2 Timothy 2:15 ; Joshua 1:8
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”.
As Christians, the expectation is not to be familiar or acquainted with the Bible, but to be intimate with God’s word. The only way to know the Bible is to maintain consistency in studying it. Just like studying a subject or text book, different subjects in the Bible have to be studied for spiritual growth and maturity.
Most people confuse reading the Bible with studying it –reading is scratching the surface; but studying is scratching the roots! However, of utmost importance is the strategies through which we unlock God’s word. There are different methods, but this article focuses on a simple method that can be used to study various chapters of the Bible (one at a time). No reference tools are required for this method. But you’ll need a notebook and a pen for writing.
Choose a chapter of the Bible to be studied, and read it at least five times – preferably in different translations for a deeper meaning and context. After the fifth reading, use the following eight points to summarize your thoughts, insights, or observations.
- Write down and look up the cross references that mostly relate to this chapter
- Summarize the content of this chapter in few sentences, focusing only on the key points.
- Write down the lessons learned, observations made, or insights gained
- Write down the key players (or main characters) featured in this chapter
- Briefly summarize the attributes of God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit observed in this chapter
- Choose a key verse from the chapter, (and memorize if possible)
- Explain how this chapter applies to your personal life, and what efforts you’ll make to incorporate the lessons you learnt
- Share your insights/lessons/observation with someone else!
As you study keep in mind that the whole essence of studying the Bible is for application, so our lives can be transformed by it. So whatever method you use, make sure there is a lesson observed that can be applied to your Christian life.