Studying the Bible

The question is often asked, “How do I study the Bible?”  Personally, I recommend starting with the Gospels–the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.  These tell of Jesus’ life, his works and teachings.  The content of the Gospels is the core of the Bible.  Pick one of them to read.  After that, you can read the rest of the New Testament, and see how news of Jesus’ words and works was spread throughout the Mediterranean world.  Then read the Old Testament, and see how God planned to bring a Savior to the world, and how he carried that plan out through the nation of Israel.  Throughout the entire Bible, keep in mind that Jesus’ sacrificial death for the sins of the world is always in focus.

Before you read, pray that God would help you to understand, and grant you faith to believe.  The Bible is God’s book, and the Holy Spirit is its only true teacher.  God has promised that he will work in our hearts through his Word.  Perhaps you might begin your reading with this prayer:  “O Lord, may this Word you have given us be powerful as you have promised.  Grant that I may understand it, and that it’s light may reach my heart to chase sin from my thoughts and fill me with your love and forgiveness in Jesus Christ, my Lord.  Amen.”

When you are reading, always keep in mind the context.  Remember what happened before, or what was said previous.  Always try to understand how every chapter and every verse is connected to God’s great purpose of saving sinners through faith in Christ.  Sometimes the words of Scripture show us that we are sinners who deserve God’s anger and need a Savior.  Sometimes they point us to our Savior and what he has done to rescue us from hell.  Always, the Scriptures should be read with Christ in mind.

You may often find it beneficial to read larger sections–several chapters or even whole books at a time.  Often you will see things you never noticed before.  Other times, you may wish to read only a few verses, and ponder their meaning.

As you read, remember that God is always the same.  What he did and said in the pages of the Bible is still true of him today.  Sin is still what it has always been.  Even more so, God’s gracious forgiveness in Christ is just as free and just as unliminted as it has always been.

God bless you as you read his Word!