Bible study? (not devotional reading but STUDY)

[Jenndiggy]

I've always loved Bible study, but I've been wondering lately how people decide what to study.

Do you go with going through the Bible from front to back, do what I term a 'here there and everywhere' study (AKA topic study), or pick books?

How do you decide what to study?

I use Kay Arthur's study methods but find it hard to know what I should be studying next sometimes.

 

[repentandbelieve]

I've always loved Bible study, but I've been wondering lately how people decide what to study.

Do you go with going through the Bible from front to back, do what I term a 'here there and everywhere' study (AKA topic study), or pick books?

How do you decide what to study?

I use Kay Arthur's study methods but find it hard to know what I should be studying next sometimes.

I like to study the bible by subject or topic. When recognize my need for greater understanding of a particular subject I use a Strongs concordance to look up every place in the Bible that a particular word is used (baptism, salvation. faith etc.).
I highly recommend getting a Strongs concordance and using it this way. Its a tremendous tool to studying the Bible with.

 

[admtaylor]

A thorough reading of the Bible also helps. Start reading the old and new testaments from beginning to end. It's amazing how many pieces fall into place when you do this.

 

[Peter]

You could, of course, read/study the scriptures as per a lectionary.

Peace.

Peter

 

[leastone]

Hi All:

Since you are talking about one of my favorite activites, I thought I would add my 2 cents...

While I agree with all of you over your favorite study methods, over the years I have learned that the very best way to both read and study the Word is to first ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. This sounds so simple but (because I am slow perhaps) it has taken me a long time to really get to where I always do that. What I have learned though is by allowing Him to teach me - and staying with Him as He leads, instead of jumping ahead with my own agenda (what I think should be studied) - I get His teachings down in my spirit and not just in my mind. Sometimes He will have me stay on just one scripture for days, meditating upon it and the meanings of each word; sometimes He has revealed connections between scriptures that I would never have noticed otherwise.

Learning in this way has truly change my entire relationship with the Holy Spirit; no longer is Bible knowledge mental - tending to puff me up - but is far deeper and more meaningful. Once I literally fell out of my chair I was so amazed at what He showed me!

My prayer is that each of you continue to grow in Him and the knowledge of His love for you in Christ.

LeastOne

 

[admtaylor]

I agree leastone, I, almost, always ask for guidance before I read. It is great when something is revealed to you isn't it?

 

[leastone]

Hi Adam:

Yes it is. There was a time when I thought it was so important what I knew; now I realize it is far more important Who I know. Oops, the Lord just corrected me: Now it is far more important Who knows me!

Isn't He amazing!

LeastOne

 

[Jenndiggy]

Thanks, Least one. . . I have so much Bible knowledge, but am wanting to do more than just learn facts. Always good to be reminded of that.

 

[admtaylor]

Hi Adam:

Yes it is. There was a time when I thought it was so important what I knew; now I realize it is far more important Who I know. Oops, the Lord just corrected me: Now it is far more important Who knows me!

Isn't He amazing!

LeastOne

Amen

 

[Sign Of The Fish Burger]

A thorough reading of the Bible also helps. Start reading the old and new testaments from beginning to end. It's amazing how many pieces fall into place when you do this.

I tried that, and when I did, I found that I was reading thigns that at the time were not speaking to me at all... I found it very long and dry... I mean I am not saying that the word of God is dry, but I found it much harder to do it that way.
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