How to study the Bible

A simple method (not all inclusive)

1.  Read the Bible.  Specifically read the selected chapter or a passage, reread it until you understand the message being conveyed. Ask yourself “what does this passage say?”

1. Make sure you keep the passage in context; read what immediately follows and precedes it. 
2. While reading take notes.

2.  Interpret the Bible.  Ask yourself “what does this mean?”  It is not enough to read a passage of the Bible, we must find out what it means and how it applies to our lives.  John 14:26, I John 2:27.  The Holy Spirit is the key to finding out what the meaning is.  All who are saved are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and thus able to be taught by Him.  We must willing and open to allow the Holy Spirit to teach us His Word.

A.  Avoid your own interpretation.  II Peter 1:20  Do not make the passage say what you want it to say, but allow it to say what God said.

1.      Avoid filtering the Bible through your feelings.  Do not say “this verse means to me” or “I feel it says.”

2.      Use the language, culture, geography, time period, and to whom it was said be the filters.  If possible go back to the original languages Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic.  Realize that the Bible was written with different cultures than ours, in different lands to different people.

3.      Ask yourself “what is actually being said?”

3.  Analyze the Scripture with proper interpretation.  Gather all the facts and information available to you.  A good concordance, Bible dictionary, and a couple of commentaries will be very helpful in your study.

A.     Do not rely on the commentaries.  Study the passage first for yourself and then go back to the commentaries to see if you missed anything.

B.     Analyze whether the passage is literal or figurative.  “Thou shall not bear false witness” is literal ‘do not lie.’  When Jesus said “I am the Door” is figurative.

C.     Be willing to accept the truth of God’s Word even though it may mean changing from something you’ve always believed.

D.     Write down questions of things you don’t understand.

4.  Correlate the Bible.  Check the truths you have learned in this passage with ones taught in other passages.  Cross reference Scripture with Scripture.

5.  Apply the Bible.  Take what you’ve read, interpreted, and analyzed and apply the truths you learn to your life.  Ask yourself “How can I use this principle in my life?”  We learn by doing.