How to study the Bible

In this article you will learn how to effectively study your Bible and learn how to know that you are really understanding the correct meaning and message of a passage of Scripture.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bible
• Bible Dictionary
• Bible Atlas

1. The first thing you need to do is determine which Bible book you want to study. There are no other books in the english language where the reader picks up the book, turns to the middle of a chapter, and begins to read. The Bible is no exception! while the Bible does contain many separate books, each one of those books should be studied from beginning to end.

2. Once you have determined which Bible book you'd like to study, look up the book in your Bible dictionary. The Bible dictionary will give you excellent background information on the book such as; the date of writing, overall theme of the book, authorship, and issues discussed in the book. Many of the modern "study" Bibles also offer this type of information. However, the Bible dictionary will often go much more in depth.

3. After reading about your chosen book in the Bible dictionary, you should now look up your chosen book in the Bible atlas. The atlas will give you pertinent information regarding the customs and manners of the cultures and cities discussed or written to in your chosen book.

4. Now you are ready to begin reading through the Bible book. First, stop and ask God to help you understand what you are reading as you read carefully through the book. As you read, you will recall the different places, peoples, and issues that you already know about from having read the background material. This will bring the book into focus for you and give you a clearer understanding of its overal meaning and message.

5. Finally, ask yourself what you learned through this study. Did you see an issue that reminds you of an action you need to take? Perhaps you realized that you were acting in a wrong manner or attitude much like someone in the book? It could be that you need to follow the example given by one of the Characters in the book to make you more Christlike.

6. Now, Pray and ask the Lord to change your thoughts, attitudes, or actions in order to make you more like Him.

Tips & Warnings

• Enter the study with an open heart.
• Take your time and be thorough.
• Where you still have questions, seek wise council from a pastor or Bible teacher.
• Always study the Bible in context: picking and choosing verses at random often lead to false teaching and beliefs. The Books of the Bible were each written as one unit and should be studied as such.
• Allow scripture to interpret itself: if there is a passage that is confusing or perhaps seems misleading; determine its meaning from the teachings on that subject within other books of the Bible.
• If the Bible is silent on a subject, follow what accords with the traditions of the Christian Church and what is considered orthodox Christianity.