How To Study the Bible

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Introduction

To get to know anyone, you have to spend time with them – right?

If you want to learn a skill – your research it and gain skills to help you accomplish your goals.

If you are researching a topic for a class (remember when) and needed to create a paper with a minimum of 5 references – those are the skills you need to remember to study the Bible.

When I found I enjoyed painting – I took steps to help me spend time painting and learning how to paint

  1. I took several classes
  2. I sought out my artist friends and asked for help
  3. I got books on color and styles
  4. I found videos on painting and watched them to gain skills.

Then I took time to practice paint strokes and mixing colors before painting a final picture

Then I painted some pictures

To get to know God and claim your own relationship with God, you have to get to know God.  So how do we do that?

So you need to spend time with GOD 

            Ways to spend time with God:

  1. Listening to a sermon – helps introduce you to God
  2. Listening to the Bible
  3. Reading the Bible
  4. Study the Bible
  5. Memorize scriptures
  6. Praying
  7. Can you think of Other ways???

Outline for study (verse by verse):

  1. Background – background of the book your are studying
  2. Personal paraphrase – write the phrase in your own words
  3. Questions & Answers:  (5W & 1H)
  4. Cross Reference – look up other similar verses or passages (Gospel parallels)
  5. Insights –
  6. Personal Application
  7. Title & Summarize

So I am going to try to equip you all with a few tools to help you build your relationship with God. 

And use a bit of Journalism technique to start our questioning of the passage:

Journalism – has 6 questions that when asked that can get you a full story (5W & 1H)

            Who, What, Where, When, Why and How

So let’s start with discussing some resources.  Obviously the first resource is the Bible but which Bible should you read?

            There are different types of Bibles – interpretations and translations

How about you read one you are comfortable with.  The first Bible I read and studied was the version of the bible I was raised on – RSV – Revised Standard Version.

Then I found some versions that help me better understand the meaning behind the words being used.  I found Phillips New Testament and the Amplified Bible.  Now I ready the Message. 

If you are uncertain let me suggest a resource on the Internet with LOTS of versions to choose from:

            www.Biblegateway.com – (they also have an app for the iPhone/android)

            This can give you the same verse or passage from different angles (different versions)

Various Methods of study:

  1. Verse Analysis – what is the importance of a verse?
    1. pick a verse
    1. Message of the verse
    1. Context – how does it fit in the passage
    1. Questions – ask a question of how it may affect your life or reflect God’s love
    1. Application – how can I use the verse to grow in my service/love to God
  2. ABC Bible Study
    1. Read – select a book or passage of the Bible. Read the whole thing in one sitting.  Then read it again in another version.  Try to read it in at least 2 versions (the more the merrier).  Try to read the book/passage at least 4 times to get familiar with it before you think of starting your study.
    1. A TITLE – Give it a title and outline the book/passage.  Ignore the chapter designations and outline it as you feel it should be organized.
    1. BEST VERSE – does it have a key verse that sums up the book/passage?  You may even find you will want to memorize the verse – to help you to remember the message of the study.
    1. CHALLENGE – does the book/passage talk to you?  What was your first impression of it?  How did you feel?  Where did it take your thoughts? Did it challenge you in some manner?
    1. DIFFICULTIES – Can you explain the book/passage to someone else?  If not, why?
    1. ESSENCE – What is the heart of the message God is trying to tell you with this book/passage? 
  3. Taking it to the next level – ABC Study with a few twists
    1. LOOK at Parallel passages
    1. LOOK at Parallel verses
    1. BACKGROUND – research a) WHO wrote the passage, b) WHEN was it written, c) To WHOM was it written, d) WHY was it written, e) WHAT purpose/message was the writer trying to convey to the readers at the time?
    1. WHERE – get a map, see any references to locations, people that may be mentioned.
    1. You may even want to read a commentary about the book/passage.
    1. Read the book/passage out loud or listen to it on tape/CD.  It is amazing how hearing it read changes the way you interpret it.

These steps are basic.  I hope this will help you get ready for this evening and the rest of the year.  Each of you are wonderfully and uniquely made in the image of God. 

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