Arrange to set aside a quiet time for your studies, preferably every day.
You are settled at the table for your first study - so what's the next step? Here you are, faced with a library of sixty-six books in one volume. It all looks so daunting. Most folk when "studying the Bible" simply pick it up, let it fall open, and read. There are occasions when this may be the best thing to do. But it's not study. You can vary the type of study you do depending on the needs of the moment. The Bible is a rich treasure-chest of information - spiritual, practical, imparting true wisdom. It's worth every effort we invest.
Here are some approaches you may take to the study of the Word of God these are just a few the bible has many ways to study.
Study for pleasure
Simply pick up the Bible in a favorite translation and read it for the pleasure and excitement of savoring its riches. Read your favorite passages. Read a book new to you. Or, read it to help you sleep! NB This is not the preferred method - simply a helpful extra. Hint: when reading casually keep a small notebook handy. You never know what insights or questions may spring to mind
Study systematically
Whatever study plan you are following, run alongside it a scheme which systematically covers the entire Bible in one, two or three years. Try to repeat this every few years. Most Bible stores have booklets enabling you to achieve this. As we will see later, even the "boring" genealogies yield vital nuggets. Our one-year plan is available from our addresses.
Study a topic or theme
Select a subject of special interest to you. Something that may be a personal "besetting sin" (ie anger). Some area of Biblical ignorance on your part. A major Bible teaching (ie law, prayer, angels, service).
Study a book
Systematically work through a book from God's Word - for an overview, for a particular theme etc
Study an author or a life
Examine an aspect of the life of Jesus Christ compassion, prayer, humor, technique for evangelism etc. Or Daniel's prayer life. The faith of Abraham. Etc
Why we should study
"Study [i.e., be diligent] to show yourself approved unto God, rightly dividing the word of truth" [II Timothy 2:15]
The Scriptures can be trusted
in Lesson Two you will find out just how reliable are the Scriptures!
The Scriptures arm us against destructive error
the Bible constantly warns God's people against those who bring in false teachings...Ephesians 4:14, Acts 20:27-31
The Scriptures protect us from occult influence
we are told in the Word of God that there is an occult force stalking this planet "seeking whom he may devour" The Bible shows what they are, what are their devices and plans - and how to annul their evil influence... l Peter 5:8, Ephesians 6:10-18.
"...after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them" [Acts 20:29-30]. A later lesson will investigate these hidden forces and discuss ways of protecting yourself from their influence.
the Scriptures open salvation for others
as we personally grow to deeper understanding of God's way as revealed in Scripture we are enabled to guide others to faith... I Peter 3:15, 11 Timothy 2:2
The Scriptures are meant to change your life
above all, the Scriptures are given us so we can come towards spiritual maturity, to instill in us the very mind of God. They show us how we, as his children, can conduct ourselves like Jesus Christ. The Bible is not a weapon to bludgeon others!...Romans 12:2
Principles of Study
We will, throughout Bible Basics, inject further material on the basic principles for studying God's Word. Here we will simply point out some further aspects which will be worth bearing in mind as you embark on the Course
Beware of the pitfalls of language
the original manuscripts are the inspired Words of God (see Lesson 2). However, human intellect must be applied in order to recover that original text, and to translate it into modern languages. This is a notoriously difficult task!
Evaluate even the best scholarly studies
many scholarly works examine the Scriptures as a literary exercise and are not guided by God's Spirit. Don't immediately reject their conclusions, but do exercise due care!
Never study a verse in isolation
the context [the story flow and neighboring verses] of a particular verse or phrase, with related texts in other parts of the Bible, often hold clues to interpreting a verse's full meaning
Distinguish between literal [factual] and figurative [pictorial] language
the language of the Bible reflects a culture and society quite different from modern English. "...medieval scholastic theologians for almost a thousand years obscured the literal, historical meaning of Bible passages with mystical interpretations". "plowing a field" is literal language, while "plowing through a huge workload" is figurative An example: Jesus did not mean we should literally cut off our hands when they err! Read Matthew 5:29-30.
Be observant for "undesigned Bible coincidences"
An undesigned coincidence is where here two or more unrelated passages complement each other, or background research enlightens. They add to the authenticity of one another An example: find out where Elijah found gallons of water in a time of harsh drought. (Hint: a map is useful) See I Kings 18
So for a further more indepth study please go to the links shown above.
Concordances
Nave's Topical Bible
Nave's Topics were originaly produced by Orville J. Nave, A.M., D.D., LL.D. while serving as a Chaplin in the United States Army. He referred to this work as "the result of fourteen years of delightful and untiring study of the Word of God." Nave's topics were originally published in the early 1900's, and consists of 20,000+ topics and subtopics, and 100,000 references to the Scriptures.
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
The Strong's Exhaustive Concordance is the most complete, easy-to-use, and understandable concordance for studying the original languages of the Bible. Combining the text of the King James Bible with the power of the Greek and Hebrew Lexicons, any student or pastor can gain a clear understanding of the Word to enrich their study.
Torrey's New Topical Textbook
These topical references are from R. A. Torrey's New Topical Textbook published by Sword of the Lord Publishers, P.O. Box 1099, Murfreesboro, TN, 37133. The New Topical Textbook was published with 20,000 Topics and Sub-topics and 30,000 Bible References
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
For generations, the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge has been an enduring cross-reference resource for Bible students worldwide. This highly respected and nearly exhaustive compilation of cross-references was developed by R.A. Torrey from references in the Rev. Thomas Scott's Commentary and the Comprehensive Bible. With nearly 500,000 cross-references it is the most thorough source available.
