How to Study the Bible

 by Mihran Kulhanjian

There are many ways to study the Bible. The Bible is many books in one, with one great purpose:  to reveal the living Word of God, the Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:1-18)

Devotional Bible study is "reading and studying the Word of God in order that we may hear God's voice personally and that we may know how to do His will and to live a better Christian life." (Holy Bible Family Reference Edition KJV 1971, pg. 1086, Royal Pub.)

Dr. Howard A. Kelley said: "The best way to study the Bible is to read it daily with close attention and with prayer to see the light that shines from its pages, to meditate upon it, and to continue to read it until somehow it works itself, its words, its expressions, its teachings, its habits of thought, and its presentation of God and His Christ into...one's being"

 

How Do You Begin?

  • Begin with a prayer
  • Take notes of what you read
  • Read a passage slowly and ask yourself what the passage is about

 

Ask yourself these questions:

  • What is the main subject of the passage?
  • Who is writing or speaking and to whom?
  • Whendoes this take place?
  • Wheredoes this take place?
  • Whydoes the author write the passage?
  • What is the key verse of the passage?
  • Howdoes the passage fit in within the context?
  • How does this passage teach me about the Lord?
  • Is there sin for me to confess from this passage?
  • Is there a command for me to obey?
  • Is there a promise for me to claim?
  • Is there instruction for me to follow?
  • Is there a prayer I should pray?

Write down in your journal and take notes as you read, and after reading the passage. Read the passage a second time to firm up your answers and to gain deeper insight.

Memorization

It is good to memorize many verses or passages. For instance, you should memorize the Lord's Prayer. You might also want to memorize verses that speak to you more personable—verses that inspire you to live a Christian life.

 

What is Inductive Bible Study?

Inductive Bible study is applying inductive reasoning as an investigative approach. This is the process of gathering information and then drawing a conclusion.  We do this with:

  1. Observation (What does the passage say? Who, What, Where, When)
  2. Interpretation (What does the passage mean?)
  3. Application (How is the passage applied to my life? What does it mean for me personally? How does this truth affect me, my relationship with others and my relationship with God?)

With inductive study you become involved with the Bible on a more intimate level.

You Can Study the Bible Many Ways

  • By Chapters: There are 1189 Chapters in the Bible. You can study a Chapter a day. In just over three years you will have studied the Bible.
  • By Paragraphs. What is the main idea? Now rewrite the paragraph in your own words. Read again and rewrite.
  • By Verses: Break each verse down by separating nouns and verbs for deeper investigation.  
  • By Books: There is the inductive method of study, which was noted. There is also the synthetic method, which entailed the student to read the Book several times until the message /main theme of the Book is clearly revealed.
  • By Words: Study great words: faith, belief, love, law, 
  • By Topics: Prayers, songs, sermons, God's commands, etc.
  • Through Biography: God reveals Himself to men and through men: The life of Noah, the life of Abraham, etc.

 

Family Bible Study

Daily family Bible study brings the family together. This is very important for children. Study should be 40-45 minutes. Have a different member begin with a prayer. Read a Chapter. Have each member read a verse from the Chapter. Then ask questions. Every member should have a journal to record the study session.  You can also start or finish by everybody singing a hymn

Starting Your Daily Study

You need a routine. Make Bible Study into a good habit. The best time to study is when your mind is fresh and well rested. Setting a study time right after you wake is a good time. Plan to study for 40 to 45 minutes with no breaks or disruptions. Here is how you do it:

  • Plan undisturbed time each day
  • Write Down your plan and purpose for study. What do you hope to accomplish? With a plan and a purpose you have an objective to achieve.
  • Prepare by praying first:
  • (Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.—Psalm 119:34). Many prayers are available in Psalm.
  • Read slowly and carefully. Do not rush yourself.
  • Ask questions while reading
  • Turn the scripture into a prayer