HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE (Part 1)

HOW DO YOU STUDY THE BIBLE?

FACT 1: There is a big difference between reading the Bible and studying the Bible

FACT 2: Most people want to study the Bible, they just don’t know how

FACT 3: George Mueller read the Bible over 200 times, and half of those times on his knees, praying and studying it

Proverbs 2:1–5 NLT

My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God.

BARRIERS TO BIBLE STUDY

1) They are UNINFORMED

1) Being UNINFORMED

PROBLEM: Not knowing how to study the Bible

2) Being UNCONCERNED

PROBLEM: Depending on others to understand the Bible

3) Being UNMOTIVATED

PROBLEM: Bible study requires hard work

SKILLS FOR BIBLE STUDY

1) Ask the right QUESTIONS

SKILL: The more questions you ask about the text, the more you will learn from it

2) WRITE what you learn

SKILL: The best students use a journal or notebook to remember important truths

3) Look for real life APPLICATION

SKILL: Seek to be transformed, not just informed

4) Study CONSISTENTLY

SKILL: Great students do regularly what ordinary students do occasionally

5) Approach it FRESH

SKILL: There is no limit to any passage of Scripture

ATTITUDES TOWARD BIBLE STUDY

1) The “Fruits and Vegetables” Stage

ATTITUDE: We study God’s Word because we HAVE to

2) The “Steak and Potatoes” Stage

ATTITUDE: We study God’s Word because we NEED to

3) The “Dessert and Coffee” Stage

ATTITUDE: We study God’s Word because we WANT to

John 8:31–32 ESV

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”