I recently taught a Bible Study about how to be planted in the Word of God. The main thrust of the study was that we are to love the Word of God and to work at knowing the Word of God.
Here are some principles and practices for studying God's Word:
Principles
- Pray for help to understand (Ps. 119:18)
- Repent of secret and presumptuous sins (Ps. 19:12-13; 139:23-24)
- Use a quiet place, journal, coffee, whatever helps you engage and enjoy God’s Word
- Read small sections multiple times
- Read out loud to help with tone and memory
- Ask: Who wrote it? Whom is it written to? Why?
- Wrestle for application (Rom. 15:4)
- Consult helpful resources
Helpful Resources
A Good Translation
Find a good translation (ESV; NIV; NASB; NKJV; HCSB) as your primary Bible, but read from several translations and paraphrases for help.
New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
This is the best tool for helping Scripture interpret Scripture. Use it before commentaries or Study Bibles.
Bible Dictionary
A good one will help you see the imagery used in scripture and what those images meant to the original authors and readers of the bible.
Manners and Customs
Understanding the historical, geographical, cultural context in which the Bible was originally written will help it come to life in the 21st Century.
Use these tools last and to help understand difficult concepts.
