Bible Study Method
A simple method anyone can use to study their Bible at home.
Do you want to study the Bible, but wonder where to start? Does the thought of studying the Bible, leave you feeling intimidated? Do the questions “What if I get it wrong?” or “What if I don’t understand the text?” keep you from digging deeper into scripture (I’ll give you my favorite go-to commentaries with links in a future post)?
In this post I will give you a super simple Bible studying method that will help you grow in your relationship with the Lord as well as your understanding of Scripture.
For this method, all you need are your Bible (it doesn’t matter which version you use, I prefer NIV, but you can use what you prefer), a notebook and a writing utensil. If you like to mark-up your Bible with highlighters and pens, those are great additions too!
Whenever I start studying my Bible for the day, I like to pray first. It helps me calm my mind and focus. Next, I read the passage I have selected. For beginners, I recommend starting in Genesis. Go a chapter or two at a time. The Bible has six types of literature within its 66 books. The first is the Law, the second is history, then poetry, prophecy, genealogy, and narrative. If you’re a fan of history and you’ve studied the Bible before, I recommend starting in Joshua or 1 Samuel. If you love narrative, go with the book of John.
After reading your selected passage (sometimes it helps to read it a couple times) you’ll want to ask yourself three questions and write your answers in your notebook:
- What is happening in this passage?
- What am I learning from this passage?
- How does what I’ve learned apply to my life today?
That’s it! The most simple way to study the Bible on your own. I prefer using this method in the summer months when I’m not heavily involved with Bible Study Fellowship. This method might be something you’ve seen before, I’m not reinventing the wheel. There are several pastors/churches who recommend this method because of its simplicity and because it helps get passage from the head, to the heart, and then into action in daily life.
The Bible’s teachings stand the test of time. What was true for the original audience, stands true today. The important part is to understand how we live in light of what Scripture teaches, across time.
I hope you found this method helpful! Leave a comment below if you gave it a try! I’d love to hear from you.
Blessings,
Lauren