How to Study The Bible Daily

Where and how do I start studying the Bible? How do we approach God's word and how can we come to understand it? How do I "meditate" on His word? 

But first, let's read why studying the Bible is important.

Scripture is "God-breathed" and it is meant to correct us and train us in the right way to live. 

"All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness, so that the person of God may be proficient, equipped for every good work." -- 2 Timothy 3:16

We are encouraged, even urged, to diligently seek wisdom and understanding from God, like digging for treasure. 

"My child, if you accept my words and treasure up in my commandments within you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding, if you indeed cry out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures--then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God." -- Proverbs 2:1-5

God's word is alive, full of power and it convicts us of our deepest secrets. It exposes the true intentions of the human heart and it transforms from the inside out. 

"Indeed, the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and the intentions of the heart." -- Hebrews 4:12

So how do we dig for treasure?

1. Pray and sit.

Before starting, sit and be still. Get a feel of His presence. Listen to a worship instrumental, close your eyes and open your heart up to receiving His word and listening to His voice. Ask the Holy Spirit to open up your spiritual ears to understand and to make His word plain to you. 

If you're unsure where to start reading, tell God what you are struggling with in your heart and ask Him to lead you to scripture that will help you with this. 

2. Read, read, read!

Read the passage and then read it again. Really take in each and every word because these are all precious gems that make up the treasure of the Bible. Highlight or underline what may stand out to you. Then re-write the passage in your bible study journal so that it stays with you. 

3. Analyse the context

It is incredibly important to read the Bible in its context instead of reading your own context into the Bible. 

Every book in the Bible has an author, a purpose, a physical place or setting and a time in history. For example, the book of Isaiah was written by the prophet Isaiah for the purpose of warning the people of Israel of God's judgement to come, but also to reassure them that salvation is coming in the form of Jesus. This was happening in the kingdom of Judah and most study Bibles will give the exact year or time frame. 

Taking the time to get the facts straight and study the context gives you the bigger picture and it lays the foundation of your understanding of what you are reading, helping you interpret what is already written instead of applying your own fallible meaning. 

In your Bible study journal, it asks you "what is the context?"--this can be broken down into a few questions: What is happening? Where is it happening? When? Who is speaking and who is being addressed? 

4. Observation

This step focuses on the heart of the text. Now that you've got the facts, read the passage again through that lens. Work through it is verse-by-verse, as you read it. This is how we diligently search for the gems of knowledge, hanging onto every word. 

My pastor always says we must "chew" on the word of God. Savour every word like a bite of your favourite food. Do you swallow your food without chewing? Without grinding it down to what you can actually digest? In the same way, we don't read it once and let it go in the one ear and out the other. 

Write down what God is saying, what He is teaching you. Write down anything that stands out to you and what you understand. 

5. Application

Now that you've analysed the context, read the passage and worked through it, our bible study journals follow up with this question: what have I learned from this and how can I apply it into my daily life? 

God has just given you incredible wisdom and knowledge. You've found the hidden treasure. Now you shut your Bible closed and get on with your day. NO! What has God taught you? How can you put it into practise every day? How can you apply it to your own life and heart? This is the most practical step. Remember, the Bible isn't this theological encyclopedia, it is the authoratitive rule of God that guides us on how we should LIVE. So LIVE out the Word you have just read. 

6. Prayer

We started with prayer, now we end with prayer. Pray for God to transform you, for His Word to accomplish what it needs to in you and in your life. Even pray the text you have read. 

If you've come this far, this is your sign to get a bible study journal!

We created journals that follow this exact method of Bible study to enrich your understanding of God's word and guide both new and mature believers in seeking knowledge. Grow in grace and knowledge!