How to Read and Study the Bible

How to Read and Study the Bible Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Why should I read and study the Bible? • “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)

Where do I start? • Commit to following Christ as Lord of your life • “But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.” - 1 Corinthians 2:14 (NLT) • Tell God you want to hear from Him and live His Word

10 Simple Steps • Commit yourself • Set realistic goals • Set aside a time and place • Choose the right tools • Pray • Read and reread • Take notes • Keep a few things in mind • Ask yourself a few questions • Memorize Scripture

1. Commit Yourself • Decide you will do it • Stick to it for at least 10-12 weeks for it to become a long-term habit • You will see a difference in your life • Your hunger will grow as you read and learn more • Never give up!

2. Set Realistic Goals • Choose a realistic pace • Choose an interesting plan • Chronological • Highlights • A little of this and that • Focus on one topic, person, book, etc. • You can read the whole Bible in a year in just 20-30 minutes each day

3. Set Aside a Time and Place • Consistent time and place each day • No interruptions • Fresh mind • Good lighting • Comfortable spot

4. Choose the Right Tools • Type of Bible • Translation • Study notes • Life application • Large print • Journaling room in the margins • Color pictures and maps

4. Choose the Right Tools • Workbook, notebook, journal, etc. • Reference materials • Bible dictionary • “Who’s who of the Bible” • Bible atlas • History book • Concordance

5. Pray • Ask God • for a receptive and disciplined heart • to speak to you through His word • for understanding

6. Read and Reread • Read the passage from a translation you understand • Reread the passage, maybe from a different translation

7. Take Notes • Underline, highlight, and take notes in your Bible if you want to • Take notes in a workbook, notebook, or journal as you read • Main characters • Time period • Main events • Things that speak to you

8. Keep a Few Things in Mind • Context • Author – who and when • Audience – who and when • Genre – type of literature • Big Picture • It’s all one story – the story of God’s people, their sin, and their salvation • It all leads to Jesus

9. Ask Yourself a Few Questions • How does this passage instruct me? • What did I learn about God? • What did I learn about myself? • What did I learn about how I’m supposed to live? • How does this passage encourage me?

10. Memorize Scripture • Why? • Jesus memorized God’s word • No better way to put it into practice • Carry God’s word with you wherever you go • How? • Start small – a verse each week • Post the verse where you’ll see it • Write it, say it, repeat it, hear it, share it

Remember… • Never, never, never give up!

How to Read and Study the Bible