Personal Bible Study

Bible Study Methods and Resources

1. Why study the Bible?

• One reason is because the Bible is the way our Creator has chosen to communicate with us. “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth, comparing spiritual things with spiritual {words}” (1 Cor. 2:12, 13). God has revealed to us, in His own way and in His own words, His total will for mankind as it is recorded in the Bible. Therefore, we would do well to take the time to study it.
• A second reason why the Bible is important is because it contains what is necessary for godly living. 2 Peter 1:3 says, “As His divine power has given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.”
• A third reason why the Bible is important is because it helps to make a person complete (2 Tim. 3:16.17). God has given us His word that we may profit from it. God's word contains what is necessary to be taught God's will. God's word also provides what is necessary to convince one of error and to put him on the correct path. Then, and only then will a person be right in the sight of God. God's word, not only helps to turn a person from a life a wickedness, but also supplies the information necessary for his spiritual maturity and service to God.

2. How do I study the Bible for myself?

• Several methods exist for Bible study. A) The key is to find a method that you can stick with on a consistent basis and use everyday. B) Personal Bible study is important along with attending a church “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” C) A third way to get deeper understanding is to create a Bible study group at work, home or a local café with two or more of you committing to study and meet once a week or twice a month.

Here are a few methods to start:

• Inductive Method - described in the attached pdf file developed and provided by Precept Ministries. To go directly to the website here is the link: http://www.precept.org/.

Inductive Method pdf file

• Lectio Divinia – here is an overview provided by Beliefnet.com
• Lectio divina is a slow, contemplative praying of the Scriptures. Time set aside in a special way for lectio divina enables us to discover in our daily life an underlying spiritual rhythm. Within this rhythm, we discover an increasing ability to offer more of ourselves and our relationships to the Father, and to accept the embrace that God is continuously extending to us in the person of his son, Jesus Christ.
  
  How to Practice Lectio Divina
  Choose a text of the Scriptures that you wish to pray. It makes no difference which text is chosen, as long as one has no set goal of "covering" a certain amount of text. The amount of text covered is in God's hands, not yours.
• Place yourself in a comfortable position and allow yourself to become silent.
• Turn to the text and read it slowly, gently. Savor each portion of the reading, constantly listening for the "still, small voice" of a word or phrase that somehow says, "I am for you today."
• Take the word or phrase into yourself. Memorize it and slowly repeat it to yourself, allowing it to interact with your inner world of concerns, memories, and ideas. Do not be afraid of distractions. Memories or thoughts are simply parts of yourself that should be given to God along with the rest of your inner self.
• Speak to God. Whether you use words, ideas, or images--or all three--is not important. Interact with God as you would with one who you know loves and accepts you.
• Rest in God's embrace. And when he invites you to return to your contemplation of his word or to your inner dialogue with him, do so.

Solo The Message/Remix Bible is a concise way to learn the method and also has a particular passage of scripture with contemplative questions using the format:
Read, Think, Pray, Live

3. Analytical Method – This is the method I started with after my rebirth. The Thompson Chain Reference Bible is out of print now (I still have my beloved Bible given to me 20 years ago by Ced)—but many of the newer study bibles use a similar format.

• Analyze the Bible as a whole by reviewing it and then dissecting and studying it by books as a whole, chapters, verses, topical and biographical studies.
• Most bible study helps use this format to study the books, characters or topics of the Bible. These are useful guides if you are starting out.

4. Synthetic Method – This method takes pieces of scripture and assembles them into whole themes for study. This method is generally used to learn Bible principles on a variety of topic.

5. The Psalm 119 Method – Taken straight from the longest Psalm in the Bible. This method asks you to read scripture and ask the following questions:

• What did I like about the reading?
• What didn’t I like about it?
• What didn’t I understand?
• What did I understand?
• What should I do with what I’ve learned?
• What phrase or scripture can I take with me today?

I have used all of these methods and the list is by no means exhaustive. The methods I like the best are the Inductive because you must “work” for understanding and revelation—spend time with God and the word truly gets en grafted in your heart.

I also like the Solo Lectio method, this is great for beginners and shorter time periods but it trains your mind, body, and spirit to open up to God’s voice and to trust the Holy Spirit to lead you, teach, you and guide you in your walk with Jesus.



Basic guidelines before any type of study:

• Pray – Nothing elaborate but invite the Holy Spirit to guide you, ask God to reveal His word to you, praise Jesus for calling you to eternal life.
• Set-up a regular time and schedule. It makes it easier to stick to a schedule and regular place. If you miss a day or hour, that is okay but keep it on the calendar!
• Keep a journal, pad of paper or some type of recorder to jot notes, questions and answers along with references. I never throw mine out and sometimes I go back years later and look at my answers and discover how much I have grown! Other times I see where I need to revisit a certain book or topic to help me grow mature in God’s Word.
• Don’t get frustrated if you cannot find an answer or understand a certain passage—jot it down and ask a trusted mentor, pastor or friend. Make sure you check any answer back to scripture to see if what the person said is so!
• Remember, God tells us in scripture, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:4-5. If you understood all His ways and thoughts you would not need God; this is what got Lucifer into trouble!!! It is not something you should strive for in this earthly realm.
• End your study with praise and prayer. Get in the habit of praising God for all of your blessings, for His Word, for His mercy, grace and abundance. Give Him glory for your material possessions, your family, your health, your sustenance, for nature, for leading us to people who challenge our faith making us stronger in Him. Sing His songs, psalms and hymns with joy in your heart.

* If you plan on selecting a new Bible for study, research the different translations on the web before going to the bookstore. If you are buying a hard version, I suggest you go to the store and hold, open, walk around with the Bible to see if it “fits” you. There are also many online resources for your computer, mobile phone and PDA.



* Here is a free Bible resource with a ton of free resources and versions. You need to download the software from this site and if you can, support this man’s effort to share the gospel with the whole world!:
http://www.e-sword.net/index.html



God bless and let me know if you have any questions or need more information. Sister Lisa