Bible Study Steps

 

    Your Bible study does not need to be overwhelming, a check off list, or anything else that can take away the purpose.  However, there are simple ways to structure it so you get everything you can out of your time with God.  The Steps are simple: prepare, observe, interpretation, application, and repetition.

    Step one is preparation.  What do you do before you get into your Bible?  I try to take care of everything that might distract me from focusing.  I then go to a room that is set up to help me focus, but enjoy my environment at the same time.  That is good, but those factors depend on the person.  

    One thing that we all need to do is spiritually prepare.  That means get rid of any evil thoughts and be prepared to mature spiritually.  We all need to be praying throughout our time in the Bible.  Ask God to fill you with knowledge, understanding, and wisdom.

    Step two is observation.  Observe what is going on in the passage you are reading.  A method in doing that is writing down you questions and answers if you find them.  Look for key words and subjects.  Seek to find commands, warnings, repeated words or phrases.  Focus on comparisons (similar, but different), questions, and anything unusual or unexpected.  Take your time.  Do not rush through, but reread some things that stand out.

    Step three is interpretation.  Scripture can be very clear in what it teaching or trying to tell you, but sometimes you have to dig deeper.  Start with asking questions over the importance of some things: given word, phrase, name, time, dates, and more.  What do the words actually mean?  Why were they used instead of other words?  Why was it said the way it was?  What are the implications?

    Once you know your questions, you are able to seek your answers.  Use the scripture around the one verse.  Define the word you are focusing on.  As you get into studying the Bible you can look into the original grammar and sentence structure.  

    The English always originated from Greek, Aramaic, and Hebrew.  There are several words that say the same thing, but have different context.  That is why rereading the same versus in another Bible version can help.  Other tools you can use are a Bible dictionary, concordances, Bible handbook, Bible Encyclopedia, and Bible commentaries.  If you are not rich and can't afford all these different books, that is okay.  You can find it all on line if you look.

    Interpretation does not need to be hard.  Make sure the scripture agrees and does not contradict itself.  Let the passage speak for itself.  Stay focused and do not draw conclusions that are led by another person.  Bible study is personal.  It is between you and God.  There is no room for anyone else in this aspect.

    Step four is application.  How will your alone time with God's Word affect your life?  This is where the truth that you have been digging into is incorporated into your daily life.  When you hear God's Word, it requires a response.  What will your response be?  Will you act on it, change for it, or ignore it?  

    Application does not need to be over complicated.  God is asking your to forsake sin, so if a secret sin is revealed, then repent and move on.  What promise can you claim from your study today?  What example can you follow?  What command do you need to obey?  What stumbling blocks do you need to avoid?  There is only one truth, but many ways to apply it.

    The final step is repetition.  The more you reread a passage, verse, or phrase, the more meaning it will have in your life.  You have to study the Bible to be blessed.  It will make you a happier person because you appreciate all the aspects in life better, even the bad times.  Find delight in reading God's Word.

Psalm 119:17-24, Colossians 1:9-10, 1 Peter 2:1-3, & 1 John 2:26-27