What are some good Bible study methods?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible itself recommends several effective study methods. These include daily reading (Deuteronomy 17:19), memorizing (Psalm 119:11; Colossians 3:16), meditation (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2), and writing (Deuteronomy 17:18).

Bible reading plans vary from one-year plans, to reading onebook repeatedly and in different translations, to topical or character studies (i.e., reading everything the Bible teaches on a topic or character) and more.

Memorization involves recalling Scripture verbatim, while meditation is focused, deep thinking about Scripture to understand and apply it. Meditating on Scripture means coming to the Bible with holy anticipation of actually meeting with God, and allowing the Scriptures to cleanse our thoughts and make our mind a sanctuary pleasing unto the Lord (Psalm 19:14). A close connection exists between meditating on God's Word and acting on it (Joshua 1:8).

Hand copying books of the Bible helps reinforce God's Word. Try a shorter book from the New Testament, and write it by hand, making notes and insights as you go. Read your copy daily, as the King was instructed to do (Deuteronomy 17:18-20).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Deuteronomy 17:18-20 gives instructions for the King to write for himself a copy of the book of Law. The King was to read it all the days of his life so that he would learn to fear God and be obedient. Regular reading would prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he was above his fellow citizens.
• Joshua 1:8 says to study the Bible continually and to meditate on it day and night, so that we may be careful to do (act) according to what is written.
• Psalm 1:2 describes the man who loves God as one whose "delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night" (Psalm 1:2).
• David prayed, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer" (Psalm 19:14). David wanted God to show him his sin, in his words and feelings.
• Memorizing God’s word helps us to keep it with us as we go through our daily lives: "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you" (Psalm 119:11).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• We can act in wisdom as we go through our days when we have memorized God’s word: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God" (Colossians 3:16).
• Paul understood the importance of studying God’s word. He wrote to Timothy, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The inductive Bible study method is a systematic approach to understanding Scripture that involves three primary steps: observation, interpretation, and application. This method encourages readers to interact personally with the Bible, allowing them to discover its truths for themselves rather than relying solely on the instruction of others.

Observation involves carefully reading and noting details about the passage, such as characters, relationships, locations, time, actions, and reactions. Ask questions of the text, such as who, what, where, and when.

Interpretation uses the observations to determine what the text meant to the original hearers. Consideration of context and culture is important for this step.

Application is the final step where you determine how the passage can be applied to your life. Identify any commands to obey, promises to hold onto or sins to avoid. See if the passage has an example to follow. Look for a universal principle that speaks to the needs and problems of real life today.

UNDERSTAND

• The Bible encourages us to read, memorize, and meditate on Scripture.
• Many different Bible study plans are available today.
• The inductive method of Bible study involves observation, interpretation, and application.

REFLECT

• What Bible study methods have you tried, and which did you find most effective?
• How has memorizing Scripture influenced your daily life?
• If you’ve studied the Bible both alone and in a group setting, what do you find are the benefits of each type?

ENGAGE

• How can we encourage each other to study the Bible?
• How can daily Bible study help us defend truths about God to unbelievers?
• How does regular Bible study, regardless of method, help us in our Christian walk?