A. Study for yourself. Some people enjoy reading through the Bible every year. Others take it at a slower pace, going book by book—either sequentially or in no particular order. Reading the Scriptures in context will give you a better understanding of spiritual truth. You will also discover interesting passages typically overlooked in sermons and Bible studies.
Write down a few benefits of studying God’s Word:
Romans 15:4
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Psalm 19:8-11
B. Learn more with study aids. Take advantage of scholarly notes in your Bible. Look up the cross references to find related verses. Use a concordance to discover every mention of a particular topic. Use a Bible dictionary to find more information about scriptural characters and concepts, and dig deeper into a passage by using commentaries. Many of these study tools are available online for no charge. They can provide you with access to the insights of experts in theology and history.
Although these particular study tools didn’t exist in Bible times, turning to another source for scriptural understanding is nothing new.
What did the Jewish leaders do for the people who hadn’t heard the law before (Neh. 8:8)?
Describe how each individual below helped someone with less scriptural knowledge:
Peter (Acts 11:1-18)
Phillip (Acts 8:26-38)
Why is it important to be sure we understand the true meaning of Scripture (2 Peter 1:20; 3:16)?
C. Write down your spiritual questions. You may want to make a note in your Bible when you encounter a difficult passage. Or you might prefer to keep a list of questions elsewhere. Record the date your question came to mind as well as when God answered it. Remember that while some insights will come immediately, others take years. And some may not be answered in this life.
Who ultimately gives us understanding of the Scriptures (1 Chron. 22:12-13)?
Be sure to compare all spiritual instruction—even from teachers you trust—with the Word of God.
According to Acts, why were the Bereans more “noble-minded” than the Thessalonians (Acts 17:10-11)?
Do you generally examine the sermons you hear by comparing them to Scripture? Why or why not?
D. Apply the Word to your life. When verses encourage or convict you, write them down or underline them in your Bible. You may want to record them in a devotional journal. Include your thoughts on how the passages relate to your circumstances.
Another way to apply biblical truth is to pray Scripture. Acts 4:24-31 gives an example of this: when the apostles were told to stop preaching about Jesus, they began their prayer with quotations from the Bible (verses 24-26 quote Old Testament passages):
How do you think remembering these truths benefited the apostles as they prayed?
The book of Psalms and the New Testament are full of passages that can easily be turned into prayers. For instance, Romans 15:1 reads: “Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves.” To turn the verse into a prayer, you might say: “Lord, please help me be patient and seek to encourage others who aren’t strong in their faith.”
Turn Romans 15:4-7 (or one of your favorite passages) into a prayer.
E. Fill your mind with Bible verses.
Memorizing and meditating on Scripture are helpful in a number of ways. Write down benefits described in each of these verses:
Of the advantages mentioned above, which excites you the most? Why?
Memorizing the Word also helps us learn the Lord’s values. When you know His priorities, you are better equipped to discern His voice for guidance, direction, and comfort. The Holy Spirit will bring scriptures to mind that will guide you in how to respond to each situation you face.
Conclusion: Don’t be a believer who fails to explore the blessings God offers His children. Discover the spiritual riches you possess by reading and studying His Word for yourself. Then you will be well on your way to “unwrapping” everything the Father has for you in Christ.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonderful gift of salvation. May I never take it for granted. Show me how to study and obey Your Word so I can experience all You’ve given me. Amen.
Blessings.....
Blog author note: This is by Charles Stanley from my "Bible study folder." It may be several years old because the Bible verse links no longer work and I cannot find it in the archive at InTouch.org. It is still a good study as we move forward into this new year of 2025.