Six Ways To Get A Grasp On Your Bible

 

Take the time and trouble to keep yourself spiritually fit. (1 Timothy 4:7)

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How to Hear God's Word 

Faith comes from hearing the Word of God. (Romans 10:17)

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How to Read God's Word 

Happy is the one who reads this book...and obeys what is written in it! (Revelation 1:3)

Suggestions

  • Read it Systematically.
  • Read it in a Bible without notes.
  • Read it in different translations (i.e. Good News, Living Bible, Phillips).
  • Read it aloud quietly to yourself.
  • Underline or color code key verses.
  • Choose a reading plan and stick with it.

Bible Reading Plans

Bible Database (FREE Bibles and Software) - One of the largest resources of FREE Bibles available anywhere. Full Featured FREE Bible Software with more than 50 Bibles in over 30 languages to choose from. Multi Bible viewer. Bible Dictionaries, Commentaries, Biblical Names, Personal Prayer Diary, Biblical Map viewer, Rich Text Word Processor and more.

How to Study God's Word 

...they accepted the message eagerly and studied the Scriptures everyday...(Acts 17:11)

The secret of effective Bible study is knowing how to ask the right questions. Who? What? When? Where? How? Why?

Suggested Resources for Bible Study

  • Dynamic Bible Study Methods by Rick Warren (Victor Books) - 12 methods are explained in simple instructions.
  • Study Bibles
    • The best personal study Bible - The Life Application Bible (Tyndale)
    • The best topical study Bible - Thompson Chain Reference Bible (Kirkbride)
    • The best background study Bible - The NIV Study Bible (Zondervan)
    • The best doctrine study Bible - The Disciple's Study Bible (Holman)
  • Bible Handbooks
    • Richard's Complete Handbook (Word)
    • Halley's Bible Handbook (Zondervan)
    • Erdman's Bible Handbook (Erdmans)

How to Memorize God's Word 

Guard my words as your most precious possession. Write them down, and also keep them deep within your heart. (Proverbs 7:2-3)

How to memorize a verse.
  • Pick a verse that speaks to you.
  • Say the reference before and after the verse.
  • Read the verse alound many times. Record it!
  • Break the verse into natural phrases.
  • Emphasize key words when quoting the verse.
  • Write down the verse and erase a word at a time.
  • Write out the verse on a flash card.
  • Carry some cards with you at all times for a review.
  • Display your verses in prominent places.
  • Always memorize the verse word-perfect.
  • Put the verse to music. Write a song!
  • Get a partner so you can check each other.

This page of verses suggest a balance in scripture memory. The verses selected are key verses in understanding the foundations of the christian life and christian growth. Do not feel tied down to this suggested list. It is only a tool to lead you in an understanding of the importance of memorizing key verses.

How to Meditate on God's Word 

(Those) who are always meditating on his laws...are like trees along a river bank bearing fruit...they never wither and whatever they do prospers. (Psalm 1:2-3)

Meditation is focused thinking about a Bible verse in order to discover how I can apply its truth to my own life. Most of us should have no problem with meditation. It is just positive worrying.

Six Ways to Meditate on a Verse
  1. Picture it! Visualize the scene in your mind.
  2. Pronounce it! Say the verse alound, each time emphasizing a different word.
  3. Paraphrase it! Rewrite the verse in your own words.
  4. Personalize it! Replace the pronouns or people in the verse with your own name.
  5. Pray it! Turn the verse into a prayer and say it back to God.
  6. Probe it! Ask the following 9 questions. Is there any...
    1. sin to confess?
    2. promise to claim?
    3. attitude to change?
    4. command to keep or obey?
    5. example to follow?
    6. prayer to pray?
    7. error to avoid?
    8. truth to believe?
    9. something to thank God for?

How to Apply God's Word 

Whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:19)

To apply scripture, ask these three questions to interpret the scripture, determine the timeless principle and then personally apply it.

  • What did it mean to the original hearers?
  • What is the underlying timeless principle?
  • Where or how could I practice that principle?

Study is Good

These are only excerpts from Chapin Baptist Church's Class 201 - Discovering Spiritual Maturity. Consider taking the class next time it is offered in order to grow in spiritual maturity.