Every Christian has had a moment (or two, or three) where they felt convicted to be more consistent in their Bible Study. These moments can be inspired by a convicting message at church, a New Year’s Resolution, or simply a moment of personal reflection. Whatever the cause, the end result is always the same: finding and dusting off that most necessary of books.
When Christian finds themselves confronted with a need/desire to be more effective or consistent in their Bible study, the right tools can drastically improve the chances of long term success. What tools are those? A bit of knowledge and a plan. If a Christian is looking for something more than a fair-weather decision they must have a plan before they go forward.
How to study their Bible
One of the biggest decisions many Christians don’t even realize they have is how to study their Bible. So many Christians feel that if they are going to be spiritual they must read through the whole Bible in a set amount of time. While this is an effective Bible study method, it is not the only study method. If a Christian tailors their study method to their needs at the moment, they will find a great deal more satisfaction and desire in their time in the Word.
Reading through the Bible (in a year) is the most commonly accepted form of Bible study.
Christians who stick with this method will eventually read through every single book, chapter, and verse in the Bible. This is an excellent way to get more familiar with the big picture concepts presented in the Bible. Reading through the entire Bible should be a Bucket List item for any Christian, as it will give them a fuller understanding of the Word of God.
If reading through the entire Bible seems to daunt a task, a Christian might consider reading through just the Old or New Testaments. This method can be a great study plan as a stepping stone or as a stand-alone. If a Christian is hoping to eventually read through the entire Bible, beginning with one or the other of the Testaments helps provide a smaller goal as a step toward the larger goal. That is not to say that this method cannot stand alone, for even reading through one Testament is a significant accomplishment.
If a Testament still seems like a daunting task, a Christian could pursue a Book Study instead. This type of Bible study allows the reader to select a book (i.e. Isaiah) or a group of books (i.e Paul’s letters to Timothy) for a more focused study. With a book study, a Christian can take more time to delve into all the details of that particular book. Who wrote it? Who did they write to? What was the purpose of the book? The questions can go on and on. Christians who choose to do this type of Bible study often find their time to be richer and more profitable if they also choose one or two books written about the book to aid in their study.
Ecclesiastes 3 speaks of the seasons of life.
A time for birth, a time for death, a time for joy, a time for pain. In these seasons, many Christians find comfort in a Topical Bible Study. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says that “ All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable. . . that the man of God may be perfect (complete/mature), thoroughly furnished (well equipped) unto all good works.” God has given His children all they need to succeed in this life. However, those tools are often found scattered throughout Scripture. There is no single passage that addresses grief, or anger, or spiritual growth. Topical Bible Study is an excellent way to address these specific topical needs.
Hebrews 4:12 states that “The Word of God is quick and powerful.” Within those soft leather covers and fragile gilt-edged pages lies a power greater than any man could imagine. If Christian approach their time in the Word of God with purpose and direction, they will find this great power that has the ability to move and change lives. Bible study is about more than just reading. It’s about incorporating the Word of God into the everyday details of life. Each of these Bible Study Methods can aid a Christian in their quest to be more like Christ.
