Bible Studies

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2 Timothy 2:15 KJVR
Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

How do I study the Bible? What an easy question to ask, yet such a hard question to answer – for some.

My daughter, who dislikes school like a lot 16 year old teenagers, told me that she had a teacher tell her to just read the text four or five times and everything will soak in. After all, that’s how HE studied.

But that didn’t work for her.

I recommended that she read the text several times, pausing to contemplate the important sections. And when she was done, think back on what she just read, and what did it mean.

Asking someone how to study something is a lot like fishing. Everyone has their own favorite way. There is no secret formula.

There is, in my opinion, one major exception. When we, as Christians, study the Bible, we are given directions.

We pray for Guidance to know what to read, Knowledge of what the text means, and the Wisdom to know WHEN and HOW to apply it to our lives.

Then we read it and think on it. And when we’re finished, we pray again.

Many of you are thinking, “So I pray, read, think on, and then pray again. Then Voila! I should have instant knowledge and understanding of God’s greatest mysteries, huh? Been there, done that, still don’t understand it.”

As a Christian, we have an advantage. God’s Holy Spirit guides us. Romans 8:26 tells us the Spirit helps us, in our weaknesses, by interceding for us, to God, with utterings we cannot express or say ourselves.

Does this mean only Christian’s can read and understand the Bible? Well, yes and no. That depends on how much “meat” you are talking about. A non-Christian can read and understand many basic things. We see proof of this understanding when we deal with those who would challenge our hope and faith. But they will never get the true meat that is found only with God’s grace.

Also, consider one who is thinking about becoming a Christian; don’t they need some basic understandings of His Word?

After we are Christians, God’s gift to us helps us in our quest, but it DOES take study. Galatians 6:9 and 2 Thessalonians 3:13 tells us that we should not weary in doing good. And studying God’s Word is definitely doing good.

Anytime we do God’s will, we are doing good. We study to show ourselves approved by God.

To me, this means that we study that we KNOW His will. And that if we know His will, and are praying for wisdom and knowledge, we will know WHEN to put action to words.

If God’s will is that I become a missionary to Russia and I just sit and think on this and say to myself, “This is God’s will, so I will just sit back and let it happen.” Will it? God could move me to Russia, without me ever lifting a finger, but if we examine Christ’s life – It is HE whom we try to imitate. Also, keep in mind that obeying God is our reasonable service to Him Romans 12:1

We know we are servants of our Lord. There are several versus that come to mind concerning this: Matthew 10:24, Luke 6:40, John 13:16, John 15:20.

There are many more, but I believe the point is made. We are to be like Jesus was. He was a man of action. So should we be.

So if we study, with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit, we will get the greater meaning of the Word. Some may actually grasp deep understanding with very little study, but most of us will struggle with this for a long time.

Take for instance Psalms 23. How many people knew this was a prophesy of Christ? As you read this, you are thinking one of several things:
“I knew that.”
“Wow, REALLY?!?”
“Right… Show me!”

Let me show you…

We all know the story of the woman with the alabaster box and the Pharisee Jesus was dining with. It’s in all four Gospels (Matthew 26:6–13, Mark 14:3-9, Luke 7:36-50, and John 11:2-16).

Now let’s take a look as Psalms. Psalms 23:5 KJV Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

If you study Psalms, you will see that many, if not most of the Psalms are prophecies of our Lord. How can we come to this conclusion? By studying!

Again, pray that God gives you wisdom and knowledge. Read with the intent to learn, not like a book of fiction or other entertaining piece of literature. Think on what you’ve read. Allow the Spirit lead you.

And with practice, by feeding on His word, you too will start to gather greater insight to God’s will and His Word.

In His love,
Christopher Dale

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