The previous article challenges readers to read the Bible daily to keep their hearts connected to God. Paul offers a similar charge in 2 Timothy to challenge to study the Word of God.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15, King James Version).
Hearing this verse may cause some to wonder how they can rightly divide the word of truth so they can please God. Below are tips and methods believers can use to study the Bible effectively.
Start Small
Studying the Bible can seem like a daunting task for those who are new to the faith and for those who do not enjoy reading. Do not let this perception stop you from learning.
Instead, start small by taking ten to fifteen minutes of the day to read scripture.
Our Daily Bread & Bible App
Two resources I use to help me engage scripture are Our Daily Bread and YouVersion Bible App.
Our Daily Bread is an everyday devotional where writers shed light on different topics through lessons that connect real-life experiences with scripture. Readers can apply what they have read by answering a few reflective questions and saying a short prayer.
You Version Bible App is another resource to use. Like Our Daily Bread, this app offers users a verse of the day with a written lesson, an application question, and a short prayer.
Users who wish to enhance their prayer life can use their guided prayer. The Bible App is unique in that it offers a variety of reading plans for all ages.
Study in a Community Setting
Inventors of the Bible App understand Christians cannot mature in their faith without community. Therefore, consumers can add friends, share prayer requests, and invite others to complete study plans together.
Having this resource not only helps with studying habits but can also serve as a form of accountability as people can see how frequently their friends are active on the app.
In Person & Virtual Bible Studies
Hebrews 10:25 says not to forsake the assembly of believers. One way to gather together is by attending an in-person or virtual Bible study consistently.
Making this effort allows attendees to receive instruction from capable teachers who commit their lives to seeing others grow. Typically, instructors will provide review assignments to complete before the next session which helps attendees remain in the Word.
Learning together also allows participants to hear different perspectives on biblical teachings that can challenge their views and ignite their desire to learn more.
Three Specific Strategies
Character Method
There are two specific methods learners may find beneficial as they study the Word of God. The first strategy is the character method. If a student wants to learn about Pharoh, they will research verses referencing him.
After locating scriptures, researchers will use resources such as commentary to understand Pharoh’s significance in the lives of the Israelites. Then they will take what they learn from Pharoah’s actions and apply it to their lives.
The S.P.E.C.K Method: Psalm 1
Another strategy believers can use when examining a biblical text is the S.P.E.C.K
method. This method reveals
- S- Sins to avoid
- P-Promises made
- E- Examples used
- C- Commands given
- K- Knowledge gained
If S.P.E.C.K is used to study Psalm 1, readers will notice
- S-avoid walking in the counsel of the ungodly and standing in the way of sinners (Psalm 1:1).
- P- the righteous are blessed when they delight in and meditate on the law of the Lord (Psalm 1:2). The Righteous will prosper in all they do (Psalm 1:3). The way of the wicked will perish (Psalm 1:6).
- E- Describing someone who delights in the laws of God as a tree being planted by rivers of water (Psalm 1:3). Describing the wicked as chaff in the wind being blown away (Psalm 1:3).
- C- The wicked cannot stand in the judgment and sinners will not sit in the congregation of the righteous (Psalms 1:5).
- K- If one wants to be considered blessed and live a righteous life then they need to delight in the law of the Lord. Also, the righteous do not follow the ways of the wicked.
Memorize Scripture
Psalm 1:2 reveals the Psalmist’s desire to meditate on God’s law. One way to meditate on scripture is by committing them to memory.
Writing a short verse on a flashcard and repeating the words several times without looking is a great exercise.
Turning a verse into a song or listening to one that quotes scripture in its lyrics. Cristabel Clack does this on Instagram as she teaches her son “If My People” by Fred Hammond & Radical for Christ to help him remember 2 Chronicles 7:14.
This example shows memorizing scripture can be a fun activity for families to do together. In turn, parents will be teaching their children the ways and helping them not to forget their creator (Provers 22:6; Ecclesiastes 12:1).
Other Resources
For those who desire to conduct induct studies with biblical commentaries, dictionaries, and encyclopedias, Bible Gateway, and Logos offer some great resources at a cost.
Individuals who do not like to read can listen to a host of sermons from a variety of ministers on YouTube. Many publishing companies also have recordings of the Bible available on YouTube and other streaming platforms.
With all of these resources and strategies available, there is no reason not to study the Word of God.
“The grass withers and the flowers fade but the word of God’s word stands forever” Isaiah 40:8 (New Living Translation).
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In