Bible Study Tips

Bible Study Tips Š2004 Nanci Leeper

Make time to study
	Study time will not "just happen". Too many things can help us waste time (for example TV, Internet). We must set aside time every day to focus on God’s word. In my years of teaching Bible Studies to women I often find that there are many excuse's as to why one doesn't have the time to study. Again, finding time is not an option. It is commanded.
Have a place to study.
	An ideal place will have adequate lighting, minimal interruptions, and study resources available. It is often a good idea to attempt to study at the same time and place daily. Sitting on the couch in front of the television is not a good option for studying the word. Also do not depend on Computer Bibles and tools, after a while you will find you depend on them more so than your Bible.
Have a plan for study.
	The plan should be realistic and flexible. It may be the study of an issue or a section of scripture. This will help to focus your study. If you desire to study topically, find the subject and trace down the scriptures pertaining on that particular subject. Personally I recommend the expository method, verse by verse, chapter by chapter and book by book, this keeps us on a straight path and leaves little to no room for misinterpreting the scripture.
Get help when needed
	Do not be afraid to ask someone for help in understanding a passage. Check the answer with other scriptures to make sure that it is true. Many times we can feel inadequate if we ask questions, this ought not be the case, Don't allow pride to be an issue on seeking the truth by asking for help.

Pray to God for wisdom
	James told us to pray to God for wisdom for He gives liberally and without reproach. Knowledge comes from study; wisdom is the ability to use what is studied. We cannot hope for wisdom if we do not study. When we study, we should not neglect to ask our benevolent God for wisdom.

Study with an open mind.
	We must be willing to do what God commands. We must have a "speak Lord, Thy servant hears" attitude. James likens it to a man looking in a mirror, examining what is pleasing and what he must change. To study effectively we must use the whole counsel of the Word of God and not just what we choose.

Use common sense.

The Bible is written in logical language and was written to the common person. We can understand it. There are folks that will purchase a version that is easier and simpler to understand, However caution must be used as many new or easier translations omit, or change the words to "sound better" or to "fit". Personally I prefer and recommend the KJV, however IF you have difficulty with that the NKJV is as close as you will get to the actually scripture. I always recommend that one use both together for comparison and understanding.

Rightly divide the word.
	Realize the difference between the Old and New Testaments, the physical and the spiritual, etc. The context will help determine the difference.

Read, re-read, ponder, and read again.

Take time to just read the scriptures and absorb the ideas. Think about what is written. Some passages will become clearer later in the day, in a sermon or class where the text is discussed, or much later through increased knowledge. Don't be afraid to write in your Bible. Some may disagree with this, but I find that taking notes in my bible and using colored pencils rather than high lighters allow me to highlight important verses .

Be patient
	Some passages are difficult to understand the first couple of times you read them. Be patient with yourself. As you learning increases, your understanding will increase.

Look at the context of the passage.
	Examine the previous paragraphs and sentences to get the gist of the message. Ask the probing questions: Who, to whom, what, where, why, how. Some things are not applicable to us today (i.e., build an ark) but teach important principles.

Notice the “little” words and connecting words.
	Little words like "if (then)", "so", "for", "and", "but", etc. are significant for understanding a passage. Some words like "except", "therefore", and "because" link thoughts and arguments. The omission of these words can drastically affect the meaning. This part of study cannot be overemphasized. It is critical to understanding the word of God.

Study Helps

You can purchase many study helps for the Bible. However, use study helps carefully since they are the product of man’s effort and wisdom. Any interpretation of a scripture using outside helps must be in harmony with the totality of scripture.

Colored Pencils--- Make your own system, for example use a yellow colored pencil to mark scriptures that pertain to Salvation, use green to highlight application etc etc. Again colored pencils in my opinion are better than highlighters because they do not bleed through other pages as well you will have an array of colors to set up your own study system.

Bible Dictionary--- A Bible dictionary can help us understand what a word meant in the original language. We are not concerned with the modern usage of the word. We need to know what it meant in the mind of the writer and the original audience. You may want a few of these on hand. Be mindful that some definitions can include some interpretation that might be wrong.

Concordance--- Lists each occurrence of a word in Scripture. Some concordances, like Strong’s, will also list the original meaning of the word.

Bible Atlas--- Shows the places where Bible events took place.

Bible Customs Book--- These can help us understand how people lived in Bible times. They can also help us understand certain Bible passages.

Commentaries--- Be especially careful with these. They are the men’s interpretations of the scriptures. There can be false teaching by well meaning individuals. We must remember that we are accountable for what we have studied and what we teach.

Make use of the Bible teaching in the church. We do not usually think of this as a study help but taking notes on sermons and Bible classes can provide resources for studying and reexamining issues and passages. We can build on sermons that we have heard to gain a greater knowledge of a subject or scripture. Ask the elders or the preacher to study a particular topic or question with you. Study on your own and write down questions to ask the elders, the preacher, or someone who is knowledgeable