Bible Study

Several Ways to Study the Bible

Artist method. Read a passage of Scripture, considering three questions as you read:

1. What speaks to my heart? Draw a heart beside the word that speaks to your heart.
2. What new thought or idea comes to me? Draw a light bulb beside the new thought or idea.
3. What does Scripture move me to do? Draw a hand beside the action you want to take.

Consider how you can apply one of your insights today. Share your insights with a friend.

Detective method. Read a short narrative passage from one of the Gospels. Let the story take shape in your mind’s eye. Imagine the scene. Observe all the facts. Ask the who, when, where, what questions. Once you have the facts, interpret the facts. Ask the why and wherefore questions. What meaning did the actions have for the characters? What meaning do the actions have for you? Then apply your study to your own life. Ask how will this change my life? What do you take away from the story?

Treasure-seeker method. When reading Scripture consider the following application questions:

Is there an example here for me to follow? Is there a promise to claim or a command to obey? Is there a truth to be applied? Is there a prayer for me to pray? Is there a sin to be confessed? Is there a question God is asking me?

Jesus’ apprentice method. If you are unfamiliar with Scripture and don’t know where to begin, choose one of the Gospels (Mark or Luke) and study to discover all you can about Jesus. Ask yourself the following questions: What seems important to Jesus? What sort of questions does he ask people? What sort of questions do people ask him? What is Jesus inviting me to be and do?

Reflection Questions

1. How has God spoken to you through the study of his Word?

   How has Bible study affected your life?

2. When the Word of God seems dry to you, what do you make of this season in your life?
3. What are you looking for when you read Scripture—information, comfort, understanding, guidance, a word from God, communion with God?
4. How does what you are looking for influence how you study?

Spiritual Exercises

1. Experiment with different ways of listening to Scripture.
   • Read the Bible out loud. Savor the words. Which words stand out for you? Keep these words with you all day.
   • Listen to the Bible on tape or CD while driving or exercising.
   • Print a verse on a card and place it where you will see it throughout the day. Put a verse on your screen saver.
2. To enhance your understanding of the biblical context and meaning the text may have had to its original audience, invest in a Bible commentary, a Bible dictionary or go online and type in places, cultures and peoples you are reading about in your Bible study.
3. Go to a Christian bookstore and look through the array of Bible study guides available. Does one of the study guides intrigue you? Let your desire guide you in choosing one for further study.
4. If systematic Bible study appeals to you, consider joining a Bible study at your church or in your community. Or begin your own neighborhood Bible study.
5. Study the questions Jesus asks people in the Gospels. What do you learn about Jesus and the importance of questions?

Resources on Bible Study

How to Lead a Seeker Bible Discussion by Rebecca Manley Pippert

How to Study the Bible by Jack Kuhatschek

Discovering the Bible for Yourself by Judson Poling

“Our desire to know more, read more and study more can be another expression of our culture and its acquisitive nature. Knowing God, not knowing more, is the goal.” —Richard Rohr

Devotional Reading