How To Study God's Word

Have you ever wondered how to study your Bible? Has anyone ever helped you discover some of the precious truths found in God’s Word? One author says, “When you study the Bible, you’ll discover what millions of people have found throughout the centuries; You’re reading the Word of the living God.”

The Bible is the Word of the living God

God spoke to people audibly, in visions, and dreams in the past. However, his method of revelation now is through His written Word. The Holy Spirit inspired forty men to write His Word into sixty-six books, thus the Bible. Moreover, the Bible itself testifies to its validity. For instance, 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,” meaning, it was breathed out by God. God told men what to write and inspired them to write His words down. The Bible has everything we need in order to know God, grow closer to God, and live like Christ.

Many have come to the conclusion that if they want to know God, they must know His Word. Matthew 4:4 says, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” So, how does a person do that? How should a person live on every word that is written in God’s Word?

The answer to these questions is “study God’s Word!” However, before we just sit down and begin to study God’s Word, an important step for ourselves is to be prepared. One author writes, “When our minds and our hearts are prepared and involved in Bible study, our time spent in God’s Word is enjoyable and exciting.” Being prepared is several things, but it most definitely is not rushing to sit down to read a few verses and quickly pray. It is so much more than that.

Studying God's Word is not just an intellectual excercise

Studying God’s Word is not just and intellectual exercise. In fact, people can have a great Bible study and have a quiet place to concentrate, but if their heart and mind are not focused on God, they may only engage in an intellectual exercise and grow in knowledge. It is very important that we are open hearted and are focused on the things God wants to show us in His Word. When that happens, a Christ-follower can then truly grow spiritually.

In conclusion, there are two practical things a person can do before studying God’s Word. Remember, preparation is important and studying God's Word is not just a "check-off" item for the day. One important thing is to be dependent upon the Holy Spirit. The presence of the Holy Spirit is vital when studying God’s Word. Next, believers can be dependent on other mature believers for advice and help when studying God’s Word. Second, a person can approach God’s Word purposefully. Meaning, approach His Word with the expectation to grow spiritually. Also, a person can approach God’s Word purposefully receiving encouragement and personal guidance from God. Furthermore, a person can study God’s Word and be equipped to share His love and grace with a lost and dying world. May we study God's Word and grow in Him.

Further, it is very important to come prepared to study God’s Word. In our daily lives, people prepare for lots of different things, for example, a test, an event, an activity, a project, etc. One question that we must ask is, “Do we put the same kind of attention or tenacity into studying God’s Word for ourselves?” We are to prepare our hearts for our time with Him. Based on John 16:13-15, we are to trust in God’s Spirit to “guide us into all the truth.” Undoubtedly, He and His presence will guide us in God’s truth.

He guides us in truth

Another important step in studying God’s Word is to understand the content. We all have been guilty of misunderstanding someone or simply taking someone “out of context.” Therefore, it is wise to understand the context of what someone is trying to convey. For instance, take Mark 4:1-9 which is the parable of the sower. What is Jesus talking about in this parable? How is context important in this story? Asking questions of the text will help find answers. For instance, what are the kinds of soil that Jesus is describing in Mark 4:1-9. Asking questions and researching for answers, in the right places of course, helps to come to an understanding of the context. There are plenty of great online commentaries and research tools online that will help enrich Bible study.

Application of God's Word in our lives is vital

Once a person is prepared to study God’s Word, has understood the content of the Scripture passages, then the next step is to take what is learned and apply it. Applying God’s Word to our life is following Him in obedience. It is not always easy to do that, but God’s Spirit helps us when we strive to follow Him. John 16:13-15 is a great verse that says God’s Spirit will “guide us into all the truth.” We needs His help in learning and applying God’s Word to our lives.

‍