Tips for Studying the Bible

Image CC Ben White

Paul exhorts us to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15), but let’s face it: it’s difficult to diligently study the Bible regularly. Our hectic lives and circumstances often interfere with our time with the Lord. So, here are a few tips to help you stay motivated.

1. Pray. Never underestimate the importance of asking God for a desire to study His word. He has promised He will not withhold any good thing that we ask for (Matthew 7:11), and understanding Him better by knowing the Scriptures is a good thing. When you feel discouraged or burnt out, ask Him to rekindle your zeal for Him. He can put that yearning back in your heart.
2. Just one verse, if necessary. You hit your snooze button one too many times. You only have five minutes to be out the door for work/class/whatever you have to do. Nonetheless, make time for God. Even if you only read one verse, do it! Think about it when you have a moment. Two seconds alone with God is better than none.
3. Routine. No matter how tired, upset, or frustrated you are, set a time for you to pick up your Bible. If you skip one day, you’ll find it easier to skip two days, three days, or even weeks without reading the Bible. (Trust me, I’m speaking from experience.) You wouldn’t skip a day without eating, would you? Treat the Bible the same way. It is your spiritual lifeline.
4. Listen. Reading the Bible is not enough. Running references is not enough. You have to be willing to listen. The Scriptures are the Living Word. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal their meaning in a way you can understand, even if it is not something you want to hear. Clear your mind and be open to seeing the text in new interpretations. If God encourages you, bless Him! If He convicts you, repent! Whatever the message, it will do you no good if you’re not listening.
5. Interact. Depending on your personality, you may never reach the depth of God’s truth until you put it into your own words. Have a notebook nearby where you can jot down insights and verses that interest you. If you are like me, paraphrasing the main content makes a passage come alive. I enjoy putting into concrete form my thoughts as to the intent and meaning of the verses. As a bonus, your notes are a great pick-me-up when you feel unmotivated or discouraged in your studies.
6. Share. Find someone on fire for God’s word, or at least well-read. Ask that person questions. Share what you have learned that day. It’s amazing how we can create a buzz about Jesus and encourage each other when we share what God is teaching us.
7. Be Reasonable. So, you’re desperate for the Word. Great! Just don’t overdo it. When I was first saved, I read five or more chapters of Scripture a day. What did I learn? That binge reading is great for getting the overall picture of God’s redemptive plan but pretty drab for life-changing truth. If you go too fast, you don’t leave time for God to speak to you. This is not a race. No matter how excited you are, let God show you a pace that is right for you. Maybe you spend six months in one chapter. Maybe you read the Bible twice in a year. It doesn’t matter what pace you set, as long as God is the One telling you how fast to run.
8. Talk to God. Isn’t that praying? Well, not exactly. When we pray, we usually turn it into formal time, bringing petitions before a holy God. That is essential in a Christian’s life. However, sometimes we need to chat with our Father. For example, when you hit a verse you don’t understand, it’s okay to stop and say aloud, “Huh. What does that mean? Could you tell me?”

Now, God will probably not open a portal to heaven and answer you in an audible voice, but He loves it when we have casual conversations with Him. He may direct you to another passage that helps, He may have a preacher expound the verse for you in a sermon, or He may suddenly reveal the meaning as you are washing dishes three months later. The point is, include God in your study as if He were sitting right next to you, reading over your shoulder. After all, if you’ve been born again by accepting Jesus as your Savior, He really is reading it with you! Thank you, Jesus, for the indwelling Holy Ghost!