How do YOU study the bible?

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Sharp

Senior Member
May 5, 2009
2,565
19
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#1
How do YOU study the bible?

What methods do you use?


Thanks
 
I

iraasuup

Guest
#2
I really like bibles with a topical index.

I mean like an index with listings of everyday issues we might face eg: what the bible really says about, sex, divorce, alcohol, etc etc. I find them a really good tool. You can look them up and it shows you exactly where to find reference to those issues in the bible. Then you can turn to the relevant passages and read for yourself.

I also like reading plans, and daily devotionals as added tools. Each day's study is only brief, but it gives you something to reflect on. I also think a journal is helpful. You can write thoughts based on that days study, or your own reflections from current situations you're facing. The list is endless really.

You already know though, my fave method is listening to an audio bible in my car.
 
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Definition_Christ

Guest
#3
Deuteronomy 8:3
So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD.

2 Timothy 3
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

1) I think first it's so important to understand and always remind yourself that this is God's Holy Word you are reading. It's so important to keep that in mind, it almost gives a new meaning to the Scripture.

Matthew 5:6
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.

Matthew 7:8
For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

2) I think it is very important to ask in prayer that the Lord gives you a hunger and thirst for righteousness/His Word, He will give it!

John 16:13
However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

3) Pray that the Holy Spirit guides you into the truth and heart of the Word.

I think these 3 tips are basic and very important. I admit, every time I read the Word (searching for a certain Scripture), I don't do these 3, but whenever I am studying I will do these.


I think this verse is really cool to look at after you just did some study....

2 Timothy 2:15
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
 
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Maddog

Guest
#4
It depends what I need to do to support my position in arguments on Christian Chat. I will scour the Bible and any and all verses that come up that I could possibly use to give me some credibility or make me look scholarly, I throw it in. I don't care about context, or how verses have always historically been understood by the Church; it's just me and my Bible. I'll probably claim divine guidance at some point in the argument as well.
 
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Definition_Christ

Guest
#5
It depends what I need to do to support my position in arguments on Christian Chat. I will scour the Bible and any and all verses that come up that I could possibly use to give me some credibility or make me look scholarly, I throw it in. I don't care about context, or how verses have always historically been understood by the Church; it's just me and my Bible. I'll probably claim divine guidance at some point in the argument as well.
1 Timothy 6
3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness,
4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions,
5 useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.
6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
 
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superdave5221

Senior Member
Jul 28, 2009
1,409
31
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#6
I think that it is very important that the Bible be studied in a systematic way. Context is very important to understanding. A lot of people dislike history, but a knowledge of Old Testament history is essential for a complete understanding of God's plan for salvation. There are some good books out there on the subject that are actually good reading. Obviously, the Gospels is the centerpiece of our belief in Jesus Christ as our savior and Lord. I would lilke to recommend a book, The Chronological Life Of Christ, by Mark E. Moore (ISBN 978-0-89900-955-1). In this book the author takes you through the history of Jesus' incarnation, death, buriel, and resurrection, in chronological order, combining the four Gospels. By studying His ministry in the order in which it happened, the context of every event is highlighted, adding greatly to understanding. Let me give you an example. If you have ever walked into a room where everyone was watching a movie, and they were all on the edge of their seats because it was a climactic moment, and you began to watch, you may be wondering, what't the big deal? That is because you haven't seen the buildup to that moment. You are unaware of the context of the events happening. The same thing often happens when you pick passages piecemeal out of the Gospels, unaware of the context in which they occur. I had read the Gospels many times before, but I was amazed at how much I had missed by not reading them in a systematic way. This sets the stage for the remainder of the N.T. (Acts, letters of Paul to the churches, Revelation, ect.). Always pray for guidance and try to be as pure as possible when studying the Bible. Repent of any sins against God or man before studying, so that the Holy Spirit will indwell you and bless you with understanding. And always read with the intention of not only understanding but also that you will act on what you are reading. Jesus often said "He who has ears, let him hear". That phrase in the context of the Palestinian culture meant more than understanding. It meant to hear and obey.
These are the things that I do, and I think that the Lord has richly blessed me with increased faith and understanding.
 
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taylor_11

Guest
#7
How do YOU study the bible?

What methods do you use?


Thanks
I think reading your Bible prayerfully is very important; Increasing your head-knowledge of the Bible is good and beneficial, but you should also go into your time of study allowing God to speak to YOU personally. I find it helpful to write down specific scriptures and thoughts that stick out to me and meditate on them. Meditating is the hardest thing for me to do, lol; I mean, I can pray (talk to God) all day long, but when it comes to actually sitting still and listening to what GOD has to say....It can be really hard for some people,lol! Having a good translation of the Bible is also important. There are alot of translations out there that are really just paraphrases and people's own opinions of the Bible; I'm not saying that these are necessarily wrong, they are easier to understand, but just to be on the safe side I would use a Bible that was translated from the original languages, like the KJV, NKJV, NIV, ESV...etc.
 

superdave5221

Senior Member
Jul 28, 2009
1,409
31
48
#8
Hey Taylor, you make a lot of good points. And you're right, it is hard to clear your mind and just listen to what God has to say. Sometimes we don't hear what God says, because we don't like what He says! I'd just like to make a quick note about what you said about translations. In translating from Greek to English, often there are many English words that could be translated for the same Greek word. The determination as to what word to use is based on context. The word chosen is the word which closest matches the context of the situation. I've personally found that the NIV often does a better job of this than the KJV. It's really a matter of personal preference, however I prefer a translation that sticks with the original context as closely as possible.
 
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taylor_11

Guest
#10
Hey Taylor, you make a lot of good points. And you're right, it is hard to clear your mind and just listen to what God has to say. Sometimes we don't hear what God says, because we don't like what He says! I'd just like to make a quick note about what you said about translations. In translating from Greek to English, often there are many English words that could be translated for the same Greek word. The determination as to what word to use is based on context. The word chosen is the word which closest matches the context of the situation. I've personally found that the NIV often does a better job of this than the KJV. It's really a matter of personal preference, however I prefer a translation that sticks with the original context as closely as possible.
I agree. My first Bible was a NKJV, then my youth minister bought me a NIV Study Bible, w/ the notes and stuff at the bottom of the pages, and I fell in love w/ it, lol =) I like it b/c it explains why they translated it as they did, and it gives historical and archeological evidence to support the scripture. Its the ultimate Bible for people like me, lol!
 
Apr 23, 2009
2,253
5
0
#11
How do YOU study the bible?

What methods do you use?


Thanks
I read Matthew - Revelation, then John - Revelation then Romans - Revelation then all of the small epistles Galtians -Jude (skipping Hebrews). Then I start all over again with Matthew-Revelation.
 
Apr 23, 2009
2,253
5
0
#12
It depends what I need to do to support my position in arguments on Christian Chat. I will scour the Bible and any and all verses that come up that I could possibly use to give me some credibility or make me look scholarly, I throw it in. I don't care about context, or how verses have always historically been understood by the Church; it's just me and my Bible. I'll probably claim divine guidance at some point in the argument as well.
I just agree with what man has always said even if it is obviously wrong.
 
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shad

Guest
#13
I believe that the very best way to study the Bible is to go to a Bible School. If you are young and single, you have no reason not to consider a Bible School education, which I believe is the highest form of education on the earth. Think of this one statement made our Lord Jesus Christ in Mt 24:35 ~ Heaven and earth shall pass away but my words shall not pass away. It is the highest form of education because it will not pass away. If you go to a good Bible School that teaches the word, that teaches doctrine and the whole counsel of God and puts it into practice through faith and through discipline, that will build you up in the faith and make you strong in the grace of God. You could even go for just one year and get rooted in the word of God and go back to what you were going to do. When you are finished you will learn how to study but will have a good reference material and study books to boot. Pray about it and see what God says.
 
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Slepsog4

Guest
#14
The Inductive Method:

1. OBSERVATION: What does the text actually say?

  1. consider the immediate context and purpose of the book
  2. consider the grammatical construction
  3. what is the type of literature (law, history, poetry, etc.)
  4. what significant words are there
2. INTERPRETATION: What did the text mean to its original readers?

  1. was there an issue for them being addressed
  2. is there a conflict
  3. make sure you consider the speaker
3. APPLICATION: What does this passage mean for my life?

  1. are there commands to obey
  2. are there promises to accept and enjoy
  3. are there truths to believe
 
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miktre

Guest
#15
I do a online study and use esword kjv with strongs
 
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worldlover

Guest
#17
my method is that everytime i read bible i keep reading and try to understand the scriptures and lessons i may get even though i'm having a hard time especially when words are so subtle but despite of that, i'm still reading at least three chapters a day and thanks God so far i'm starting to learn more about the old testament.:)
 
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