The Basics
Studying the Bible is an important part of Christian life. It is key in fostering a relationship with God that involves deepening faith and understanding. There are a variety of Bible study methods to take part in, whether in a group or by yourself. However, it can be daunting to try and figure out how to study the Bible for yourself. Here are some tips to get you started.
The most important thing in understanding the Bible is to establish the right context. This means that in order to truly comprehend what you’re reading, you must be aware of the setting and language of the Bible. It was originally written in Hebrew and Greek, so studying commentaries and bible dictionaries can help with understanding the translated English. It is also important to think about the content of the text in terms of its cultural and historical context.
A helpful tool for understanding the Bible is to study it book by book. To do this, read slowly and thoughtfully. By reading slowly, it helps to understand the context and look at the details in the text. To read thoughtfully, take note of words and phrases, research further, and apply the content to daily life.
In addition to reading the Bible book by book, it is also useful to study it chapter by chapter. Doing this ensures that each chapter is focused on and understood more closely. It is especially beneficial to note when a chapter starts and finishes, and to also look out for anything repeated in the text, as well as any themes that may have been established.
Moreover, make sure to understand the genre of the Bible book you’re studying. Make sure to note if it’s a narrative, a letter, a psalm, a poem or an apocalyptic vision. Understanding the genre will help you understand the writing better and can help you to gain an insight into the text.
Finally, look for key messages. Every Bible book should have a main point or key message that is taken away from it; it’s up to you to look for it. By trying to establish what that key message is and what it implies, it helps to apply the text to our own lives.
Methods
There are various ways to study the Bible by yourself. Here are some helpful methods.
The first is the S.O.A.P method. This stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. To use this method, you first need to read the selected passage of the Bible. Then, use observations about what was said, asking yourself questions such as ‘What stands out?’, ‘What does that mean for me?’ or ‘What does this teach me about how I should act?’ From these observations, you can then look to apply these to your daily life by thinking about what practical steps you can take and how you can live each day. Lastly, use a guided prayer to reflect on what you have read and to pray that God is present in your life.
Another method to explore is the Mark This method. This is a note-taking method, to help you remember what you have read. It requires jotting down the main points, thoughts, questions and any follow-up steps you should take. Additionally, it’s useful to mark key themes or ideas with different colours, as a visual representation of what you have learnt.
A final method to use is to create a Bible study journal. This requires the same steps of observe, apply and pray, but it adds one extra step. By creating a journal, it helps to note any insights, and capture thoughts and reflections. It helps to better explore emotions, and can also be a useful way to look back as to what was learnt from each scripture passage.
Preparing
Understanding the Bible and getting the most out of it is easier when you are prepared to put in the effort. It’s vitally important to maintain consistency in Bible study, for the best results. To stay consistent, it may help to set a plan or a goal. Doing this puts structure into the task and allows you to know what you will work on.
Additionally, it is beneficial to note the time of day that is more comfortable and beneficial for yourself. Doing this ensures that Bible study slot lands in a time between stress and boredom, as you’ll get the most out of it. Moreover, can also prepare by editing the environment in which you’re studying. Find a comfortable place to study and make sure to prepare with snacks and drinks that will keep you focused and motivated.
Technology
Technology is the world we live in today and it can be helpful for Bible study. It’s important to remember that technology is not a replacement for biblical study, but can be an effective tool to help. There are many apps and websites available to help with Bible study. Apps such as Foundations and Bible App can help to search for certain scriptures, follow plans, and even get notifications to keep you on track.
Other websites such as Bible Gateway provide in-depth information on all types of Bible studies including commentaries and devotional readings. Additionally, ‘The Bible Project’ website serves as a great educational resource for further understanding the contents of the Bible, with videos and animations to keep it entertaining.
Study Partners
Whilst studying the Bible by yourself is possible and can be done effectively, it is also beneficial to join a small group or find a Bible study partner. Look out for Bible study groups as they can be useful as they can help to grow your knowledge and keep you accountable. Having a spiritual mentor or Bible study partner is particularly beneficial as it can be a great support system. This means that you don’t have to gather all the information yourself, as they can help you to understand things you may not have noticed before.
Questions
In your Bible study journey, it can be very helpful to ask questions. Asking questions holds you accountable for understanding what you have read and can open up conversations for further delving into the topics. It is also important to look out for the main questions being asked in the Bible passage, so you gain the main points that were being said.
Questions should also be asked that change your attitude or outlook on how to live life. These questions can help to apply the information from the Bible to everyday life cases and scenarios.
Scripture Memory
Scripture memory is an effective and helpful way to gain a deeper understanding of the Bible. It allows you to focus on the words and helps with meditation. By repeating what is being said and speaking it out loud, it becomes familiar and helps to gain a better understanding of the scripture.
It is important to slowly implement this as a method for study. First, try to memorise a verse or two at a time, focusing on repetition and being conscious of what is being said. Eventually, you’ll be able to be aware of the main points in the Bible, enabling you to go into more complex topics.
Practice Bible Study
It is important to practice in order to grow an understanding of the Bible. Practise Bible study by finding a plan to work through, such as scripture reading plans. Doing this requires only 10 minutes a day, which can increase depending what suits you. The more time spent on tackling the Bible, the more it will be understood.
It is also useful to attend a Bible Study class to improve your knowledge. Doing this will help to understand the Scripture better with the help of a Bible teacher. By asking questions and discussing it with others, deeper understanding of the topics are formed.
Summary
Studying the Bible for yourself can feel intimidating and complicated. Nevertheless, understanding the Bible is key for Christian life and a relationship with God. Establishing the right context, such as its culture and language, is important to gain an insight. To help with this, study the Bible book by book and chapter by chapter, understanding the genre and looking for key messages.
There is an array of methods to help with understanding the Bible. These include the S.O.A.P method, the Mark This method and a Bible study journal. To reap the best rewards, practise must be applied such as spending 10 minutes a day reading scripture, as well as joining small groups and finding a study partner.
Finally, technology can be a helpful tool, with many apps and websites available to help with Bible studies. Make sure to also ask questions to open up conversations and to also use scripture memory. With dedication and openness to the word of God, anyone can study the Bible effectively and become closer to God.
