Studying the Bible: Preparation
Introduction There's a riddle that goes: "How do you eat an elephant?" Answer: "One bite at a time." Many people find it difficult just to read through the Bible cover-to-cover one time; so to them, the thought of studying the Bible may seem like an impossible task. There is so much material to cover and some of it is really difficult to understand. But, as with any other large task, such as eating an elephant, if you know how to do it and divide it into smaller parts, you will accomplish a great deal. Tools for Study Nevertheless, you need to have your own Bible. If you don't already have your own Bible, there are several agencies and ministries online that can assist you in obtaining one: In the Bible, physical sight is closely connected to spiritual sight. In fact, the Scriptures often use the word "seeing" to mean "knowing spiritual truth". According to 2 Corinthians 4:4 those who don't believe the Gospel about Christ are blinded by Satan so they cannot see the light that comes from God's Word. (see also Matthew 13:14-16) And Isaiah 44:18 says that those who reject God "close their eyes and their minds to the truth." On the other hand, the pure in heart, those who love God, will "see God" as Matthew 5:8 tells us. Yet, many Christians do not really study God's Word as they should, and therefore, do not "see" or experience as much of God's truth as He wants us to have. The goal of our Bible study is to have greater spiritual insight which will result in a more intimate relationship with our loving God. We want to know God's truth and apply it to our life in our daily decisions and actions (see 1 Corinthians 2:13-16). Through careful study, we will be better prepared to recognize and reject false teachings. You should write references to other passages so you can read and compare them. Also write any questions that come to your mind as you read, or any thoughts you have. Later when you read over your notes, you will begin to understand the Bible better and you can answer some of your own questions. These three tools — the Bible, your physical and spiritual eyes, and a pen and paper — are really all you need to study the Bible. Other tools that are helpful to Bible study include: There are many other excellent Bible resources under the "ABTI" tab on AOCI's main site. Above all, ask the Holy Spirit for divine guidance as you put into practice the study methods you learn in these lessons. Basic Rules of Interpretation First Rule of Interpretation: Ask Questions We will use Romans 8:26-27 as a sample passage to interpret: "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." From this specific passage alone, let's start answering the questions above: Second Rule of Interpretation: Explain the Meaning The Context Helps to Make the Meaning Clear Next, we can go back to the first chapter to learn that the author was the Apostle Paul, and he was writing to the believers in Rome. After giving his greetings, he states his main purpose of the entire book of Romans in verses 16 and 17: the gospel of Jesus Christ teaches that salvation is by faith, not by anything else. Now we can see how the emphasis in Romans 8:26-27 on our victory through the Holy Spirit supports Paul's main purpose. He teaches that faith brings salvation and future glory in heaven. Third Rule of Interpretation: Study Other Passages These three rules become easier to use the more you employ them in your study of God's Word. Pray for Guidance We have the Holy Spirit to direct us in God's will for us. The Holy Spirit dwells in us, continually, and is our guide. "But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie--just as it has taught you, abide in him." (1 John 2:27) Remember, people who do not have God's Spirit in them cannot interpret the spiritual truths of the Bible. But neither can we, unless the Holy Spirit helps us. He doesn't force the truth on us. We must pray for understanding as King David did in Psalm 119:18-19:
If you have never prayed Scripture, this might be a good time to start. Before you begin your study, you might pray David's words above and also: "[May] the God of [my] Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give [me] a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of [You], having the eyes of [my] heart enlightened, that [I] may know what is the hope to which [You have] called me, what are the riches of [Your] glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of Your power toward [me]." (from Ephesians 1:17-19) Effective Bible study depends on prayer: "Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:13) Once again, let us refer to 2 Timothy 3:16-17: This passage explains why we must study God's Word. Pray that the Holy Spirit will help you learn as much as you can about interpreting God's Word.
by Rev. Linda Smallwood, BBS, M.Min.
Now that we have described the Bible, studied how to create an outline, understood the literary styles, and discussed reasons for studying the Bible, it's time to begin a discussion on how to study the Bible. In this lesson we'll quickly take a look at the tools you need in order to gain the greatest benefit from your study.
The best way to grow spiritually is to study the Bible itself. While the studies and teachings of other people can be quite helpful, you cannot rely on those for your spiritual growth. The study of God's Word is an individual task, perhaps the most personal task you will ever do. It will affect your whole being — who you are, what you do, how you feel.
To those of us living the West, this may seem like a ludicrous or ironic point, as it's common for many people in America and Western Europe to have more than one Bible. However, that is not the case for many people in third-world and developing countries or in countries where Christians are persecuted.
For devotional study, you may have one favorite Bible translation that you prefer and use consistently. However, for in-depth studies, it is helpful to have more than one version of the Bible so you can compare the wording of difficult passages of Scripture. The Bible expresses all of God's revelation to man. It tells you all you need to know about your life in Christ and your eternal life in heaven. Thus, the Bible is its own best interpreter. The more you study it, the more you understand its meaning.
This also may seem ludicrous, even ridiculous, to mention. But I mention it here to remind you that Bible study requires your full undivided attention. This is not something you do casually around the dinner table or while you're watching TV.
There is a direct correlation between writing something and remembering it because you "see" it in a different way. As you actually write repeated words or special things that are mentioned, you will "see" more of what the writer intended.
A Bible Concordance is similar to a book's index. It lists in alphabetical order all the words of the Bible and their Scripture references. For example, if you wanted to read several Scriptures about "faith", you could easily find them by looking up the word "faith" in the Concordance. Many Bibles have a small concordance in the back of them, or you can use the online Concordances and Lexicons we have provided for free at Online Concordances.
Dictionaries provide definitions of difficult words and information about biblical times, places, culture, and people. If you don't have a Bible dictionary, we have provided links to several online Dictionaries.
These are books written by various Bible scholars who share their own understanding of the Scriptures based on their long and intense studies. We have links to several online Bible Commentaries here.
If this is your first time of actually trying to study the Bible, you should begin with a short book (such as Colossians, which we will study together later). Although you may be able to read more, you really should plan to study only about 20-25 verses a day. Your study will take considerably more time than the reading will. You should cover a short passage [segment] each day in order to gain the most out of your study.
Just as you may have questions about how to study, you may have questions about the meaning of certain passages of Scripture. How can you interpret or explain the meaning of them? One rule of interpretation is: Ask questions about each passage of Scripture. Use the following list as a guide, but you should develop your own questions also.
In order to answer the other questions, we must read the verses preceding and following this passage. These verses are referred to as the "context". By reading verses 1-25, we see that the author is discussing our new life in the Spirit (vs. 5, 9) as children of God (vs. 14, 17) who have hope in a future glory (v. 18). This context helps us to understand the author's purpose, why we have the power of the Holy Spirit in our prayers. It is because of who we are in Christ.
When a passage presents limited teaching or a seeming conflict, we need to study other passages that give related teaching. This third rule of interpretation provides a more complete and balanced teaching of the truth. Perhaps the margins of your Bible may list related Scriptures. If not, check your Concordance for Scriptures related to a key word in the passage you're trying to understand.
Before you begin any task, it's important to pray for God's wisdom and guidance. This is especially true when you begin to study God's Word. Don't ignore or overlook the relationship between prayer and your study of His Word.
