How to Study the Bible
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 NLT
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16 NLT
The Word of God interprets, instructs, and inspires the one who will learn and live it.
Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word… Deut. 8:3 ESV
How to Study the Word
1) Intentionally
Study to show yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.. 2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV
Intentionally choosing to study the word opens a doorway into the presence of the divine instructor.
2) In Context
The Word out of context is often incomplete and easily misinterpreted.
The most significant why for studying the word is to know God.
You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life. John 5:39-40 NLT
3) In Humility
Spiritual pride will keep you from a right understanding of the word and will of God!
You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. James 1:19-21 NLT
The more I study God’s word, the more I realize I have lots more to learn.
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 ESV
4) In Practice
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. James 1:22-25 ESV
You have to learn the word to live the word, and live the word to learn it!
5) With Passion
The word became flesh and dwelt among us. John 1:14 ESV
With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:10-11 ESV
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. Joshua 1:8 NLT
The power to pursue the purposes of God is found in a passion for the word of God.
Study to show yourself approved
With a passion for God’s word
Intentionally live to know His truth
Then practice what you’ve heard
May knowledge never puff us up
Nor fill our hearts with pride
But rather find us on our knees
As His word does work inside
And as we learn may we learn
There’s lot’s of learning left to do
With humble hearts and grace for others
All His word and will pursue