What is the best method of Bible study?

What is the best method of Bible study?

The subject of Bible study seems like one of the trickiest topics of Bible study to many Christians, mostly because it's so subjective. I find myself constantly being swayed towards a different approach to Bible study depending on who I talk to, or read on a topic.

I'd love to hear all of your thoughts on the subject, how you study the Bible, what method works for you, what methods you don't care for, or what methods you prefer.

Re: What is the best method of Bible study?

First things first. There are lots of "methods" to study the Bible. When I speak of "method" I'm not just talking about a system of methodical study, but specifically a method which leads you to the conclusions that you are looking for. As long as the method is designed to bring the results you seek and is built on the rock of the Word of God, that's all that really matters. The rest is up to you.

That said, I can pretty much boil down to four, at least from an informal poll of some of my friends:

Proverbs 31. The only really good, complete model of a home (wife, children, servants) in the Bible. It has so much to offer, it's almost a textbook.

The Old Testament. Read and re-read. We don't need to know all the laws because God has already established and set things in motion (Heb. 1:1-2).

The New Testament. The most important message is found in these 2 books: A) the revelation of Christ in all that it means; and B) his coming again at the end of the age.

The history of the Christian church. The church is the most visible part of what God did and is doing in the world today. It's what God is using to fulfill his plan.

To each his own. There are an unlimited number of ways to study the Bible. I've tried many of them. Each comes with its own limitations, biases, and results.

Re: What is the best method of Bible study?

I personally like to go back and look at what Paul said in Galatians 2 about the Galatian Christians. He said it doesn't matter how you do the study, as long as you have the Spirit, are being led by the Spirit, etc. As long as you study God's word, you'll get his answers. You don't have to be some great expert to know the Bible, all you need to know is what God wants you to know.

Re: What is the best method of Bible study?

I study in whatever method works best for me at any given time. Most days it is the Old Testament, though not all days, nor weeks, and not in every class or discussion. I think there are times when it is more practical to study the New Testament, and at times when it is more profitable to study about a practical topic, like the church.

Re: What is the best method of Bible study?

I have heard people say, "If it isn't from the Bible, then it isn't from God."

This might be wise, but I find that it would seem that if it isn't in the Bible it is because the Bible has not covered that subject adequately. So if you see a truth that needs to be addressed but isn't in the Bible, the best thing you can do is add it in.

I think that the way one approaches the Bible is different for different people.

Re: What is the best method of Bible study?

I always like to start with a passage of Scripture that is particularly significant to my life. When I am having a problem, I begin to write a thought or poem about that situation and then I spend some time finding out the background of that scripture so that I can really understand it better.

I like to read it through several times and re-read it several times. I find that God takes a lot of us places we never expected to go if we are going to live the life he has for us.

I also use a book called, "Pray the Bible Through" which has 365 prayer sections from the Bible, along with other prayers and quotes from the Bible. It is a very easy to use book.

Re: What is the best method of Bible study?

I'm not sure what method works best for me. What works well for me is the passage of the Holy Spirit. If the Holy Spirit directs me to a passage, then that passage usually teaches me something. I have a collection of books that are like devotional/meditation books, that are written in the Spirit and I like to have at least two of them on the go at.....

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