Bible Study Tips

Before we get into my tips you should know I'm assuming you have read parts or all of the Bible before.  If not don't worry, the tips will help you too.

Some people read the Bible in a year, others skip the parts they find boring and many more only read the Bible through their daily devotional.  All of that is helpful but the key here is the emphasis on reading.  I remember some of the things I've read and can give an overview if anyone asked but that's not what this blog is about.

Jesus didn't read the Scriptures, he studied them and looked to the Holy Spirit for understanding.  I know we don't actually see that written but lets just remember there were no books or libraries and He was unlikely to have his own personal copies of the Scriptures.  In fact Matthew tells us when Jesus was 12 years old his parents had to go back to Jerusalem after the Passover because he wasn't with the pilgrims returning home.  They found Him in the Temple where he had been for several days - studying the scriptures and talking with the teachers and leaders.  These mature men were amazed at His understanding.  (Luke 2:41-50)

There is a school of thought that says Jesus already knew everything because He was God's Son but I can't agree with that, it's my personal insight and no-one else has to agree.  What is interesting about this event is that Jesus has reached the age when he is legally considered to be a man hence the elders treatment of Him as an equal and not a little boy who should be sent away.  He had a different insight because he wasn't reading the words, He was studying to learn more about His Father.  Remember he told his parents 'I must be about my Father's business' but to be about it he first had to understand it.

So we need to recognise there is a real difference between reading and studying.  Most people would agree that reading text books at school is helpful but studying the subject matter is how you pass the exam, gain your qualification and become known for your expert knowledge.   Reading about the  places, events and the main players is phase one. 

Study is phase two, this is when we go much deeper because we want to really know the God and Father Jesus spoke about.  Study helps us to strip away all that is familiar and see what lies beneath.  If we want revelation of a deeper kind - the plans, purposes and involvement of God in the events outlined in Scripture, that comes only through in-depth study.  And study is the pursuit of those who seek the Lord God.

• Moses answered him, “Because the people come to me to seek God’s will.  (Exod 18:15)
• I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. (Prov 8:17)
• For day after day they seek me out; they seem eager to know my ways, as if they were a nation that does what is right and has not forsaken the commands of its God. They ask me for just decisions and seem eager for God to come near them.  (Isa 58:2)
• You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  (Jer 29:13)
• And Isaiah boldly says, “I was found by those who did not seek me; I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me.”   (Rom 10:20)

So here are my tips

1. Ask the Holy Spirit to be your guide and teacher before you open your Bible - get into the habit of doing this and learn to trust His insight.
2. Always read slowly as if you are a foreigner - approach your study as if you're a treasure hunter, it's brand new territory and you have to really take time to get used to the terrain.
3. Never read a whole chapter in one sitting - it's like eating a 20 course meal, too much to digest all at once - little bites, well chewed.  It might be slow going but it will save time in the long run.
4. When you come to familiar passages ask the Holy Spirit to take away everything you already know and open your spiritual eyes.
5. Remember the timeline and how the characters got to where they are. 
6. Look backwards for corroboration - If you're reading in the Old Testament (Book One in my thinking) then events in the New Testament haven't happened yet.
7. Never go forward in time - I know this sounds like I'm repeating myself but Jesus didn't have anything other than the Scriptures, no gospel or letters from Paul to refer to.  It hasn't happened, it won't be written for hundreds of years therefore all you can do is look backwards
8. Seek God's hand in events or circumstances even when He isn't mentioned.  
9. Connect the strands - are you reading prophecy fulfilled, promises kept, covenant re-iterated?  
10. Check the origins - Where was this first mentioned, how far back does this go?
11. Ask questions and don't be afraid to interrogate the text
12. Always get the correct context for the words - 'God said' means something entirely different from God doing.  It will open things up and bring clarity.  

Finally - Why should we do this?  Knowing God's will and His purposes helps you to know your path and the uniqueness of your life.  It will give you confidence to go where He directs you even when others say you've got it wrong.  Going deeper connects you with the Maker and brings peace to the soul.  Isaiah puts it this way:-

 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord.  "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.  As the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seeds for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth.  It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.  (Isa 55:9-11)