How Should We Study The Bible?

It is said that one should “Study the Bible to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy.” The Bible is a precious book because of its origin, it relevance, and its power. “How precious is the book diving, by inspiration giv’n! Bright as a lamp its precepts shine, to guide my soul to heave’n. Holy Book divine, precious treasure mine! Lamp to my feet and a light to my way to guide me safely home.  As we set out Bible before us let us recognize that we have before us the inspired and infallible word of God (if we have a reliable translation).  In view of such we should possess certain qualities as we plunge into God’s treasure chest.  What characteristics should we have in our study of the Bible?

1. We Should Study the Bible Respectfully.  To recognize that the Bible as God’s mind to man should instill within us a deep respect for the Bible. The Psalmist declared, “O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! Then shall I not be ashamed when I have respect unto all thy commandments.” (Psalms 119:5, 6).  Further, “I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.  I will meditate in thy precepts, have respect unto thy ways.” (Psalms 119:14, 15).  In verse 117 of Psalms 119 David said, “Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect: unto thy statutes continually.”  As we sit with our Bible before us, we should have the attitude of Samuel when he said, “speak Lord; for thy servant heareth.” (1 Samuel 3:9). Let us say as David did, “shew me thy ways, O Lord: teach me thy paths.” (Psalms 25:4).

2.  We Should Study the Bible Open Mindedly.  It is one thing to study the Bible.  It is quite a different thing to study it open mindedly.  The Bereans serve as a worthy example here.  “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness.” (Acts 17:11).  The Bible should always be studied to know what it teaches and not to insert into it what we want to be there.

3.  We Should Study The Bible Diligently.  An illustration of this is seen in the Bereans in view of the fact they searched the scriptures daily (Acts 17:11).  Paul instructed Timothy, “Study (give diligence) to show (present) thyself approved unto God a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing (handling aright) the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15).  One should turn over every stone to discover what the truth is, then to apply and share it.

4.  We Should Study the Bible Constantly.  Bible study should not be an every once in a while and hit and miss approach.  It should be a diligent and continual effort.  Paul told Timothy “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation and to doctrine.”  (1 Timothy 4:13).   James said. “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doerer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deeds,” (James 1:25).  One of the keys to successful Bible study is persistence.

5.  We Should Study the Bible Prayerfully.  Prayer is a powerful blessing available to the Christian.  James says, “…the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16).  Peter said, “The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous His ears are open unto their prayers…” (1 Peter 3:12).  James encouraged those to whom he wrote, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 15).  Any time we sit down with the Bible to read and study it we should begin with prayer.

6.  We Should Study the Bible Personally.  The Bible is a book that relates to me personally.  I should not read the Bible with everyone else in mind but with myself in mind.  Paul told Timothy, “take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself; and them that hear thee.”  (1 Timothy 4:16).  David said, “Thy word have I hid (laid up) in mine heart that I might not sin against thee: (Psalm 119:11).  God’s mirror does us the most good when we look at ourselves.

By way of review, let us recall that in studying the Bible, we should do so, respectfully, open mindedly, diligently, constantly, prayerfully, and personally.  Remember the devil doesn’t fear the Bible that collects dust.

Bill Cantrell