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How to Study the Bible

By Jinha Kim on December 02, 2011  –  0 comments

As we face the end of the year, many will be making resolutions for the New Year.  One of the top resolutions Chirstians make is to read and study the Bible more.  Often, people start reading in Genesis with good intentions and earnest efforts but by March many get discouraged as they try to understand Leviticus.  Or, some read the Bible but do not get anything out of the passage and wonder if the Bible is relevant to them after all.

The problem is not the Bible, for the Word of God is "able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is given God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:15-17).  God's Word produces growth, provides wisdom, equips against temptation, brings health and healing, and gives guidance.

However, it is not the book itself that has supernatural powers; hastily reading the words alone do not magically change or protect us.  Just as holding the Bible over a sick person does not bring healing, merely reading the words without truly understanding and applying them will not guarantee heart transformation.  Of course, God may and often does work through His Word despite our inappropriate attitudes and wrong methodology, but it is crucial that we approach the study of God's Word with the right heart and understanding so that we can truly submit to the Holy Spirit's work.

So how do we read and study the Bible?

Here are some Resources that we're putting on the Online Compass for you:

How to Study the Bible 101: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide 

  • Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned reader, this simple guide may help you find deeper meaning in your Bible study!

Steps to Exegesis: Digging Deep in the Word

  • For a deeper look at the passage, here's a simplified exegesis guide with some personal tips 

Bible Study Resources: Online Resources and Tools for Your Next Bible Study

  • This lists many online Bible study series, including beginner's, prophecy, etc. 

As you read God's Holy Word ,may God fulfill this promise from Isaiah 55:10-13 in your life in the New Year:

   “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, 
      And do not return there, 
      But water the earth, 
      And make it bring forth and bud, 
      That it may give seed to the sower 
      And bread to the eater, 
      So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; 
      It shall not return to Me void, 
      But it shall accomplish what I please, 
      And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. 
 
      For you shall go out with joy, 
      And be led out with peace; 
      The mountains and the hills 
      Shall break forth into singing before you, 
      And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. 
      Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree, 
      And instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree; 
      And it shall be to the LORD for a name, 
      For an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.”

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