Our Pastor often says, “If it is repeated in the Bible, you better pay attention!” So many phrases and passages mirror one another. Do a quick search on, “Love one another.” Or look up, “Do not be afraid.” Each of these can be found so many times throughout Scripture. And, rightly so. Don’t we need these phrases on repeat as we go about our day? I know I sure do!!
So, last week at church, we were encouraged to begin or intensify our personal, daily Bible study. We were given a list of tools to help get started and go deeper into God’s Word on a regular basis. A few days later, I heard that message repeated at a homeschool lecture. Or rather, the speaker declared that Christians do not study their Bible enough, which may be why we (“The Church”) are so weak in our dealings with the world.
Twice, in a matter of days, I heard loudly: STUDY GOD’S WORD!
We purchased several of the suggested materials, and just in a few readings, I know these are way too good not to share. Below is a (very small) list of some great study resources for your daily Bible reading.
Tools for Bible Study:
Bible- This may be an obvious one, but the most important. Read it!! Pick a version that you can read easily, and pick another version that is reputable for cross-referencing. We have several versions around the house: NIV, NASB, KJV, ESV. (Of course, there are many more versions available online, for free!)
Study Bible- We have a digital and physical copy of the John MacArthur Study Bible. It is great for all those questions I whisper to my husband during sermons or the ones I text him during the day.
Bible Dictionary- This has pictures and definitions of most of the words used in the Bible.
Bible Handbook- This gives a chapter-by-chapter summary of all the books in the Bible.
Bible Concordance- WOW!! This book is chock full of so many important facts about Scripture, and includes Hebrew and Greek words!
How to Study the Bible:
Over a decade ago, I attended a Bible college which meant I had several classes on how to study the Bible. As a teenager, I did not appreciate the lessons or, sadly, understand the value of God’s Word. I am just now beginning to really get deep into God’s Word through daily Bible reading and study. Below are some of the ways I have worked on making Bible study a regular part of my day.
To get started, get a “guide.” Find a local pastor or “veteran” Christian to help guide you in Bible study. Participate in your local church for Sunday school or Wednesday night Bible study. Find non-denominational organizations that host online Bible studies, like Bible Study Fellowship. (I’ve done several years with BSF and have even led a group. Such a great way to dive deep into God’s Word.)
While Bible study is a personal thing, and you can not “piggy back” on another Christian, it is so helpful to walk alongside a seasoned Christian when you are first starting out. Think of a child using training wheels. They are slowly eased into riding a bike independently, but must have help initially.
Next, find a reading plan. These can be found on the internet, on the Youversion Bible App, and in a lot of Bibles. Don’t just open the Bible and read where your finger lands. Get a plan and commit to it. It is best to anchor your daily reading and study time to another activity, like after a meal, before you get out of bed, just after exercising, etc…
Currently, I am reading through the Bible in a chronological order. Once finished this, I plan on following a plan laid out by John MacArthur where you read one book of the Bible everyday for a month.
Study, study study. During your daily study time, read the selected passage for the day in multiple versions of the Bible. Use one of the tools mentioned above to dig deeper into the meaning of the passage. Pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit. Use other study techniques like homiletics or hermeneutics to really understand the passage. Listen to a sermon based on the passage of Scripture. Note any questions you may have and search Scripture for those answers.
If we are to stand firm against the tricks of the devil, we MUST be in the Word on a very consistent basis. God’s Word is a powerful “sword” that is alive and active, and available for our use!
For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joint and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
Take up the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
Ephesians 6:17
All Scripture is 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: 16-17
Have questions? Shoot me an email! I’d love to chat with you about how you can get into God’s Word!
