Bible study is for everyone, not just academics or scholars.  Discovering how to read the Bible eventually turns to a discovery on how to study the Bible.

Reading the Bible is a rewarding journey.  Questions will arise, and you’ll want to dig a bit deeper to learn more, and to keep growing in your understanding and knowledge.

Having a good nose for different Bible studies and methods will enrich and deepen your Bible reading – methodical study of the Bible will help you to know God better.

“Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15, Amplified Bible)

A Bible study is a guide to learning more about a biblical book, topic, or character.  A Bible method is a way of approaching the Bible and discovering it for yourself.  Individual and group Bible study guides typically employ a certain method to studying the Bible.  It’s good to use all kinds of different studies and methods to learn more, depending on what it is you want to uncover.  More advanced students will want to use various Bible commentaries, of which there are even more varied levels and approaches.

“Bob’s 5 Bark Guidelines” for determining the best Bible study and/or method for yourself, your group, or your family will nose you in the right direction.  Try using these guidelines when deciding on a Bible study or method:

1. Author/Publisher

When it comes to a Bible study, pay attention to who the author is.  What are his/her credentials? Why did he/she write this Bible study?

As you consider publishers note: Self-publishers are not necessarily good nor bad, but in Bob and I’s opinion you will need to pay attention to other guidelines to make an informed decision on using it.  Established publishers with a solid history of producing sound Bible studies which we have used include but are not limited to: NavPress; InterVarsity Press, Willow Creek Resources; Westminster John Knox Press; LifeWay Christian Resources; Faith Alive Resources; Standard Publishing; Concordia Publishing; Augsburg Fortress Press; Eerdmans, and Hendrickson.

Tip: Here’s a big thought that needs to be stated: You don’t have to agree with everything in a Bible study guide to benefit immensely from it. Many publishers come publish from a certain standard or denomination.  But, it is our belief, that diversity of inquiry helps us discover more than if we relied solely on one voice or one perspective.

Tip: Be aware that many Bible studies gravitate to either a conservative or progressive viewpoint, as well as being gender specific.  We encourage you to have a broad exposure from different voices. Bob and I believe this enhances knowledge, learning, and growth in the Bible.

2. Historical

When it comes to Bible study methods, the new and unique is not usually the best.  Centuries-old methods of approaching the Bible, even ancient methods, are the tried and true ways that faithful believers throughout the history of the church have found deep connection with the message and the God of the Bible.  Old doesn’t mean mold when it comes to Bible studies and methods.

Tip: If there is never a mention of any Christians in history, beware.  Christianity has a rich 2,000-year heritage of men and women who connected deeply and reflectively with the Bible.  Look to some of these people in history and discover their methods of discovering the beauties of the Bible.  Some of them include: St. Ignatius of Loyola; Teresa of Avila; St. John of the Cross; St. John Chrysostom; and St. Irenaeus – John Calvin; Jonathan Edwards; John Wesley; Phoebe Palmer; and many more.

Tip: Consider reading a biography of a famous Christian in history, before picking up a Bible study guide.  Their devotion to God, desire for Christ, and longing to engage the Bible will inspire you toward a richer, deeper, and fuller examination of yourself and the Bible’s contents.

3. Invitation

A good useful Bible study and method invites you graciously and lovingly into the message of the Bible.  It asks gentle, yet probing questions – designed for you to discover and think things through. It leads you to the grand purpose of the study: to know God better and to live into the words and ways of Jesus Christ.

Tip: If a study mostly just tells you what to believe, or a method claims to be the only real way to discover the Bible, put it down and look for something else.  Brainwashing is not likely what you’re looking for; but critical thinking probably is.

Tip: Do a quick scan of the study guide or method and pay attention to the illustrations, word pictures, and metaphors it uses.  If they are like an invitation to a journey along with them, you’re on the right road.

4. Explanation

It’s important to know what level of study you want from a guide or method – beginner, intermediate, or advanced.  Good guides and methods communicate what kind of audience they’re aiming for.  The explanations and questions in the study will reflect this.

Tip: Don’t just take the study guide’s word for the stage it says it is.  Briefly check the language and make sure it speaks to you on your level.

Tip: There are certain words you might not know but they are nevertheless necessary to learn.  The important thing is that the study guide clearly defines words and phrases which are found in the Bible.

5. Application

Knowledge just for knowledge’s sake is great for trivia games, but not very beneficial for Christianity.  Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.  A profitable Bible study and method is one in which we are challenged to put knowledge into practice with wisdom, humility, and love.

Tip: Note the amount of space in the study or method which is given to application.  Application should be in balance to explanation and be a clear connection to it.

Tip: Application isn’t the same as making observations and offering interpretations.  There is not usually a one-size-fits-all to applying the Bible to life.

There are studies of books of the Bible, and there are topical studies which survey what the Bible says about a certain issue or situation in life.  They all have merit for studying the Bible.  So, feel free to dig in and find some wonderful treasure.

 

This page, along with the entire site, is continually under Bob’s nose right now (In fact, he’s on his favorite study pillow right now, sniffing away).  We’ll keep bringing you great content.  Come on back and check in from time to time.

If you want to ask a question, leave a comment, offer a suggestion, or just connect with us, visit the Contact page and get in touch.

Thanks.  See you on the trail.