Learn an Easy Step-by-Step Method to Study the Bible

There are many ways to study the Bible. This method is just one to consider.

If you need help, this particular method is ideal for beginners, but can be aimed at any level of study. As you become more comfortable studying God's Word, you will begin to develop your own techniques and discover favourite resources that will make your study very personal and meaningful.

You took the biggest step by getting started. Now begins the real adventure .

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Choose a book from the Bible
With this method you will study an entire book of the Bible. If you have never done this before, start with a small book, preferably from the New Testament. The book of James , Titus, 1 Peter, or 1 John are all good choices for freshmen. Plan to spend 3-4 weeks studying the book you have chosen.

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Start with prayer
Probably, one of the most common reasons why Christians do not study the Bible is based on this complaint: "I just do not understand!" Before you begin each study section, begin by praying and asking God to open your spiritual understanding.

The Bible says in 2 Timothy 3:16, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (NIV) So, as you pray, realize that the words you are studying are inspired by God.

Psalm 119: 130 tells us, "The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple." (NIV)

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Read the whole book
Then spend your time, maybe a few days, through the whole book. Do this more than once. As you read, look for themes that can be woven into the chapters.
Sometimes you will find a general message in the book. For example, in the book of James, an obvious theme is " persevering through the trials ." Take notes on the ideas that come to you.

Also look for "life program principles." An example of a life application principle in the book of James is: "Make sure your faith is more than just a statement - it should lead to action."

It is a good practice to try out these themes and applications on your own while meditating, even before you start using other study tools. It provides an opportunity for God's Word to speak to you personally.

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Zoom in
Now you will read and read the book verse by resistance, break the text, search for deeper understanding.

Hebrews 4:12 begins with, "For the word of God is alive and active ..." (NIV) Are you beginning to get excited about Bible study? What a powerful statement!

In this step we will see what the text looks like under a microscope as we begin to break it down. Use a Bible dictionary and look at the meaning of the word that lives in the original language . It is the Greek word 'Zaõ' meaning, "not only to live, but to live, to revive, to revive." You begin to see a deeper meaning: "God's Word causes life to prosper, to make it worse."

Because God's Word is alive , you can study the same course several times and continue to discover new, relevant applications through your walk of faith.

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Choose your tools
As you continue this verse through verse study, there is no limit to the richness of understanding and growth that comes from your time in God's Word.

For this part of your study, you will want to consider choosing the right tools to help your learning, such as a commentary , lexicon or Bible dictionary.

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Be a Word of the Word
Do not just study God's Word for the sake of studying. Make sure you put the Word into practice in your life.

Jesus said in Luke 11:28, "But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice." (NLT)

If God speaks to you personally or through the application principles in the text, you need to apply those nuggets in your daily life.

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Set your own pace

Once you have finished the first book, choose another one and follow the same steps.

[Click HERE to get started.]