In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God … 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. John 1:1, 14
A beginner’s guide to studying the bible
Whether you are a Christian or you are starting your journey of faith, or you just want to know more about the Bible, this page is a guide. Everyone is different and there is no set way of reading the Bible and how to read the Bible, this page is just to give you some guidance.
Why Do Christians Value the Bible?
- Christians believe the Bible is the Word of God. It is their sacred text.
- The Bible provides laws for living well and laws for abiding by God’s commands.
- The story of Jesus and the early church is found in the Bible.
Comparing Reading and Studying
Is reading and studying the same thing?
Many of Christians frequently read the Bible. They might read it aloud every day at home or once a week during a church service. The majority of Christians will own a Bible at home.
Many Christians study the Bible in addition to reading it. This indicates that after reading, they reflect on it. Christians may ask questions concerning the scripture they read, they engage in group discussion about it, or hear a priest, pastor or vicar discuss it.
Christians hold that a deeper understanding of God can only come by studying the Bible.
In groups or alone?
When studying the Bible alone or in a group, Christians approach it in different ways.
How to Study the Bible.
- Select a translation that you understand.
- Set a time, a location, and a study schedule. Find a quiet place for you to concentrate.
- Understand the context. Read the scripture a few times. Gather background information. Do word studies. Cross reference with other Bibles.
- Ask questions while you read slowly.
- Pray for God to speak to you, and then apply what He reveals you. Does something from the scripture stand out, draws your attention.
- Join a Bible group, study together through fellowship.
- Choose your start point in the Bible. Start at Genesis or start at New Testament, using Bible topics, or people of the Bible, or a Bible plan.
- Recognise the context of the material you are reading. You can better understand the message’s significance if you know who wrote it, who it was addressed to, what was happening at the time, etc.
- Make use of tools. Many excellent atlases, lexicons, concordances, and commentaries are available to assist you! Resources – DVD/ CD/ online media, audio Bible, apps, based studies.
- Develop the habit of reading. Put your Bible next to your bed, set a timer, and visit our Daily Scripture page.
- Commit texts to memory. If necessary, start with short ones! Every aspect of your life will benefit from knowing God’s Word. See How To Remember Scripture page.
- Learn alongside your buddies. One of the best ways to learn is to study alongside someone or bounce ideas off of them. You may also hold each other responsible.
- Show humility. No matter who you are, you are not an expert on the Bible. Keep an open mind and be willing to learn new things that may different from what you were taught
Other items needed
Put together a Bible Study Survival Kit with all the materials a Christian would require studying the Bible.
| Pens, pencils | Bookmarks |
| Notebook | Nouns and theological terms – Bible Dictionary |
| A quiet place | Maybe some relaxing music |
| A well-lit area | Highlighters |
| Sticky notes | Sticky notes |
| Snacks | Comfortable seat |
| Concordance | Dictionary |
Understand the context.
The Bible Is …
- A collection of 66 different books.
- Three languages are used in the writing.
- Throughout three continents.
- Over a period of 1,500 years.
- By 40 different authors.
It’s a collection of poems, prophecies, letters, laws, histories, and biographies, written by people and inspired by God, telling one unified story that shows us our need for Jesus and teaches us to become like Him.
- Is there a SIN to stay away from?
- Is there a PROMISE to be claimed?
- Is there an EXAMPLE to follow?
- Is there a COMMAND to obey?
- Is there something to KNOW about God?
Ask God to speak to you in prayer, then put His teachings into practice.
Our story is currently being written by God. In what ways has God changed your life through His Word?
This week, how is God urging you to read the Bible more closely?
CONTEXT
- What is the genre of this book?
- Who is the author?
- In what location was it written? (If information is available)
- Who is the original audience?
- • In what location are they?
- What’s the literary style, exactly?
- When was it written?
- Why was it written?
- What major themes should I look for?
- Any details about culture?
OBSERVATION
- What is happening in this narrative?
- What is the basic outline of this passage?
- What words or ideas are repeated?
- What evidence of the major themes of the book are in this passage?
- How are the ideas in the passage connected to one another? Look for
- words like if/then, therefore, and but to help identify this.
INTERPRETATION
- What did this passage mean to the original hearers?
- What cross-references help me understand the passage better?
- What is the main point of the passage?
- How does this passage fit in the redemption story of the Bible (creation, fall, redemption, and consummation)?
- Where do I see Jesus in this passage?
APPLICATION
- How does what I learned today change how I live?
- What did I learn about myself in light of who God is?
- How should I respond in obedience?
- How does this scripture help me to have a relationship with the Lord?
- What does the scripture tell me about the Lord?
Various approaches to the Bible
- The start of God’s Story – Genesis to Exodus
- Foundational – John’s Gospel
- Wisdom – Proverbs and James
- Pain, Comfort, Devotion, and Worship – Psalms
- Theology/Gospel/Sin/Salvation – Romans
N.B.
Please be aware not all questions are relevant to the scripture you are reading.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Finish with a prayer: Repent, declare Jesus your Saviour, honour and praise, give thanks.
The purpose of the Bible is to change us, not only to teach us.
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