There are a number of different approaches one can take to studying the Bible. There is no “right” way to study the word of God; we all consume information differently.
Some people swear by certain methods, like a chronological reading of the Bible over the course of a year, as a necessary part of Christian development. Do not allow this kind of thinking discourage you. There is no one way to study the scriptures, and no single superior method. God leads us at our own pace.
While there are more than four approaches to Bible study, the four ways outlined here will be easy and effective for students at every level of experience. Whether you’ve been born again for fifty years or fifty minutes, you can open your Bible and grow deeper in your understanding of God using basic study tools and a little focus.
Bible Study Tools
Since you don’t have the scriptures memorized, you will need study tools to help you locate other passages that correlate to what you are currently studying. Thankfully, we are living in times where Bible study tools can be found both in print and digital format online.
Use the following study tools to maximize your efforts to search the scriptures:
Concordance (back of Bible)
A concordance is an alphabetical index of words found in the Bible, typically located at the back of the book. It helps readers quickly locate passages and verses where specific words or themes appear, facilitating deeper study and cross-referencing of scripture.
Strong’s Concordance
The Strong’s Concordance is an exhaustive index of every word in the King James Version of the Bible, compiled by James Strong. It assigns a unique number to each original Hebrew or Greek word, allowing students to explore the meanings and nuances of biblical terms in their original languages, thereby enriching their understanding of the scriptures.
Available digitally for free at https://biblehub.com.
Thompson Chain Reference
The Thompson Chain Reference Bible is a study Bible that organizes scripture by topics and themes through an extensive system of cross-references. Developed by Dr. Frank Charles Thompson, it enables readers to follow chains of related verses throughout the Bible, promoting a comprehensive and interconnected study experience.
Parallel Bible
A Parallel Bible presents multiple translations of the Bible side by side on the same page. This format allows readers to compare different versions and gain a broader perspective on the text’s meaning, aiding in deeper comprehension and interpretation of scripture.
Available digitally for free at https://biblehub.com.
Bible Study Methods
You can develop a love for studying the scriptures when you keep your study habits and routines fresh. Limiting yourself to only one method of study will create a stale, overly rehearsed approach to study that is more review than discovery. Try alternating between the following four methods on your Bible study time to increase your focus and expand your understanding of the word of God.
Topical Study
A topical study involves examining what the Bible says about a specific subject or theme. By gathering and analyzing all relevant scriptures on a topic, such as faith, prayer, or love, readers can gain a holistic understanding of biblical teachings related to that subject.
Passage Study
Passage study focuses on an in-depth analysis of a particular section of scripture, such as a chapter or a set of verses. This method emphasizes understanding the context, meaning, and application of the passage, encouraging a thorough engagement with the text.
Character Study
A character study entails exploring the life, actions, and faith of a specific person in the Bible. By examining their experiences and choices, readers can glean valuable lessons and insights applicable to their own spiritual journey.
Randomized Study
Randomized study involves opening the Bible to a random page or verse and reflecting on the scripture found there. This method can lead to unexpected insights and allows the Holy Spirit to guide one’s exploration of the Word, fostering a spontaneous and personalized engagement with the Bible.
——
When you use Bible study tools and methods like the ones discussed here, you will never be without inspiration and information in the word of God. The Spirit of God will move and direct you as you use Bible study tools and techniques to focus in your learning of the scriptures.
