Getting Started With Personal Bible Study

Personal Bible study is one of the most rewarding practices in the Christian life. However, it requires intention and structure. Here is how you can prepare and approach the Word of God.

Preparing to Study

• Make time to study: Study time will not “just happen.” With so many daily distractions, we must deliberately set aside a specific time every day to focus on God’s Word.
• Have a place to study: An ideal study spot has good lighting, minimal interruptions, and your study resources (like notebooks or dictionaries) within reach.
• Have a plan for study: Keep your plan realistic and flexible. You might choose to study a specific topic or read through a particular book of the Bible. This keeps your study focused.

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• Get help when needed: Do not be afraid to ask a trusted teacher or mentor for help when you encounter a difficult passage. Always compare their answers with other scriptures to ensure they match the Bible.
• Pray for wisdom: In James 1:2-8, we are told to ask God for wisdom, which He gives generously and without reproach (disapproval or criticism). Knowledge comes from study, but wisdom is the ability to apply what you learn. Always ask our benevolent (kind and generous) God for help in understanding.
• Study with an open mind: Be willing to obey whatever God commands. We should approach study with an open, humble attitude:

  “Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.”

• Use common sense: The Bible is written in logical, everyday language. It was meant to be understood by ordinary people, which means you can understand it too.

Approaching the Text

• Rightly divide the word: Learn to distinguish between the Old and New Testaments, as well as the physical and spiritual lessons. Paying attention to the context will help you see the difference.
• Read, re-read, and ponder: Take your time. Read a passage multiple times and let the ideas sink in. Some scriptures will become clearer to you later in the day, during a sermon, or as your general Bible knowledge grows.
• Be patient with yourself: Some passages are difficult to understand at first. Bible study is a lifelong process, and your understanding will deepen over time.
• Examine the context: Context refers to the sentences and paragraphs surrounding a verse. Ask the basic questions: Who is speaking? Who is being addressed? What is the main message? Note that some ancient commands (like building Noah’s ark) do not apply to us today, but they still teach us timeless principles.
• Notice the connecting words: Pay close attention to “little” words like if, then, so, for, and, but, and therefore. These small words connect arguments and show cause and effect. Paying attention to connecting words is critical for accurate Bible study.