How To Study The Holy Bible?

 

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

The Bible tells us all Scripture is given by the inspiration of God. This means that the Holy Bible is God-breathed. Every single word is from God. 2 Peter 1:21 says, “for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” The Bible teaches us that man is not the creator of the Bible. However, man was involved in penning of God’s Word. Man was the tool God used to pen His Word. God did not need to use man, but He chose to do so.

Paul tells us four key things about the Word of God.

Firstly, “profitable for teaching.” Scripture is useful for teaching godliness. We should only get our teaching from the Bible, not traditions, nor of man. The Bible is the only authority that is trustworthy and inspired by God.

The Bible is not a collection of stories, fables, myths, or the ideas of man. The Bible is not a man-made book. In the MacArthur Commentary John MacArthur writes, “The Scripture provides the comprehensive and complete body of divine truth necessary for life and godliness.” Matthew Henry in his commentary on the whole Bible writes, “If we consult the Scriptures, which was given by inspiration of God, and follow its directions, we shall be made men of God, perfect, and thoroughly furnished to every good work.”

Secondly, “for reproof”. Scripture is useful for rebuking those in sin. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Ephesians 6:17 is an important verse regarding this second point. “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

The Word of God is living, operative and has the power to reach and touch the heart of man. The Word of God pierces the depths of the soul and spirit of man. The Word of God never returns void (Isaiah 55:11). Ephesians 6:17 teaches us that the Word of God will guard and protect our mind. The sword, that Word of God, that will break through our sinful hearts and aid us in our battles against Satan. The sword is the only offensive weapon mention in Ephesians 6. We need to trust in the truth of God’s Word to fight against evil.

Many times, during the Christian life we come against those who wish to attack our doctrine and faith. The Word of God contains all the answers we need to defend our faith. The Bible provides us with the truth so we can answer questions. Peter said, always be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in you. Therefore, all believers should be students of the Bible. If you have the Bible in your native tongue then read it, study it, memorize it and live it.

Thirdly, “for correction”.  The Word of God is useful for those in error. Just like our second point of rebuke. The Bible is useful for correcting those who are wrong. For example, if we come across a person who thinks they are a Christian and does not believe in Hell, a works-based salvation and praying for the dead. We can use Scripture to show the error and to show the correct doctrine in the light of the Bible. When we use Scripture, we are not giving our view or opinion, but God’s view on the matter. It is very important that we preach God’s view and not what “I think”.

Fourthly, for “training in righteousness.” The last point that Paul makes is that the word of God is profitable for teaching in godliness. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.” We ought to study the Word of God and prepare to defend our faith. Psalm 119:11 says, “Thy word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against Thee.” This is why we ought to read and commit to memory the Holy Scriptures. The best weapon and defence against spiritual attack is the Word of God.

Paul tells us to be diligent students of Scripture. God’s Word was given for a reason, to be read and acted upon. So, with this in mind, how do you study the Bible? The short answer is exactly how God tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16. Without the Bible all that you know about Christ would not be possible. You would not know the Gospel, and we all know that no Gospel means no salvation. No salvation means, no forgiveness of sin and no heaven.

God’s will for you is to grow in Him. Spiritual growth is God’s desire for His children. As we grow in Him our relationship with Him will deepen and thus be profitable for both us and the Lord.

Some helpful points to consider.

Read a book through - When you read a letter, you start with the first page and end with the last page. You can only grasp the Bible if you read a whole book. This is how I read the Bible. I start chapter 1 of a book and read it all the way through. If you are new to reading the Bible, I suggest you start with the Gospel of John.

Do not read fast or too much - I recommend you read what you can manage to take in at a time. If you have the ability to take in 10 chapters a day, then do so. If you can only take in 2 chapters a day, then do so. Also do not read the Bible like a newspaper. Don’t scan over the passage but read it carefully and prayerfully. Study the passage also.

Learn to feed your soul daily – Most people eat every day. Food for our physical bodies is something we never forget to do. We should have the attitude toward food for our souls. Our motto when we wake up should be, “No Bible, No Breakfast.” We also need to find the best time of day for reading our Bibles. For some it will be morning before the day starts, for others it will be evenings. For many, evenings is the best time to relax and sit down with the Scriptures. Whenever we read our Bible, we should read it as often as we can. I do my reading mainly in the evenings, but always start the day with prayer.

Christian resources and books - Read a good commentary about the passage you have just read. Listen to a sermon on the topic or passage you are reading. Click on a few of the links in the “Recommended Websites” that you can find on the sidebar, towards the end of the page.