How to Study the Bible

Study the Bible? Sounds hard. And it is. Like anything in life you have to work hard for it. In a sermon I heard on the coast once the preacher said, "Of course the Bible is hard to study! Studying is hard!" We do it in school and college and think we're done with the reading and note taking. But we're never done. Shouldn't we study God's word as diligently as we would as if for a upcoming test? Ezra did.

"For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord and to practice it, and at teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel." -Ezra 7:10

"I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens." -Ecc. 1:13

The great men of old knew how important it is to study the word of God. We need to read our B.I.B.L.E. (basic instructions before leaving earth). How can we know God's plan or his rules for our life? Can you teach a chemistry class without ever picking up the textbook?

"The greater one's faith the more diligent will be his search for understanding of the divine message." -Jimmy Thomas

"The works of the Lord are great,
Studied by all who have pleasure in them.
His work is honorable and glorious,
And His righteousness endures forever.
He has made His wonderful works to be remembered" -Psalms 111:2-4

David praises the words of the Lord here, shouldn't we feel the same? Sometimes it is hard to know what to do or where to read. For me, as long as I have a highlighter, I'm good to go. But here's a couple tips from a Truth Tract by Jimmy Thomas with lots of good points and tips. It definitely helped me!

1. Accept the Bible as the Word of God.

2. Expect to understand the Bible. It's not a hard, complicated book. It was written by fishermen for the comman person so that all would understand!

3. Love the truth. " That which one loves, he seeks and, if he can obtains. If he hungers and thirsts after righteousness he shall be filled." -Matt. 5:6

4. Desire to do God's will.

5. Have an open mind.

6. Study for the right reasons.

7. Study diligently. "This book of the law shall not depart out of my mouth, but thou shalt meditate there on day and night, that thou mayest observe to di according to all that is written." Josh. 1:8. "Oh how I love thy law, it is my meditation all the day." Psalms 119:97

8. Study methodically. Have a study plan and stick to it. You can find them online and sometimes in the back of your bible.

9. Regard the divisions of the Bible. New and Old, book by book, chapter by chapter.

10. Consider the context. Who is speaking? Who is being adressed? Whats being discussed?

11. Accept all that is given on each subject. Form an opinion on not once verse, but all on the subject.

12. Take the Bible for what it says.

You will reap from the benefits of bible study. You will grow in knowledge, wisdom, and your relationship with Christ.

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day." -2 Cor. 4:16

Try it out, start a bible plan. Once you dive in it's not as hard as it seems. You will reap the benefits for the rest of your life.