“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Growing up in a Christian home, I was familiar with the Bible.
But it wasn’t until I began trusting Christ personally that I began to hunger to study God’s Word. Many years later, I’m still amazed at how a passage I’ve read a hundred times can offer fresh insight. For those looking to start studying the Bible, it can be difficult to know where to begin.
Maybe this will help:
Ask the Holy Spirit for a desire to know God.
We’re so easily distracted, lazy, or just plain selfish that spending time reading the Bible is often the first thing to go when life gets busy. Yet, it’s through the Word of God that we truly get to know Him. Thankfully, the gift of the Holy Spirit gives us an inner “want to” to study the Word and teaches us how to understand and apply scripture in our daily lives.
Choose a time, a place, and a plan.
Consistency is key to building a habit, and online Bible study plans are everywhere. Choose one based on a book of the Bible or a theme that’s relevant to your stage in life.
Look at Scripture in light of Scripture.
Study verses within context. This means studying the Old Testament in light of the New Testament, a chapter in light of the book in which it is written, and a verse within a paragraph. Even cultural and historical background will help shed light on difficult passages. The Bible was written by about 40 divinely-inspired writers over a 1600-year time frame. Even though it was written so long ago, every word is still applicable today. Great Bible teachers and Biblical commentaries are helpful in understanding its relevance.
Study with others.
It’s in small groups with other believers that we can truly wrestle with our questions, fears, and doubts. In these intimate settings, we often realize that we are not alone.
If you want to grow in your faith, dig into the Word of God. The biggest weapon the enemy uses to get us to fall into sin is coercing people to question the trustworthiness of God’s Word.
So, how do you begin to trust God? Start by studying His Word and allowing God’s Holy Spirit to teach you how to apply it to your life.
Written by Bryant Wright, Founder, RFTH
