An essential part of growing in our faith relationship with Jesus is studying the Bible. Sudying the Bible is not automatic.  It is easy to want to jump to application or even the history of a passage.  But the first thing a person must do is set their heart to study it.

I love what the Bible says of Ezra, “For Ezra has set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and teach his statues and rules in Israel.” Ezra 7:10

Once you “set your heart” to study the Bible, the first step is to begin reading it regularly.  Here are a few principles I have found useful in reading God’s Word.

Read the Bible broadly.

Look for connective words (i.e. “therefore,” “then,” etc.) witin the passage.

Pay attention to the context.  What happens leading up to the passage and what follows are very important to understanding a text.

Evaluate the passage in light of the book as a whole.  Who was the author?  Who is the audience the book was originally intended?

Look for the big picture or major thoughts of the passage.  In the New Testament, I look for the main verb in the passage.

Read the Bible repeatedly.

When I am studying a passage of the Bible, I will typically read it ten to fifteen times.  Why?  Because sometimes it takes me a while to get a broad sense of the passage.

Read the Bible prayerfully.

Before I ever begin studying the Bible, I pray a simple prayer. “Lord, I have a tendency to be distracted when I read.  Please calm my mind.  Speak to me through Your Word.”

“Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Your Law.” Psalm 119:18

 

What am I missing?  What are some insights you would give in reading the Bible?

Check back later this week for some practical advice on what to look for as you’re reading the Bible.