A Simplified Way to Study the Bible

Even as a seminary graduate, knowing how to approach my Bible for regular devotions can still feeling overwhelming at times and I can question how to get started. Upon my completion of an in depth study of the book of Matthew this past year, one of the leaders of my Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) class offered a seminar on how to study the Bible over the summer without the aid of other study guides. Her approach to studying scripture was so simple and inspiring that I had to share it so others might also benefit from this approach and be inspired to study their Bible like I have been!

STEP ONE: Commit to a Place

Daily devotions is like meeting with a friend for coffee. You agree on a time and place prior to meeting. Find a place in your home that is set apart for the special meeting with God. A place where you can keep your Bible and journal without having to search the house for it each time.

STEP TWO: Choose a book of the Bible

When studying the Bible it's important to study an entire book at a time instead of skipping around to selective verses. This is important because just like it's important to read an entire email or an entire article to best understand what is being communicated, context is vital. When we skip around we can more easily misunderstand or misinterpret scripture and the authors intent.

After praying that the Holy Spirit would reveal his word to you through the scripture follow the "3 R's".

The 3 R's

READ

Read the entire book if possible for context, then go back to the beginning and take sections of scripture for deeper reflection. You can take 2 verses at a time or chapters at a time depending on the content you are reading and on how much time you have.

REFLECT

Summarize what you read in your journal. Ask questions like, "Who, What, Where, When?" Who is speaking? Who are they speaking to? Notice the content, order of events, notice patterns or repeated phrases that might be key to understanding the authors intended message.

RESPOND

Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal his word. In prayer, ask the question, "What is the authors intended message and God what are You saying to me through this passage?" Ask God, "How are you inviting me to apply what I just read?" Commit to an action and/or accept any heart change the Holy Spirit may be prompting in you.

Finally, remember the Holy Spirit is an essential active member in knowing God through His word. There is a time and place to approach scripture like a theology book or textbook, but devotion time is a discipline that requires surrender to the authority of scripture and surrender to the power and knowledge of God to work in your life. To benefit from this special time with God, surrender to the work of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to illuminate your heart to His ways. Seek the transformational power of the Holy Spirit and you will experience growth and transformation as you study God's word.

Be encouraged friend and don't grow weary of this journey we are on to know and become more like Christ!

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