"Do your best (study) to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."
2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)
Bible Study Tips
Here are a few suggestions for Bible Study. Be sure to pray before and while studying and God’s Word will come alive for you.
Pray First
Before you read the first verse, take a moment to ask for God’s guidance. Jesus said that the Holy Spirit leads us into all truth and teaches us how to understand (John 14). We need Him to open our eyes to the meaning of Scripture so that it can transform our lives.
Don’t get discouraged
Studying the Bible is a lifelong process. When you first embark on the journey, the landscape may seem unfamiliar even confusing. But the more you read, pray, and study, the more you’ll grow accustomed to the contours of Scripture. You’ll see how books and ideas connect; you’ll see the history of God’s redeeming love just be patient and keep at it.
Take notes
You’re more likely to engage with God’s Word if you make notes. When you have questions, write them down so that you can look for answers. When you realize something about God’s nature, write it down and study it later. Write out your prayers and thoughts.
Take action
The point of studying the Bible isn’t just to accumulate knowledge. As the writer of Hebrews says, Scripture is alive and cuts deep to transform us (Hebrews 4:12). Read, take notes, pray, and let God use His book living words to cause real change in your life. You’ll be blown away by what He can do!
Tips For Memorizing
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Pray to God and ask Him to help you commit verse to memory.
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Read verse slowly five times every morning.
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Write the verse on an index card so that you can keep it near you.
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Determine what the verse means to you.
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Decide how you can apply that verse to your life.
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Place the verse in obvious places that you will notice it several times a day. Be very careful to concentrate on the “address” where the verse is found in the Bible.
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Devote an additional 15 minutes of quiet time to reading the verse and putting it to memory daily.
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Ask a friend or loved one to listen to you as you recite the verse and keep you accountable.
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Use verses in your everyday teaching and witnessing to others.
Did You Know?
66 Total Books of the Bible:
39 Old Testament
27 New Testament