Have a plan. People often chose random chapters to read when they open the Bible. This approach is
confusing and doesn’t allow the authors points to be seen, nor does it allow the characters stories to
develop. Having a plan means that you’re going to start at the beginning of a book (like Mark, Acts,
Genesis, etc.) and read that book through, completely without jumping around to other books. This
approach gives you the chance to hear what the author of that book intended you to hear. You have
the benefit of seeing the story unfold, the characters develop, and the lessons to be seen in full
context. This approach makes your time in the Word more productive.
Start with prayer. I start by praying Psalm 119:18. This is a prayer that asks the Holy Spirit for help in
Bible Study Helps
discerning God’s spiritual Word as I read it. It’s a prayer that acknowledges that I need his help to
make sense of what I’m about to read, so that my time in the Word is more fruitful. Approach the
Word with a teachable spirit.
Study the Word. Don’t just read it, take it slow and ask questions. Come with paper and pen ready for
notes and ask questions when you read. Here’s a few examples of how to look deeper into the text.
Is there something to praise God for?
Is there a sin to confess?
Is there a promise to claim?
Is there a command to keep, or an action step to take?
Is there a doctrine that I need to trust?
Is there a verse I need to memorize?
Know the basics. Every passage of scripture has one assertion – the author’s point. But, each passage
can have endless applications. So, within each passage ask yourself three fundamental Bible study
questions…
Observation – What did the author say?
Interpretation – What did the author mean?
Application – How does this apply to me?
Interpret Scripture with Scripture. Famous preacher R.C. Sproul writes, “We must not set one passage
a. b. c. d. e. f. of Scripture against another passage. Each text must be understood not only in light of its immediate
context, but also in light of the context of the whole of Scripture.” When we look at Scripture as one big
story, all inspired by God, we start to see it more clearly. For instance, if you’re reading Matthew and
you want to know what the word “servant” means, see how Matthew uses the word servant in other
places in Matthew. Beyond that, see how it’s used in other books within that same testament, in
Matthew’s case it’s the New Testament. Lastly, see how servant is used in Old Testament books.
Meditate on the Word. Biblical meditation isn’t about emptying your mind, like some forms of
meditation teach. Biblical meditation actually means to wrestle with the Word, to think and
contemplate about what it means and how it applies. There are many ways one can meditate on the
Word; write it down, pray through it, memorize it, sing it, write about it, etc.
Seek wisdom from others. It’s important to have people in your life that are ahead of you spiritually,
that you can learn from, ask questions from, etc. For example, God has called some to be pastors who
preach. These individuals are regular students of the Word that likely have had more time in the Word
and a deeper understanding. Chaplains, pastors, spiritual mentors and counselors are important to
take good questions to, and to be challenged by.
