One of the most daunting tasks for a new Christian or someone first stepping into their faith is reading the Bible. Why? Because oftentimes, people just don’t know how, to read the Bible, or where to start.
Luckily, there’s no right or wrong way to dive into God’s word. The important thing is that you’re picking up the good book and spending time each day immersed in what it says. And just like with anything else, the more you do it, the better you’ll become.
If you are someone who has been struggling when it comes to regular, consistent Bible study, then keep reading.
7 Practical Tips for Studying the Bible (that anyone can follow!)
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Set Aside a Specific Time and Place For Your Study
If you fail to plan, you can plan to fail. Schedule Bible study into your daily routine, and add it to your calendar so you don’t forget about it.
For some, this may mean waking up 30 minutes earlier in the morning to take advantage of some quiet, alone time before the chaos of the day begins.
For others, reading their Bible is how they choose to end their day.
Whatever time you pick, make sure you’re staying consistent. Reading the Word daily is key – so the more often you can prioritize your Bible study the better you will do when it comes to really understanding God’s word.
Begin with Prayer, Asking for Guidance and Understanding
Prayer is the best weapon we all carry around in our pockets every single day. Prayer protects us, prayer deepens our relationship with the Lord, and prayer is a powerful tool paired with reading and studying your Bible.
“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”
Jeremiah 29:12 NIV
Before diving into your reading or study, first pray that God opens your heart and your mind to fully embracing the message, and to gain a deep understanding of the importance of what you’re reading.
Plus, reading the Bible and praying are two amazing ways you can spend time with God daily.
Choose a Specific Book or Passage to Study, and Read it Carefully
If you’re wanting to deepen your understanding of the Bible, then a great tool is to start with a Bible Study. Bible Studies help you determine which book, or which theme in the Bible to begin reading, studying, and diving into.
They’re also great because they help give direction into what you should be reading, and when. Taking all the guesswork and confusion out of things.
You can start with a free online study, or opt to purchase one. Some of my personal favorites come from The Daily Grace Co.
Take Notes on Key Points, Themes, and Questions that Arise
To further you knowledge of what you’re studying in the Bible, take notes. These notes can include really anything that comes up as you’re reading.
Key points to remember, themes in the chapter or book, questions you may have that you want to research later, examples that help you remember what you’re learning, or prayers/journaling notes.
Writing down notes and journaling is so important that I even created a Bible notebook dedicated just for that. You can find it here on Amazon.
Use Additional Resources Such as Commentaries, Concordances, and Study Guides to Deepen Your Understanding
Bible study is just that.. it’s a study. Which means you’re going to have to spend time reading, re-reading, and researching what you’re learning.
One of the best things you can do when learning more about God’s word is finding other resources to help further your understanding.
Adding things like commentaries, concordances, and study guides are a great way to expand your knowledge base.
Commentaries: These assist the reader in understanding Biblical text, by providing comments and context on the meaning of what you’re reading.
Concordances: These are like a dictionary and encyclopedia combined. A concordance lists words and phrases used in the Bible and provides references to where they are cited throughout the entire text.
A study guide can be journals, Bible studies, or texts that help you further your understanding. For example, Encounter the 3D Bible by Dr. Susan Michael is a great book for helping you read the Bible.
Why it’s great:
- 29 five-star reviews on Amazon
- Acclaimed Bible teacher Kay Arthur says Encounter the 3D Bible will “help any reader understand the Bible better and approach it from the proper perspective regardless of age, biblical background, or preconceived ideas.”
- Pastors and academics alike are calling the book a “must-read.”
- Cary Summers, President Emeritus, Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC, says: “Finally, a concise, easy-to-read book that gets to many of the questions asked about the Bible.”
Bonus: you can enter this giveaway to win your own copy of Encounter the 3D Bible.
Reflect on How the Passage Applies to Your Life, and How You Can Integrate its Teachings Into Your Daily Routine
The Bible is about Jesus, not about us. So knowing and understanding that first and foremost is crucial. BUT – being able to reflect on what you’re learning and apply those themes to your daily life is a helpful way to understand what you’re reading, and how to radically change your heart, and your lifestyle, so that it more closely aligns with God’s character.
Share What You Have Learned with Others to Deepen Your Understanding and Encourage Discussion
Surround yourself with other Christians, and don’t be afraid to discuss what you’re reading and learning, and ask questions! If you don’t have a small group at your church, there are plenty of online groups you can also join.
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