Guest post by Josh Creel
Have you ever said or heard someone say, “I don’t understand the Bible,” or “I read the Bible, but I don’t come away with anything,”? Bible study is clearly important for the Christian because the Scriptures reveal the mind of God (1 Corinthians 2:10-13), reveal all we need (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and will judge us (John 12:48-50). So, what can we do to profit more from our Bible study? How can we insure that we come away with something each time we read the Scriptures? Try answering these questions whenever you read the Bible:
- What commands are there to obey?
- What examples are there to follow?
- What sins are there to avoid?
- What promises are there to receive? Are those promises conditional or unconditional?
- What prayers can I make my own?
- What do I learn about God?
While this method of Bible study may not result in a complete understanding of any particular passage, it will insure that we gain something each time we read the Bible. Also, if we will apply what we learn we will grow in our faith and be pleasing to our Father. So, try reading with a purpose the next time you sit down to read the Scriptures; read to find out what God is telling you.