Basic Principles of Bible Study

Believers are to be people of the Word. God speaks to us through Scripture. We grow in knowledge and grace as we spend time in the Bible. The Word is living and active and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing the innermost part of our being, bringing conviction and transformation. The Scriptures are central to the Christian life. Sadly, many of us do not read our Bibles as often as we should, and when we do, it is often rushed and superficial. Many believers are hesitant to read the Bible for themselves because it is confusing to them. They don’t know where to start, or how to make sense of what is before them. It doesn’t help that there are so many Bible teachers who misapply the Scriptures and are sloppy in the way they handle the biblical text. We may be guilty of this ourselves at times, reading our own ideas into a passage rather than drawing from it what is there. This shouldn’t be! We are called to be like the Bereans who searched the Scriptures daily receiving the words of the apostle with great eagerness (Acts 17:11). The purpose for this sermon series is to help equip the congregation not just to read but also study the Bible for themselves. We will focus on the basic principles that lay the foundation for all Bible Study, and we will have the opportunity to put these tools into practice.

1. Meditating on the Word (Ps. 119:9-16; 2 Tim. 2:15)

We often rush through devotions because we are busy with so many things, but good Bible Study begins with taking the time to intentionally reflect on the passage.  Slow down and do a careful reading of the text.  Go back over what you have read again and again to observe what is there.  Pay attention and ask questions.  Also pray for the Holy Spirit to provide illumination.

Tools / Skills: highlighter, personal paraphrase, multiple translations, interlinear

2. Looking at the Big Picture (Luke 24:44-49)

The Bible is not a collection of random spiritual sayings.  It tells a unified story of God’s saving work through Jesus. Step back and ask how this particular passage fits into the larger context of Scripture.  In the flow of redemptive history, where does chapter fit?  There are many books of the Bible, and many chapters and verses that make up each book, but it is important to remember the unifying theme that holds them together

Tools / Skills: gathering background information (author, date, audience, location), Bible Survey, Old Testament or New Testament Introduction, Study Bible, outline

3. Investigating the Background (Luke 1:1-4)

You should ask lots of questions as you read.  Searching for the answers will help us zoom in to examine the details of our passage.  We may be tempted to gloss over the parts we are unfamiliar with or struggle to understand.  Instead, do some research to fill in those blanks.

Tools / Skills: Q&A (the 5W’s and H), Bible Dictionary, Bible Encyclopedia, Bible Atlas

4. Identifying Key Words and Phrases (John 1:35-42)

As you read through a passage, look for repeated words or the central ideas. This will give us a clue about the focus of the biblical author.  The Bible was not originally written in English, but the Lord used faithful men and women to translate Scripture into our native tongue. It can be helpful to look up the meaning of important Greek or Hebrew terms, tracing their use throughout the Bible.

Tools / Skills: concordance, lexicon, interlinear, Strong’s numbers

5. Comparing Scripture with Scripture (Heb. 3:1-11; 1 Cor. 10:6-11)

Broaden your search by looking up parallel passages and related verses.  As we study a passage, other verses in the Bible can help shed light on what we are reading. There is a good chance several biblical authors address the same subject. Some verses are quoted by other authors, or the New Testament may look back and make reference to something that happens in the Old Testament.  Comparing Scripture with Scripture can be especially useful when we need greater clarity or additional insight on a passage.

Tools / Skills: Cross Reference, footnotes, New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

6. Gaining Insight from Other Teachers (Neh.8:8; Prov. 12:15)

Compare what you’ve learned with what others have written and taught. God has placed in the Church those with the gift of teaching, to help strengthen the Body of Christ. These include pastors, teachers, professors, authors, and others. Our study of the Bible will be greatly enhanced as we seek their insight. Consult good biblical commentaries. Be sure to save this step towards the end of the process so you are not tempted to bypass the work, or find yourself overly influenced by their findings.

Tools / Skills: Bible commentaries, blogs, podcast, journal articles, sermons

7. Applying the Passage to Your Life (2 Tim. 3:16-17; Rom. 12:2; Psalm 25)

Our study should not be a matter of head knowledge, simply learning interesting facts and information so we can win at Bible trivia.  We need heart knowledge that will change our lives and help us grow in our faith. Every passage of Scripture was inspired by the Holy Spirit for a reason. Ask the Lord what he wants you to learn from these verses.  Listen to him, allow him to convict, to correct, to challenge or inspire so that you might be drawn closer in your walk with him.

Tools / Skills: identify themes, topical Bible, Dictionary of Bible themes, homiletical commentary, devotionals

8. Sharing the Message with Others (2 Tim. 2:2; Ps. 40:9-10; 71:14-19)

The Bible is too valuable to keep to ourselves.  We want to pass on what we have learned with others.  This may or may not be in a formal setting such as a Sunday School class or from the pulpit.  Maybe God will use your study to impact your children, grandchildren, or friends.  iAll of us have some role to play in telling others about the Lord.

Tools / Skills: journal, blog, organize our thoughts