How to do Bible study

[altya]

I am busy preparing a teaching on bible study - the ‘how to do’

This is how I see to do bible study, any input will be appreciated.

God needs us to be Word and Spirit balanced. The Holy Spirit leads us and the Word feeds us. If we only get spiritual food (word), we will become spiritually fat and die and if we are only under the anointing with minimum Word, we will die of spiritual hunger.

If you set your alarm to go off at a ridiculous time, say 3am daily, to do a sort of ritual like praying for a certain time and then do bible reading and think this is the way you feed yourself spiritually, you will grow minimally. This is not discipline but a routine ritual. It’s true, you have to make time for bible study but there is no need to chastening yourself. This is no way to get God’s blessing, rather let the Holy Spirit guide and teach you how and where to spend your bible study time.

No one can explain the meaning of His words better as He who wrote it. Start your session with prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to help you. It is marvelous what light explanation cast on the inner meaning of Scripture.

The best way to do Bible study is to study topically. Whatever God is busy dealing with you, study that topic. Don’t try to read or study the whole Bible immediately. The Bible is like a ‘guidebook’ for a large group of people; for believers and non-believers, for babies in Christ, for children of God, for teenagers in God and for the matured Christian. Feed yourself on your ‘age group’. If you are, busy with ‘repentance’ us a search engine, get all scripture references about it, and allow the Holy Spirit to explain it to you.

People now and then boast that they have read the Bible through in so many months. Others read the Bible chapter by chapter, and get through it in a year; but this is still not Bible Study. There is a difference in reading and studying the Bible. You have to read the Bible from the beginning to the end a few times (use an easy reading Bible like a storybook), to get a good background picture.

Always use your teachings on yourself, don’t fall into the trap of thinking it is only for ‘other sinners’ -apply the correction to yourself first.

 

[Apples of Gold]

Wonderful information! Thank you!

 

[HumbleBee]

altya, well said! Did correct a few typos and some editing. Also added more insight...all shown in navy...

I am busy preparing a teaching on Bible study - the ‘how to do’

This is how I see to do Bible study, any input will be appreciated.

God needs us to be Word and Spirit balanced. The Holy Spirit leads us and the Word feeds us. If we only get spiritual food (Word), we will become spiritually fat and die and if we are only under the anointing with minimum Word, we will die of spiritual hunger. Too much of the Spirit without the wisdom of the Word will make one blow up! While too much of the Word without the Spirit's governing will make one dry up! :o One needs the empowering of the Spirit to do the Word and the wisdom of the Word to know how to actually apply the Word correctly to their life.

As eating is a daily essential activity for physical nourishment, so is consistent Bible study as important for continued spiritual growth. Common sense would say to choose a quiet time when you are most alert and unpressured rather than at a ridiculous time, such as 3am or have many other distractions pulling at your attention. A fuzzy mind and weary heart don't absorb very much, so would only make Bible study an ardous unproductive ritual, instead of a joyous journey! It is true, studying the Scriptures is a discipline that you should fit into your daily schedule and do whether you feel like it or not. Just as physical food and drink work strengthening wonders in the unseen, so does reading the Word and prayer work spiritual empowerment! However, daily life obviously does get super busy with lots of unexpected happenings, so if your Bible study gets missed, there is no need to chasten yourself. Just don't allow yourself to keep putting off your time in the winsome Word of God that will edify you more than you could possible realize! Buy a small Bible and take it with you wherever you go, then when you have a bit of downtime (waiting), it is right there to pick you up and revive you! Recognize the more Word you eat and obey, the stronger in spirit you become and the less control the flesh has and vice versa. Eat of the world and watch the carnal flesh rear up, while your spirit man goes to sleep!

View your Bible study as an indescribable appointment to get better acquainted with the Lord of the Universe! A time to look forward to, for receiving much blessing, hope, guidance, and refreshment! A time that will lead to exciting spiritual growth and be preparation for future ministry opportunities!

No one can explain the meaning of the Holy Scriptures better than He who inspired them! So start your session with praising prayer, giving God gratitude for having the awesome privilege of holding such a blessed Word in your very hands! Ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand and live out what you read. It is truly marvelous when a Divine light of insight shines to explain the meaning of Scripture, even making the principle applicable to you personally!

The Bible is a guidebook full of wise nourishment for all people, no matter how old they are in a spiritual sense. Whether babies in Christ (brand new Christians), 'children' of God, 'teenagers' in Him, or maturing Christians, in the Scriptures there is spiritual food that all groups can easily digest (comprehend). Even in earthly years, the Word of God has a myriad of insightful nuggets for people, whatever their age. So feed yourself according to your ‘age group’. If you a new Christian stick to the New Testament, especially the 4 Gospels and Acts. Do dabble a little into the Psalms and Proverbs that hide much wisdom in how to handle one's emotions. If you a young Christian and or a youth, young adult, read about your Biblical counterparts...Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, Rachel, Joseph, David, Jonathan, Ruth and the disciples, including Jesus in His early years, to name a few.

Trying to read or study the whole Bible at once, only makes for spiritual bloating and indigestion. You won't realize how much you ate (won't remember what you read) yet will feel bloated and uncomfortable (wondering what you just did).

So the best way to do effective Bible study is by topic and choose one that is of great personal interest to you! Search for related Scriptures references that target whatever area in your life God seems to be putting His finger on and spotlighting. If He dealing with you about issues of obedience, such as taming your tongue, cooling your temper, humility, and or service, do a keyword search or check a Concordance to find a list of Bible verses that will be helpful and empowering to you. Meditate upon and memorize what you find! The Word living is a lamp unto your feet, a light unto your path. Hence, the more of God's winsome Word hidden in your heart, the brighter your path will be! Diligence Scripture study will help to lead and keep you in victory!

Note, sin will keep you from the Word, but better yet let the Word preserve you from sin! The devil will do everything he can to prevent and discourage you from getting necessary spiritual nourishment, that's why Jesus will compel you to STUDY! STUDY! STUDY His Word of Truth to thoroughly equip you for combatting the lying, scheming enemy! Also the less you study the Bible, the less you will want to study it. However the more you study your Bible, the more you will be eager to delve into its treasures!

Some people boast that they have read the Bible through in a few months. Others may gloat about how many times they have read it from cover to cover. Yet there is a huge difference between superficial speed reading versus contemplative studying. One is futile, the other fruitful! Obviously, reading the Holy Bible from beginning to end a few times is beneficial to get a good overview and will certain deepen one's understanding, including strengthening their faith too, as they read about the timelessness of the Word enduring through thousands of years!

Again, balance is needed. While it is beneficial to having read the Word countless times, yet if it was done fast and just for one's own glory, then it doesn't really mean much. 'Trophies' gained easily without effort are valueless in the Kingdom economy. So it is wise to the know the Word of God, however it is even wiser to know the God of the Word!

Always use your teachings on yourself, don’t fall into the trap of thinking it is only for ‘other sinners’ -apply the correction to yourself first. Your life as a living letter of the Word will impact people more positively than preaching at them and berating them for their misdeeds. Joyfully doing the living and powerful Word of God Most High is like flicking a light switch on in a dark room. The light overcomes and always dispels the darkness!

These verses confirm the above insight...

Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Psalm 119:9-11, 105 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from Thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee...Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Matthew 4:4 But He answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Matthew 7:24-29 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at His doctrine: For He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

John 1:1, 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Acts 6:4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

Ephesians 6:10-20 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Colossians 3:16-17 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

1 Timothy 4:11-16 Command and teach these things. Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 3:14-17 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is Godbreathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Hebrews 4:13-14 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.

James 1:22-25 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

 

[altya]

Thank you so much HumbleBee, I appreciate your input

 

[IKTCA]

Alta, My Dear Friend,

It is good to read your writing again. My Bible study method is different from yours and also from many others. If two brothers have different Bible study methods, who will be upset? Will God be upset?

Rather, I write this to share with you my recent experience on the last point of your post: to apply Bible teaching to others.

For last year or two, one Bible verse that I kept close to heart was from the Philippians:

In humility regard others better than yourselves (2:3)

I was determined to obey this command. It is easy to regard better than myself those who diligently seek the Lord. But those who are negligent in praying and scripture reading I found it hard to regard better than myself.

When I had a disrespectful opinion on a brother, I reminded the Lord of the command and asked Him to show me how I could regard him better than myself. It was a struggle for a long time. But one brother by another the Lord showed me how he loved them, and I could have affection for them in spite of their negligence.

I was excited because the Lord was actually revealing me His affection for my brothers. I was also able to pray for them with brotherly affection. That I was released from negative thoughts against my brothers brought me a great joy.

As soon as I had this joy, I realized a different problem surfacing in me. I became disrespectful of those who regarded themselves higher than others. I was judging my brothers as I judged myself. The command that I applied to myself rigorously I was also applying to my brothers.

About the same time, I saw a godly sister doing the same that I did. I respected her for her devotion to the Lord and keeping His words.

In me there is such foulness that I need the words constantly. The moment I take my eyes off the Lord and His commands, I start to decay.

I found a principle here. As I apply the words to myself with one mind, I am applying them to others with another mind. And with the same intensity. This is the dilema (wretchedness) I have to live with, and the reason to seek God's grace all the time.

Lord,
Help me and my brothers. In my diligence to keep your commands, I diligently judge my brothers. Guard my heart and thoughts. Let the water of your spring flow in me continuously, washing me every moment of time. Amen.

Rupert

 

[2Timothy2]

I wouldn't say that topical is the best method. The analytical approach is very helpful. Perhaps saying topical is a good way to get started.

Also, learning the culture of the day, i.e. when the various books were written, is immensely helpful. As is learning proper hermeneutical methods, and why they are proper.

 

[mikeforjesus]

Rupert I am having the same problems as you.. but I never asked God to show me His affection for them. Pray for me.

 

[IKTCA]

Yes, Mike. I wrote down your name in my prayer book.

Rupert

 

[mikeforjesus]

cooooooooooooooool thanx.