There are many methods in which people choose to implement, when studying the Bible. Here I would like to share the manner I use in going about my study of God's Word, and the steps I feel are vital in the study of God's Word being effective and in making certain that we are getting the correct interpretation understanding it as God meant for it to be understood. I will provide a list of these steps at the conclusion of this blogpost.
First and foremost, I believe that we should always go to God in prayer prior to beginning our study of his Word asking him to shine light on it guiding us, and helping us to glean all that he desires us to from our study. I also feel it is important when studying God's Word that we understand the original translations, that we learn to recognize and apply God's Word to our everyday lives, and that we can recognize that God's Word applies to our personal experiences. I further feel it is important that we have the resources we need before us as we begin our study.
I believe it is important for us to consider our life experiences including those we have had in church as we go about studying God's Word in order to apply his Word to our lives. I further believe that it is of the utmost importance that we understand the context and meaning of his Word in order to share it with others in an accurate manner. Below are listed the steps that I take when in order to study God's Word in an effective manner:
1. Go to God in prayer asking him to lead, guide, direct, and shine light on the passages I am about
to study.
2. I have the resources I need before me as I embark on my study, and these include for me the King
James Version of the Bible as I feel it is the most accurately translated. I also have a concordance
handy, as well as access to the internet.
3. I then begin my study of the Bible going at it slowly, and considering each and every word that is
written, and the importance of that word. For instance even the smallest words such as the word
ALL can have a powerful meaning within a verse of scripture.
4. I make notes as I go on verses of scripture that I desire to memorize at a later date, and on those
that I feel God brings to my personal attention for the purpose of enlightening me. I also make
notes on how his Word applies to life today.
5. I consider the characters that I read and study about in God's Word also, I pay close attention to
their actions, the sins they committed, the strength of their faith, how they behaved when tempted
and when they faced trials and tribulations, as well as how they dealt with the emotions that come
along with life in general.
There is much to be gleaned from God's Word, and I have always looked at the Bible as a miracle in and of itself. If you think about it there is not one topic regarding life and the instructions for it that cannot be found in the Word of God, and it is one single book. If an author set out to write one book that covered all these topics I have no doubt that it would require volumes. God, however, in his infinite wisdom and divine power placed it all within the pages of one single book, the Bible.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you!
