Bible Studies

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I have a long-time friend who I am trying to help with regard to her faith. She already knows many of the basics, but one of her main problems is Bible study. It seems too difficult for her to follow, and she could not derive much relevance from it to apply to her life. However, when someone (like a pastor) explains things to her, then she would get it. Just not through Bible study.

 

In an effort to get around this problem, I tried giving other Bible translations, thinking that maybe her Bible is not so reader-friendly. Nothing seems to work. She still wouldn't read for lack of understanding, or so she claims.. Finally I thought that maybe the problem lies somewhere else.. If this situation seems to apply to you as well, then read on for some things you can do about it.

 

1. Consider your motivation. The main reason for Bible study is not because someone told you to do it. The motivation should be curiosity and worship. Curiosity to find out more about God, and the desire to interact with him in prayer, which you will do as you read and come to know about His will. What do you do if you don't have the curiosity or the desire to worship? You pray that God will give it to you. Then start reading anyway. God will certainly not push you away, especially since you want to know about Him.

 

2. Consider your approach. The Bible can be read from cover to cover, but for a beginning Christian, especially someone who doesn't read much, that might not be the best way to go. Some people, however, are uncomfortable with the idea of skipping or skimming through a book. If you are like that, change it. The Bible is not a pocketbook or a novel. You should familiarize yourself with the Bible's layout first, on which books talk about which topics, and then read according to what you want to know at the time.

 

3. Consider the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the great enabler, the source of power and abilities that we normally won't have. The Holy Spirit is the one who prompts us to do certain "Christian" things, the one who reminds us of certain Bible passages that apply to a particular situation, and the one who convicts us when we stray from God's will. Therefore, you should ask for the Holy Spirit's help before you start your Bible study. If the Bible authors can be inspired by the Holy Spirit, then you can certainly be helped to understand those writings.

 

4. Consider your expectations. Many people read the Bible in order to get answers to particular problems. Sometimes the answer is revealed.. But sometimes there is nothing. What does it mean then? It means one of three things: you keep on reading, you wait, or you examine yourself for some unconfessed or unrepented sin. It's true. In the Bible, there are many instances where God specifically does not answer prayer because of people's sins. Therefore, when reading the Bible, patience and humility are good attitudes to have.

 

 

After you have thought about these things, the next step is prayer. Personal Bible study is quite indispensable for a Christian's growth, and not being able to do it will make that growth harder. So pray for the Holy Spirit to come and empower you. Don't force it. Who knows? Maybe one particular day, you feel this tiny urge to pick up the Bible.. Obey it. Then start a more meaningful Bible study.

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