the theological situation surrounding the passage. Also: the Bible NEVER contradicts itself!

3. Comparison – compare Scripture with Scripture. Remember that Scripture will never contradict itself. You can, almost always, use the Bible to help you understand and explain what’s in the Bible. Using a concordance (like in the back of many Bibles) and cross reference notes are both great way to compare Scripture to Scripture.

4. Culture – Culture was mentioned in Context, but it’s important enough for its own point. You need to look at the cultural background of not only the writer of the passage, but also who it was written to. A good study Bible (MacArthur, Reformation, ESV) will be a very helpful tool.

5. Consultation – This involves looking at what others have said about the passage. The technical term is “secondary resources.” Bible dictionaries, Bible handbooks, atlases, good commentaries, and other tools can be very helpful. Looking at what others say about a text can be helpful in understanding it for yourself. This should never be the first step you take. Always do this last. (the ESV MacArthur Study Bible is an excellent place to start. If you don’t have one, get one here)

Journaling - Write it down. It helps you solidify what you’re thinking and you won’t forget what you’ve learned. The difference between reading and studying is a pen and paper (or keyboard, or iPad, etc.). 

One of the biggest benefits of journaling is that it forces you to fully process your thoughts. If you have to write it down, it’s no longer thoughts floating around in your head, but words written down. And now, you won’t forget what you’ve learned because it’s in writing.

Check back on Wednesday for a specific method for the “Observation” part of your Bible.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Rob

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