Is there a proper way to study the Bible?

TL;DR:

Putting each passage into its intended context and prayerfully asking God to give us wisdom are most important when studying the Bible.

In any kind of Bible study, it is important to ask God for wisdom. We cannot depend only on our human wisdom, but we should seek to understand God's intended purposes in His revealed words. Along with this heart attitude, we should always seek to understand a passage or verse of Scripture within its larger context. In other words, it is not wise to pick a single verse and interpret it without looking at the surrounding context to understand the larger purpose involved in the particular teaching. It helps to break the larger passages down into smaller parts and ask questions to understand what the passage is saying, what it means, and then how it applies. We should also compare Scripture with Scripture, understanding what it says in light of the whole Bible. As we study the Bible this way, either by ourselves or with others, we will be able to rightly understand and apply God’s Word to our lives, allowing His Word to transform us.

from the old testament

In Psalm 119, especially in Psalm 119:15, David showed the importance of meditating on the Word: “I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.”

from the new testament

Jesus told His disciples, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come” (John 16:13). Just as the Holy Spirit guided the apostles in the writing of the New Testament, He also guides us in the understanding of Scripture (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:6–16).
Paul advised Timothy to handle the Word with accuracy: “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

Part of properly studying the Bible is understanding the context. A major part of this is understanding the original message of the passage. We can ask questions of the text such as: Who wrote this? Who was this written to? What was happening during the time that this was written? Why was this written to this audience? Asking such questions about the original setting of the account can help us better understand what it is saying.

Bible study can also be enhanced through the study of related passages. The Protestant Reformers often taught that a person should interpret Scripture with Scripture. God's Word is consistent within itself, and other places that speak on the same topic in the Bible can bring further understanding to a topic. For example, many passages in the Book of Hebrews relate to Old Testament teachings. Studying these related passages can enrich study and application of the New Testament principles.

Bible study can also be improved in community with others. This can include study with other people as well as with other resources. We have access to centuries of biblical scholarship on the issues the Bible discusses and can learn much from those who have gone before us. We can also challenge and encourage one another as we study in a group setting, whether with one person, with a small group, in a classroom, or as a congregation.

Studying the Bible properly is important because it helps us properly apply what we are reading. The Bible is not designed just to inform us; it is designed to transform us (2 Timothy 3:16–17; James 1:22). First Corinthians 13:2 teaches, "And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." All of the knowledge in the world will not help us if we do not seek to live out the love of God in our lives.

understand

Properly studying the Bible begins with having the right attitude and asking God for wisdom.
Properly studying the Bible involves understanding the context of the passage.
Properly studying the Bible leads to proper application of the passage.

reflect

How do you approach studying the Bible? Do you actively ask God for wisdom before you begin?
How do you ensure you understand a Bible passage within its larger context? Why is context so important for your study?
How can you apply what you’re learning from Scripture in a transformative way? What role does information play in transformation? What role does the Holy Spirit play in understanding and being transformed by God’s Word?

engage

Why is understanding the original setting and context of a passage critical for studying the Bible?
How does the Holy Spirit guide our understanding of the Bible as we study it, and how can we rely on His guidance as we study?
Why is it important to study the Bible in community with others? How does communal study help both us and others mature in Christ?