How To Study The Bible
The Bible is the world's best-selling book of all time and the most stolen book. It is a library containing history, genealogy, prophecy, law, poetry, and more. The number of promises that are given in the Bible is 1,260. There are 6,468 commands, 8,000 predictions, and 3,268 fulfilled prophecies. Above all of the cool facts, the Bible holds our truth as believers, yet, according to Statista only 11% of Americans read the Bible daily. As a Christian, it is our source of knowledge and should be one of the most prioritized aspects of our spiritual walk!
2 Timothy 3:16-17; “16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Hebrews 4:12; “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Where Passion for the Word Begins
Every summer as a child, my parents would have myself and my siblings pick out a devotional from the Christian bookstore. Before watching TV or playing outside we had to complete an hour of devotion and reading. The entire summer we raced to read our Bibles and devo books so that we could start binge-watching our cartoons until our friends rang the doorbell for us to ride bikes or play basketball. One summer, I was challenged to read the entire Bible. I love reading. I spent hours in my room trying to get through the Old and New Testaments quickly. When I finally finished I felt so accomplished because some parts were very boring to me at a young age but I developed a deeper relationship with God and a passion for God’s word. Years later, I realized my passion for Biblical study was tied to my calling as a teacher in the Body of Christ. After completing Bible college and Theology school, it was the summer I read the entire Bible that still has been the most transformative for me. I learned how to study God’s word in a way that has carried me my entire life. Some scriptures I cling to now, I read over 20 years ago! The word of God has carried me through every season of my life. I’ve been encouraged, healed, delivered, and comforted through God's word. When you get into your Bible you learn who God is, what God desires for your life, answers to the world's problems and so much more.
How did your passion for God's word begin?
What will refuel your passion for God’s word? (Sit with these questions)
Key Steps to Studying God's Word:
Partner with the Holy Ghost. After you’ve accepted Christ you receive the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit according to the word is the spirit of truth who teaches us all things. (John 14:26; John 16:13) When you approach God's word ask Holy Spirit to be your teacher!
Get a Bible you understand and read it slowly. I loved the NLT version of the Bible growing up. It is easy to read and comprehend. Starting with the New Testament, I wanted to learn how Christianity began so I started with the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. ) Read a few verses or a couple of chapters a day. Whatever you do, read daily and slowly.
Keep a Journal. I suggest as you read, keep a journal of things God reveals as you are reading. Notate your questions. In your journal write commentary you can share with a Bible study group or things you are learning that you desire to reflect on.
Meditate. As you study the Bible, you are ingesting the word. Take time to absorb it and meditate on what stands out. Take time to truly reflect on what’s ministering to you or what you hear God saying to you through the text!
Make time. Whether you study by reading freely or partner your study with a devotional create space in your daily regimen to get into the word. If it's 10 minutes in the morning or 1 hour at night any time spent is valuable.
Keep Accountability. It is always a plus to have a person or a group where you can sharpen your study skills or provide insight into what you are learning.
Let’s talk about a few methods you can use during your study time:
SOAP method:
Scripture reading- Write a scripture that you’d like to focus on for the day.
Observation- Think about what stands out in this verse.
Application- Write how you can apply this verse to your life.
Prayer-Pray about the verse and what God will continue to reveal.
Lectio Divina:
Prepare your space- Many people set aside a study space that is calm/peaceful.
Read the verse -You can read the verse out loud or quietly.
Meditate on the verse- As you read it again, think intentionally about what you are receiving.
Read the verse again- During the third reading respond to what you read either by writing or praying about it.
Contemplate- Contemplate in silence on what is being impressed on your heart. This is a great time to sit still and hear God's voice.
As believers, the word of God is our foundation. It is a special book whose words come alive in us transforming our personal sphere and the world around us. The Bible details for us the character of the God we worship and introduces us to our truest selves which is found in God.
Remember to be spirit-led, intentional, and open! If in the beginning, it is difficult to study, join a study group or Bible class. Don't be discouraged if you miss a day or struggle allotting time. Keep going until quiet time with the Lord becomes a normal part of your day!
Love,
Gab
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