A Basic
and Intermediate Guide for Productive Bible Study
We
are all called to help fulfill the Great Commission
I never suggest anyone solely depend on what I say or
anyone else says about anything. I believe the only way a person can come to believe
anything is to prove it to themselves. Proving something to one’s self is
especially true when trying to grow in Christ Jesus and becoming more Spiritually
mature. Let us dedicate or rededicate ourselves to study the Word of God more
intensely. We must Go into all the world
and preach the gospel to every creature(Mark 16:15). I pray the following will be a helpful guide.
Start
with prayer for understanding His Word. Trust God will lead you with His Holy
Spirit. The Bible will then come alive for you!
Choose
a translation/version to use during your study. Avoid bibles translated from
Latin rather than the original Koine Greek and Hebrew. Next, I find it
helpful to begin my research with easy to understand Scriptures.
1)
Write
down who the author was, why it was written, and for whom it was written.
2)
Do
your best to learn as much background as possible, like dates, key people,
geographic locations, and so on.
3)
Remember
to let the Bible interpret and prove itself. Keep an open mind because rushing
or taking shortcuts causes misunderstandings. The Apostle Peter wrote, 20“[K]nowing
this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for
prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were
moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:20-21).
4)
Context
is vital. We must
understand the verses and chapters coming before and after what we are
studying.
5)
If
you can, study the original language, Koine Greek,
Hebrew, Aramaic. If this is not feasible now, continue, but with the knowledge,
not all words can be translated correctly. A more in-depth study at a later
time may well be necessary.
6)
If
possible, start with the first chapter and write out each verse or section of
verses in your own words. We
can do this by asking: what does the Scripture clearly say What does the Scripture not say?
Example using Hebrews 5:1
The original Verse:
“For
every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in
relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins” (KJV).
My Paraphrase:
High
priests are human just like me, so they understand all my weaknesses. They will
present sacrifices for my sins, their sins, and the sins of other people.
7)
Write
down any question(s) you have about the passage, including any term(s)
confusing your understanding.
Example:
Why does it say high priest
instead of merely priests?
A position of high priest (Greek word archiereus)
was conferred on Aaron by his brother Moses. Being a high priest was usually hereditary, and the appointment was for life. Only the high priest could
enter the Holy of Holies. He was the lead ordained priest among all the priests
who were mostly his staff. The hereditary appointment changed and corrupted in
the 2nd century, and high priests were appointed by government
officials or chosen by lot (Britannica.com, neverthirsty.org).
8)
After those steps are completed, it is often
helpful to consult a Bible commentary or other Believer’s insights about
the passage. Many times this will provide a broader, more robust understanding
of the passage. Remember not to take what someone else says about a topic,
except as a general guide. We must do our
work before
we go to another’s work.
9)
If
anything about the passage seems to
“linger in your thoughts,” be sure to write it down.
10)
At
this point, write down how the verse might be applied to you personally. If
nothing seems to speak to you personally, that is fine. The particular passage
may have a personal message for you after continuing a little farther or at
another time.
11)
Be
sure to keep track of what chapters and passages you have covered. It is
helpful to title and further organize your work as you go. Include any lessons
you have learned from each.
Studying the Bible is such
an incredible journey, and it is a journey…not a race. As God reveals more and
more to us, we grow in our Spiritual maturity — Praise God! Have fun, and
please contact me if you believe I can help you on your journey! Amen.