How should I study the Bible?
Here's the answer:
Studying the Bible isn’t as hard as you might think!
If we think of the Bible as sort of a map, it can take us places that we never thought we could go! The Bible not only shows us where we came from but also tells us where we are going. It gives us directions on how we are to act, respond, and seek to help others.
The first thing to do is pray.
We need help to read the Bible, and in John 14:26 it says that the Holy Spirit is a counselor for believers and will teach us in all things. John 16:13 says that He will guide us into all truth so we don’t have to question what truth is. So pray for wisdom and guidance through the Holy Spirit for understanding as you study the Bible.
Next, we need to keep verses in context.
We can’t take verses out of place and use them alone, or put them someplace else to say what we want them to say. We must read the whole verse in place, making sure we read what was before it and what comes after it. It’s just like when you’re traveling—you need to look at the whole map to see where you are before looking at just a small city or road.
Third, study the Bible with others.
The Bible says that just like "iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another" (Proverbs 27:17). So we need to encourage and push one another to grow and move out of our comfort zones and into the place where God wants us. We can learn a lot when we talk about God’s Word together.
Be prepared to get your batteries charged when you’re plugged into the word of God—you should expect nothing less!
Bible Truth
"I give you a new command. Love one another. You must love one another, just as I have loved you. If you love one another, everyone will know you are my disciples" (John 13:34–35).
"Here is my command. Love each other, just as I have loved you" (John 15:12).