How Can I Study the Bible? by Ruth Ellen Painter

As we begin our brand new life in Christ, we are eager to learn more about walking in His way. One of the most important things that we can do to accomplish this goal is to study the Word of God, for from its pages comes life. “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63).

 Some simple steps that we can take will help us understand and grow in our knowledge of the Bible.

Go to the source. Study the Bible itself, not books about the Bible. Compare scripture with scripture. The Bible explains itself.

“But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night” (Psalm 1:2).

“For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little” (Isaiah 28:10).

Accept the Bible as completely true. Many disregard the accounts contained within its pages and think them mere fables, but God’s Word is absolutely true.

“Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever” (Psalm 119:160).

“For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven (Psalm 119:152).

“But holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (II Peter 1:21).

Make a plan. Systematic, consistent study is essential to spiritual growth. You may want to study by topic, by Bible character, a book analysis, or a verse analysis. (A concordance will help you locate related scriptures easily.)

“Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39).

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4).

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15).

“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (I Peter 2:2).

Pray for understanding. It is important to combine prayer with study of the Bible. Ask God to open your heart to His Word and give you insight into the meaning of each passage as you study.

“The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple” (Psalm 119:130).

“The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live” (Psalm 119:144).

“Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding . . . Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God” (Proverbs 2:3, 5). (Also read verses 1-13.)

“Understanding is a well-spring of life unto him that hath it” (Proverbs 16:22).

Make it personal. Keep pen and paper beside you as you study. Write down any thoughts or impressions that come to you. Note any questions you may have regarding the passage. Define key words and phrases to increase your understanding. (A good Bible dictionary will help with this.)

“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law” (Psalm 119:18).

“O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day” (Psalm 119:97).

Apply the Word to Your Daily Life. It is not enough just to study God’s Word; you must also obey what is written. Put what you learn into practice.

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was” (James 1:22-24).

“Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded” (Proverbs 13:13).

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (II Timothy 3:16).

 

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