Article - How to Study the Bible
“The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil” (Proverbs 15:28). Throughout the Bible, God’s people prosper spiritually when they study and do His will. Yet, when they do not know and heed the will of God they find themselves in dire straits (Hosea 4:6). The command to study is something we must fulfill every day of our lives (Acts 17:11). It is not a command for just a certain few but for all to follow (2 Timothy 2:15). Since all must study the Bible, what steps can one take for profitable Bible study? Let me suggest three steps that will help improve your Bible study.
Bible Study is Personal. The Bible is God’s message for us today (1 Corinthians 14:37). To really profit from Bible study it must be personal. As I read God’s word, I have to realize that this is God’s will for me. The command to deny self, take up one’s cross daily, and follow the Savior is not for the first-century disciple only—it is also for me (Luke 9:23). As I study God’s word, I must realize that this is the God of the Universe talking to me today (Hebrews 1:1-4; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Bible Study is Practical. Many people do not get anything out of Bible study because they are told the Bible is an old dusty book that cannot apply to the 21st-century individual. Friends, that is simply a lie! The Bible says, “God has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him…” (2 Peter 1:3). Paul encourages us to apply the things that we find in the Bible to our own personal lives (Philippians 4:9). For Bible study to help you get to Heaven you must make it practical to your daily life.
Bible Study is Promising. Many people do not study the Bible because they do not recognize the blessing of Bible study. To those who read and obey it, the Bible promises they can live with God for all eternity (Matthew 7:21). Jesus said, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). What greater benefit can you get from any other book? The Bible is the only book that promises you a life with God for all eternity if you follow its precepts. The beloved Apostle John said, “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near” (Revelation 1:3). Please realize that the blessings of Bible Study are richer than we could ever imagine.
Friend, is Bible study a priority in your life? If not, it should and can be. May God help each of us to “study to show ourselves approved unto God” (2 Timothy 2:15).
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