5 Tips on How to Study the Bible

Today, we’re talking about equipping our ourselves with God’s word! The most important weapon we have as a momma. So to help us get geared up, I brought in a mighty warrior momma who loves a good Bible study session. My friend, Leah Lively. Leah is a blogger and newly published author of “30 Days with John“. Let’s dive in to her tips on Bible Study.

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Everyone has their own obstacles when it comes to studying scripture. It is not unusual to sit down to read the Bible and a multitude of things distract you. Besides the distractions, there are challenges with where to start or simply understanding the words on the page.

I sat down to write my current Bible study, 30 Days with John, with you in mind. God’s Word is a gift to us. The Bible is a love letter from His heart to give us the opportunity to learn more about Him and give Him a chance to communicate with us. I want to remove the overwhelming parts of studying and guide you through having your own meaningful time in God’s word.

Pray

When the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. John 16:13

Many find studying the Bible overwhelming because it can be difficult to understand. Thankfully, we don’t need a seminary degree to help us comprehend God’s Word. The disciples had difficulty understanding Jesus’ stories and explanations, but as He sat with them the night before He was crucified, He promised that when He left the earth, they would be given the Holy Spirit to guide them into all truth. Before I open my Bible, I pray for my eyes to be opened to whatever God wants to teach me. This act of surrender is professing to God that I am not going to attempt to understand the scripture on my own but rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Choose Scripture

All scripture is inspired by God. 2 Timothy 3:16

It can be difficult to know where to begin. When choosing what to read, many times we read one or two verses. The problem here is that the Bible wasn’t written verse by verse. The books of the Bible weren’t even divided into chapters when they were originally written. The author wrote the book in its entirety within the context and timeframe they were living in. Choose a book of the Bible to focus on. Research the time frame, the author, and what events were going on when the book was written. This will help you have a better understanding of the author’s focus and message.

Ask questions

How can we know the way? John 14:5

Jesus’ disciples continuously asked Him for clarification. After you have read the scripture passage in its entirety, read it again, underline, make notes and ask questions. You may need to do a little research on the passage in order to fully grasp what the author is saying. Biblehub.com and many other online bible study sites have commentary that explain scripture. Make sure you are using trusted, researched materials and not merely opinion.

Focus on application

But the counselor, the Holy Spirit…will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you. John 14:26

It is easy to read the passage and lay it aside without finding any significance for your life. While you may not be able to apply it in that moment, be expectant that God will show you a bigger picture. For example, I just finished reading through Leviticus where God lays out His laws for the people of Israel. He expected them to be followed in detail or the Israelites would be punished severely. While I am not an Israelite and not following the Levitical law, I am able to see how serious God is about a relationship with His people. He wants our whole-hearted devotion, not only when it is convenient. That realization came in the middle of reading through the entire book of Leviticus. God reveals to us in His time.

Pray

I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in me through their word. John 17:20

Jesus prayed for us as future believers. He prayed for our love for God and His love for us. End your time of Bible study in prayer. There is so much God wants to reveal to us. Thank Him for what you learned during this time as well as what He will continue to teach you throughout your time studying each day.

Born and raised in Virginia, Leah’s faith journey began in a small church in a small town. She is a wife to one and a mom to 4 along with a sweet female boxer. Leah is motivated by 2 Corinthians 13:11 where Paul encourages the church in Corinth to “become mature and be encouraged, be of the same mind, be at peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.” She wants believers to grow in their faith and discover a hunger for God’s word. Leah’s genuine and authentic style of presenting the gospel lays a foundation for readers to learn more of God’s Truths. Check out Leah’s blog a leahlivelyblog.com .