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Bible study is imperative in a Christian’s walk with Christ. The 1st-century church was taught to not only read the Bible but to also study it.
This blog post will explain why that is the case and ways in which you can simply but effectively study the word of God.
Let’s get to it!
What is Bible study?
The Bible is not just to be simply read, as a believer it is meant to be studied and handled correctly (2 Timothy 2:15). Bible study is for you to personally understand the meaning of the biblical text. It needs to be a personal understanding with revelation directly from God (the Holy Spirit) teaching you what the biblical text means within its context. However, you can also use biblical scholars’ teaching, commentaries or sermons to help alongside your Bible study but you should not solely depend on them.
When should we study the Bible?
Studying the Bible should be something that you should do daily. Just like physical food is a necessity for us to live this physical life, it is just as or even more important to live on the word of God as it is our spiritual food to live this spiritual life in this physical world (Matthew 4:4).
It would be helpful if you created a bible study routine. Either you start reading and studying the word in the morning or in the evenings, whatever suits you. Creating a pattern will establish a habit of daily studying the Bible.
Why do we study the Bible?
Everything that is created has a creator and the creator creates a manual/handbook on how the created thing should function. The same way that God our Creator created us, and the Bible is our manual to how to live life. Bible study helps us understand the biblical text better to apply it personally in our lives. It is not good enough to call yourself a Christian, you need to act like one, and to do so you need the help of the word of God.
Bible study also helps us to know and understand God so that we can develop our relationship with Him. The Bible is God’s own words speaking to us, that is why it is called the “word of God” (2 Timothy 3:16).
We should read and study the Bible because there are false teachings which do not align with the bible but some believers will listen to fit their own desires (2 Timothy 4:3-4). It is important to understand sound biblical doctrines to not be deceived into believing these false teachings. We need to test what people teach us with the truth; God’s very own words, which is the Bible (Acts 17:11). Study the Bible for yourself instead of studying it through others.
How to study the Bible?
Things you need before you begin
- Bible (physical copy or a bible app)
- Pens
- Highlighters
- Notebook
- Bible Journal
- Bible Commentary and or Dictionary
Books in the Bible that are beginner friendly to start off with
- The Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
- The Creation: Genesis
- Wisdom and Practical Christian Living: Proverbs and James
Commentaries and Dictionaries
- Enduring Word – Bible commentary
- Blue Letter Bible – Bible commentary
- Bible Study Tools – Bible commentary
- Got Questions – Biblical website (answer your Bible questions)
- YouVersion – Bible app
- Bible Gateway – Online Bible
- Bible Hub – Online Bible and Bible dictionary
- Bible Project – Online Bible story videos explained
Ways to study the Bible
Always remember to read and study the biblical text within its context. Search the historical context of what was happening during the time that scripture was written. Also, use the surrounding verses and chapters to discern the context. The Bible explains itself.
- Read over the biblical text as many times as you need.
- Choose a Bible translation that is easy to read for you such as Word for Word e.g. NKJV, ESV or Thought for Thought e.g. NIV, NLT.
- You can study scripture verse by verse.
- You can study chapter by chapter.
- You can study topically.
- You can study story by story.
- You can use and study the ‘Verse of the Day’ on the YouVersion Bible app, and take notes on the app.
- You can highlight, circle or underline and make notes of any observation in a notebook or Bible Journal.
- You can use keywords when highlighting and making notes in your notebook or Bible Journal of observations such as context, cross-reference, figurative language, application, and reflection/prayer.
SOAP method
The SOAP method is a way to study the Bible to dig deeper into the scriptures in a simple manner.
- Scripture = Get the scripture you want to study and read it as many times as you need.
- Observation = Pick out key features used in the scripture e.g., figurative language (metaphors, smilies, parables, hyperbole etc), context, definitions, use of punctuation, cross-reference etc. Using the features, begin to analyse the text investigating what the text means. Here is where you can use commentaries or other resources to help you understand the text further.
- Application = From what you have learnt how can you apply it to your life. Use this time to reflect.
- Prayer = Begin and end your bible studies with a prayer for the Holy Spirit to give you revelation and teach you what you need to learn and to help guide you in applying what you learnt to your life so that the word of God does not depart from you, but stays with you and convicts and corrects you when need be (John 16:13).
SOAP Bible Study Printable
We have a SOAP Bible Study Printable to help you study the Bible easily. You can use this blog post as a guide to know how the method works, and you can use the printable alongside your bible study.
There are many ways to study the Bible to help us get more out of the scriptures to apply to our daily walk with Christ than merely reading the biblical text.
Why not, try and use one of the ways we have shared with you today to apply in your quiet time with Jesus when studying His word?
Stay blessed,
Divine L.
Updated on: 18 March 2023
Hi, I am Divine L., your sister-in-F.A.I.T.H., who is passionate about discipling Christian girls to be a walking embodiment of Jesus Christ in their daily lives and to help young girls and woman become who God destined for them to become. It is a great blessing to welcome you to the F.A.I.T.H. sisterhood!