Although the Bible is definitely “one size fits all” in that it is truth for everyone, the ways people imbibe this truth, the way one studies, grows in knowledge and comes to better understand its truth, is not.
The means of studying God’s Word are many and diverse.
Don’t give up on God’s Word because a ‘method’ gets in the way.
Find what works best with who you are and run with it.
God’s Word is too precious to be a casualty of a ‘Bible Study Method’ struggle.
Here are some of the different ideas that I’ve used over the years; each has benefited me at different times and in different ways me by helping me grow in God’s truth.
1) Reading through the Bible. Get a schedule that combines OT & NT readings. There are even some Bibles organized this way. This method is a valued friend that is worth coming back to often.
2) Reading through a book of the Bible, a paragraph at a time, & writing down 2-3 key points from that day’s passage. I’ve done this both with the goal of (roughly) outlining the idea of the text or for the goal of application (“what does this mean for me in my life?” ) If you’re not a ‘writer’ person, so what. Just write smaller amounts.
3)Doing a topical study of an area of interest/need. Using a simple concordance (or an online option) look up several verses on that topic per day & jot down a summary of what the verse(s) said. Even a single sentence is fine. For instance, I once did a study of “joy” and went through the Bible finding this word & similar ones (delight), connecting them together to ‘see’ God’s mind on them.
4)Buying a Bible study book & going through a study on your own. The structure and organization of the study is motivating and helpful. All studies of this sort are not the same, however. Be selective, discerning & ask another trusted friend for suggestions.
5) Studying the Bible with another person. Whatever tool you use, or if you just go through verse by verse on your own, the ongoing input of another coupled with the accountability of their partnership give this double the benefit.
6) Buying a simple devotional book which gives a verse and thought for the day. Though I’d suggest this is the equivalent of ‘ramen noodles’ in the dietery analogy & you’d not want to exist your whole life on this lighter fare, it can be valuable, encouraging & constant at a time that you’re just hanging on for dear life!
7)Attending or starting a group study with others. The accountability, value of other’s insights, as well as the unselfishness it garners in yourself because you must take in account others when you select, discuss, share, etc. make this a profitable study venue. I’ve been amazed how God has worked through his Word in formats like these when I’ve been less than enthusiastic about the study topic itself. We often shortchange God, I think, when we determine we know better what we ‘need’ so we decide to “just skip this one.”
8)Refreshing & reviewing familiar promises and truths to ground ourselves. I especially find this helpful in the areas of my ongoing struggle with sin. Peter did not apologize for reminding his readers in his epistles about truth they already knew. We miss out when we think ‘already know that, don’t need it again.”
9)Taking the Bible in hand, opening it & simply reading it. Just do it. Trust God’s promise that it is His Word that is the supernatural power, that shows you who He is, that feeds & sustains you. Even when you don’t feel or logically conclude it. Just do it as you cry out to Him for the joy that you long for in it.
The means of studying God’s Word are many and diverse.
Don’t give up on God’s Word because a ‘method’ gets in the way.
Find what works best with who you are and run with it.
God’s Word is too precious to be a casualty of a ‘Bible Study Method’ struggle.
Here are some of the different ideas that I’ve used over the years; each has benefited me at different times and in different ways me by helping me grow in God’s truth.
1) Reading through the Bible. Get a schedule that combines OT & NT readings. There are even some Bibles organized this way. This method is a valued friend that is worth coming back to often.
2) Reading through a book of the Bible, a paragraph at a time, & writing down 2-3 key points from that day’s passage. I’ve done this both with the goal of (roughly) outlining the idea of the text or for the goal of application (“what does this mean for me in my life?” ) If you’re not a ‘writer’ person, so what. Just write smaller amounts.
3)Doing a topical study of an area of interest/need. Using a simple concordance (or an online option) look up several verses on that topic per day & jot down a summary of what the verse(s) said. Even a single sentence is fine. For instance, I once did a study of “joy” and went through the Bible finding this word & similar ones (delight), connecting them together to ‘see’ God’s mind on them.
4)Buying a Bible study book & going through a study on your own. The structure and organization of the study is motivating and helpful. All studies of this sort are not the same, however. Be selective, discerning & ask another trusted friend for suggestions.
5) Studying the Bible with another person. Whatever tool you use, or if you just go through verse by verse on your own, the ongoing input of another coupled with the accountability of their partnership give this double the benefit.
6) Buying a simple devotional book which gives a verse and thought for the day. Though I’d suggest this is the equivalent of ‘ramen noodles’ in the dietery analogy & you’d not want to exist your whole life on this lighter fare, it can be valuable, encouraging & constant at a time that you’re just hanging on for dear life!
7)Attending or starting a group study with others. The accountability, value of other’s insights, as well as the unselfishness it garners in yourself because you must take in account others when you select, discuss, share, etc. make this a profitable study venue. I’ve been amazed how God has worked through his Word in formats like these when I’ve been less than enthusiastic about the study topic itself. We often shortchange God, I think, when we determine we know better what we ‘need’ so we decide to “just skip this one.”
8)Refreshing & reviewing familiar promises and truths to ground ourselves. I especially find this helpful in the areas of my ongoing struggle with sin. Peter did not apologize for reminding his readers in his epistles about truth they already knew. We miss out when we think ‘already know that, don’t need it again.”
9)Taking the Bible in hand, opening it & simply reading it. Just do it. Trust God’s promise that it is His Word that is the supernatural power, that shows you who He is, that feeds & sustains you. Even when you don’t feel or logically conclude it. Just do it as you cry out to Him for the joy that you long for in it.
10) Currently, I'm doing a chronological look at Jesus' life with specific focus on how he interacted with people. That just means I'm reading the gospels, comparing similar accounts between them, noting Christ's interaction with people, and writing down my observations of his words/actions. This was spawned because of my interest in sharing the gospel with people and how little I have opportunity, it seems, to actually do it! My progress is slow, but I know time in the Word trying to learn from and emulate the example of Christ will never be wasted!
I’m sure there are many other methods I haven’t mentioned. The significant point in all of this is to do it. God’s Word is too precious to let lay on the shelf!
“Oh, how I love thy law…”
I’m sure there are many other methods I haven’t mentioned. The significant point in all of this is to do it. God’s Word is too precious to let lay on the shelf!
“Oh, how I love thy law…”
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