HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE FRUITFULLY

Matthew 4:1-11, shows that Christians should endeavour to study the word of God and be able to correctly divide it because our adversary, the devil, can use it to cunningly deceive us- as he is doing today.

What is Bible Study?

It is the time one apportions to read the bible and understand it to apply it to his life.

Why study the Bible?

• Makes you an approved workman (2Tim. 2:15)
• Brings prosperity and success ( Josh. 1:8)
• Corrects, teaches, rebukes, gives basis of doctrine, etc (2Tim. 3:16-17)
• Encourages us to have hope (Rom. 15:4)
• To be able to teach others (Ezra 7:10)

Types of Personal Bible study?

The Bible can be studied in various forms depending on what you want to achieve. The types can include:

• Book study. Eg. Genesis, Jeremiah, John, etc.
• Verse Study. Eg. John 3:16, Eccl. 9:4, etc
• Character Study. Eg. Abraham, Paul, David, etc
• Word Study. Eg. Love, Giving, etc
• Topical Study. Eg. Salvation, Marriage, Family dissension, Evangelism, etc

How to have a fruitful Bible study?

Depending on the type of personal study you want to do, the following guidelines can be used to gain a fruitful understanding to apply to your life:

·        Choose a verse, book or passage where your study can be found.

·        Note the context in which the verse/ passage occurs (especially if you are doing verse study) then carry out the under-listed on what you read:

(i)               OBSERVATION (what does the passage say)?

Answer this by asking yourself the following questions:

a) Who are the characters involved?   i) Note the verbs, adjectives and phrases used to describe them.           (ii) What is revealed about the character of God?

b) What is happening?      i) The verbs are the key to the actions of the passage; list them.  ii) What commands or promises are given? By whom?   (iii) What conditions are presented (or implied)

c) Where do the events occurs?  Use a Bible Atlas.  How other significant events take place there?

d)When does the events occur?  How much time elapses during the event? Is the season of the year    significant?   The time of the day?   The time in a person’s life (age)?

e) Why does the events occur?   Stick to reasons suggested in the text.   Who offers an explanation?

f) How does the events happen?   Is any process described?   What are the steps?   What are the effects?

g) Summarise   The passage by writing down a simple statement of what seems to be the author’s main purpose or lesson.

(ii) INTEPRETATION:   (What does the passage mean?).

a)      What caused a particular action or statement?  What is the intention?  How does it relate to the previous incident?   (b)  Why is it significant?  Why is it significant?  What does this teaches?   (c)   What is its consequences and implication?   (d)   Is it revelation?  How does it fit in with the whole?  Why is it stated here?   (e)   What meaning does it have today?   (f)   What does this imply about God’s relationship to men?   About Men’s relationship with God

(iii) APPLICATION:  (What does the passage mean to me?)  Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you.    (a)  What is already part of my thinking?  My action?  (b) What is new to me?   (c)  What am I doing that is wrong.   (d)  How can I make the needed change?  (e)  What will I need to do not some future date? 

Tools helpful for a meaningful personal Bible Study

To have a meaningful study, the under-listed can be of help:

·        Study guides

·        Concordance

·        Dictionary (when using English bible)

Conclusion

You need a quiet time to concentrate on your bible study. Bible study is a very powerful tool available to the Christian in the Spiritual Warfare.  When employed rightly and diligently, it will work to the victory of the Christian in his combat with his (Spiritual) enemies.

 Amen!