How to Study the Bible

The Bible is a peculiar book. Words written long ago in different languages by, whom some would call, very peculiar people. Deeds, or you might even say miracles, done in a time so long ago that we can only read about. Events recorded in a far-off land. Advice offered to a foreign people. This is a pecu­liar book.

It's surprising that anyone reads it. It's too old.

Some of its writings date back five thousand years. It's too bizarre. The book speaks of incredible floods, fires, earthquakes, and people with super­natural abilities. It's too radical. The Bible calls for undying devotion to a carpenter who called himself God's Son.

Logic says this book shouldn't survive. Too old, too bizarre, too radical.

The Bible has been banned, burned, scoffed, and ridiculed. Scholars have mocked it as foolish. (Many still do!) Kings have branded it as illegal. A thousand times over it the grave has been dug and the “funeral” has begun, but somehow the Bible never stays in the grave. Not only has it survived, it has thrived. It is the single most popular book in all of history. It has been the best ­selling book in the world for years!

There is no way on earth to explain it. Which per­haps is the only explanation. The answer - “no way on earth”? The Bible's durability is not found on earth; it is found in heaven. For the millions who have tested its claims and claimed its promises there is but one answer ­ - the Bible is God's book and God's voice.

As we read it, we would be wise to give some thought to two questions. What is the purpose of the Bible? and How do I study the Bible? Time spent reflecting on these two issues will greatly enhance our Bible study.

What is the purpose of the Bible? Let the Bible itself answer that question.

You have been taught the Holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. (2 Timothy 3:15-16).

Look how the Message states this scripture: There's nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.

The purpose of the Bible? Salvation. God's highest passion is to get his children home. His book, the Bible, describes his plan of salvation. The purpose of the Bible is to proclaim God's plan and passion to save his children.

That is the reason this book has endured through the centuries. It dares to tackle the toughest questions about life: Where do I go after I die? Is there a God? What do I do with my fears? The Bible offers answers to these crucial questions. It is the treasure map that leads us to God's highest treasure, eternal life.

But how do we use the Bible? Countless copies of Scripture sit unread on bookshelves, coffee tables, night­stands and even on the back seat of our cars simply because people don't know how to read it. What can we do to make the Bible real in our lives?

The clearest answer is found in the words of Jesus. "Ask," he promised, "and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7).

The first step in understanding the Bible is asking God to help us. We should read prayerfully. If any­one understands God's Word it is because of God and not the reader.

“But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything ..........” (John 14:26).

Before reading the Bible, pray. Invite God to speak to you. Don't go to Scripture looking for your idea, go searching for his.

Not only should we read the Bible prayerfully, we should read it carefully. Seek and you will find, is the pledge. The Bible is not a newspaper to be skimmed but rather a mine to be worked. “Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God.” (Proverbs 2:4, 5).

Any worthy find requires effort. The Bible is no exception. To understand the Bible you don't have to be brilliant, but you must be willing to roll up your sleeves and search.

Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2: 15).

Here's a practical point. Study the Bible a bit at a time. Hunger is not satisfied by eating twenty-one meals in one sitting once a week. The body needs a steady diet to remain strong. So does the soul. When God sent food to his people in the wilderness, he didn't provide loaves already made. Instead, he sent them manna in the shape of thin flakes, like frost ... on the desert ground (see Exodus 16:14). God gave manna in limited portions.

God sends spiritual food the same way. He opens the heavens with just enough nutrients for today's hunger. "A command here, a command there. A rule here, a rule there. A little lesson here, a little lesson there." (Isaiah 28:10 NCV).

Don't be discouraged if your reading reaps a small harvest. Some days a lesser portion is all that is needed. What is important is to search every day for that day's message. A steady diet of God's Word over a lifetime builds a healthy soul and mind.

It’s somewhat like the little girl who returned from her first day at school. Her mom asked, "Did you learn anything?" "Apparently not enough," the girl responded. "I have to go back tomorrow and the next day and the next ... "

Such is the case with learning. And such is the case with Bible study. Understanding comes little by little over a lifetime.

There is a third step in understanding the Bible.

After the asking and seeking comes the knocking. After you ask and search, then knock.
“Knock and the door will be opened to you”. (Matthew 7:7). To knock is to stand at God's door. To make yourself available. To climb the steps, cross the porch, stand at the doorway, and volunteer. Knocking goes beyond just thinking - it goes to act of doing – of obeying!

To knock is to ask, What can I do? How can I obey? Where can I go?

It's one thing to know what to do. It's another to do it. But for those who do it, those who choose to obey, a special reward awaits them.

But the truly happy people are those who carefully study God's perfect law that makes people free, and they continue to study it. They do not forget what they heard, but they obey what God's teaching says. Those who do this will be made happy. (James 1:25 NCV).

What a promise. Happiness comes to those who do what they read! It's the same with medicine. If you only read the label but ignore the pills, it won't help. It's the same with food. If you only read the recipe but never cook, you won't be fed. And it's the same with the Bible. If you only read the words but never obey, you'll never know the joy God has promised. Ask. Search. Knock. Simple, isn't it? Why don't you give it a try? If you do, you'll see why the Bible is the most remarkable book in history.

(This lesson was inspired from the introduction to Max Lucado’s “The Inspirational Bible”. New Century Version)

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