Readers Respond: What's the Best Bible Study Method?

Responses: 29

By Mary Fairchild, About.com Guide

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I think the Daily Bread is the best method because of its clear explanation and elaboration.
—Guest Holiness kibumba

2 Timothy 2:15 tells us how to study the Bible. We must rightly divide the word of truth.
—Guest pmtock

The best Bible study method is to realize, anew, what it is that we have in our hands. It is not an ordinary book; it is not even a good book; it is the Living Word of the Eternal God. When we remind ourselves of what it is we have in our hands and Who wants to be our Teacher, we open and read, knowing that we hold in our hands the mind of Christ. That is why it is imperative to ask the Holy Spirit to teach us, to "lead us into all Truth." It is not a study, it is nourishment for the human spirit who is being transforming by the Holy Spirit through the written Word of God! Amazing! Totally overwhelming! Then and only then can the depth of meaning within the written Word have the breath of change to come alive in the reader. May we reach out and grab the Written Word as a starving person reaches out for a piece of bread ... for that is exactly who we are and what it is ... the Bread of Life.
—Guest Ele Parrott

Especially when reading the Gospels, I love using Inductive Emotions, where the goal is to get to the real meat of the passage by analyzing the emotions of the characters. What emotion is expressed here? What led to the emotion? Can I relate to the emotion under similar circumstances? What is God's emotion as suggested by the passage? What do we learn about God? Ourselves?
—Guest davynth

There is a new book out that teaches 40 different ways to study the Bible. I didn't know there were that many ways, but apparently there are! I love the Daily Bread Bible Study Method, and the Topical Method, the Bible Characters Method, the Timothy Method, the Six Searches Method, the Funnel Method, the ABC method - there are tons. There are some free ones to learn on the website too - LearnToStudyTheBible.com
—Guest Harold Beamer

What I did was bought a yearly planner from www.christianonlineshopping.com, which has Bible chapters and references for 365 days. I used used it and followed. Thanks to the website, which has so many books and devotionals. All I need to do is go online and shop, and it's delivered to my doorstep. Great way to have Bible study.
—Guest rrajan

I always pray first and ask for permission to delve into God's Word because it is his. I thank him for permission and ask God to take me in study where he wants me to go, and I ask that he gives me wisdom and understanding by helping me relate His Word to my life today. Sometimes he teaches me lessons that tell me what he wants me to do and understand that are so far above me level of thinking that by the time I figure out what I'm supposed to get out of it I'm in the middle of somewhere else he's intended for me to go. My point is to thank God for what I've learned, what I'm learning, and will learn. No one or nothing can take that knowledge away! Instead of having a study guide, allow Abba to take you where he needs you to go. Amen!
—Guest Renee'

I have always been taught that it's best to pray before you read the Word. In that prayer you ask God for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. God will give you just that when you ask.
—Guest Sleona Murphy

I'm a new Christian and what I like is the 30 Path Study Guide in the back of my Bible (Starting Point Study Bible, NIV, Zondervan), and a journal, and Henrietta Mears "What the Bible is all About" (for another perspective). Every morning I read the guide, the Bible and write in a journal The Scriptures (usually 3), as well as what I’m learning about this topic and my interpretation. It never gets old. I enjoy it very much! Plus on the front page of my journal I keep track of what topic I read on what day, so I can look it up when I need help in an area, I can go back to that day and see what Scriptures I recorded. Which has helped me.
—Guest Carol

Many people want quick and easy answers that fit with what they already believe. Every belief group has it's "selected" passages and facts that they "know" prove their beliefs true and all opposing beliefs false. Then they close their eyes and ears to all other beliefs.My suggestion for those in this group is to find a belief group with the beliefs they want, study the materials they use, how they put those things together, and be happy believing what they want. This methodology, though, will never get anyone to the truth. Truth requires doing whatever is necessary to get everything God may have on the issue at hand, figuring out the exact meaning He gave each of the words He used. Even figuring out what He didn't say on a topic is important. All context surrounding each passage is essential, holding to a meaning for each that fits the flow of thought, discussion, argument ...
—Blazing0

One studies the Bible in vain without the key who alone can "break the seven seals and open the scroll" (Rev. 5: 1-24). Since "Jesus Christ is the key that opens all the hidden treasures of God's wisdom and knowledge" (Col. 2:3), firsthand and personal knowledge of the "key," as prescribed, is a requirement (John 8: 21-28; 19: 30-37).
—Guest EphremHagos

I find it best to read the Bible as it's written. While our English Bibles are chronologically out of order, the books contained therein are grouped according to type of writing. For instance The OT books of Genesis to Esther are considered books of history. The books of Job to Song of Songs or Song of Solomon are considered to be poetry. Then you have the Major Prophets of Isaiah to Daniel and then the Minor Prophets of Hosea to Malachi. The English New Testament is grouped thusly: The Gospels and Acts are books of history. Then you have Paul's Letters which are Romans to Philemon. Then it's General Letters, Hebrews to Jude. Then Apocalyptic literature with Revelation. The best Bible study method for me is to read it as it's written. If it's history read it as history, if it's poetry read it as poetry, if it's prophecy read it as prophecy. That's what "reading the Bible literally" means. Read it as it's written. Also, let the clear passages interpret the unclear passages
—Guest Zecryphon

The best method for me is to read the bible from beginning to end. How? By reading a chapter or two daily. That way you get to understand it better and read everything you have to know.
—Guest Beibi

My personal favorite method of Bible study is to use a study Bible as I read through the Scriptures daily. In addition, I use a one year chronological Bible reading plan to keep me on track and in God's Word every day. Sometimes I like to slow down and meditate on sections that seem to leap off the page and speak to my situation. Some days nothing significant jumps out, but I continue reading. If a particular passage has me stumped or confused, I will look up those verses in the notes section of the study Bible or in my Bible study program, comparing commentaries to get a better understanding of the meaning and context of the verses. Writing down what I learn is also very helpful.
—christianity

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Mary Fairchild
Christianity Guide