7 Principles for Studying the Bible

Here are 7 principles to learn and remember to help you in your study of the Bible.

Principle #1--Set aside a time to study the Bible

This may seem obvious, but if you don't read the Bible you won't know what the Bible says. Reading takes time and study takes even more time. Set aside a certain time and place during the day where you will not be disturbed and go there to read your Bible. Try to increase the amount of time you read God's Word each day. You will not know what the Bible teaches if you do not take the time to read it for yourself.

Principle #2--Ask God to guide you in the reading of His Word.

It is God's desire that you have the correct knowledge of His Word and of His will. Before you begin to read the Bible seek the Lord's blessing and help through prayer. The Word of God and a godly prayer life work together. Some Christians neglect their Scripture reading and end up praying without a correct knowledge of God and His will, because they are ignorant of His Word. Other Christians try to study the Bible without seeking the Lord in prayer and end up with a head knowledge of the Bible without a heart application. The Apostles in Acts chapter 6, said it was not reason to leave the Word of God to serve tables. They said they would give themselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word.

Principle #3--Read carefully. Don't hurry your reading.

Take your time to read through the passage of Scripture. Don't rush your reading of God's Word. Reading the Bible takes time and concentration. Think on the words as you read them and if you need to read again, do so.

Principle #4--Use Scripture to interpret Scripture.

The Bible is the best commentary on itself. When the Bible gives the meaning for a passage of Scripture, that's exactly what it means. When you read passages that give the interpretation of the passage or another passage of the Bible, study the verses in their context. You will begin to learn how to interpret the Bible by its example. And remember that the Bible does not contradict itself. If there is a seeming contradiction, it is because we are trying to force an interpretation upon the passage rather than take the meaning from the passage.

Principle #5--Find what God said and what He meant.

Don't start your Bible reading by first looking at what a commentary has to say about the passage. Read the passage first and then ask the question, "What did God say." Read the passage again to find the answer. All too often, the student of the Bible begins his study with a commentary. Find what God says first, before you look at a man's opinion about the passage. Then find what God meant when He said it. Too many times people approach their study of the Scriptures with the attitude of saying "this is what this passage means to me." What the passage means to you is not the important question to answer. The important questions to answer are "What did God say" and "What did God mean when He said it."

Principle #6--Scripture has one meaning.

Keep in mind that the passage of Scripture that you are reading has one meaning and only one meaning. When we begin to add multiple meanings to any given passage of Scripture, the original message is obscured, blurred, or lost in our own opinions. There were numerous times when Jesus spoke and was misinterpreted. For example, when He said "Destroy this temple and I will raise it up in three days," the religious leaders misinterpreted what He said by accusing Him of desiring to destroy the Jewish temple. Scripture tells us that Jesus was talking about His body as the "temple," not the building complex. There is only one meaning to what Jesus said.

Principle #7--Scripture can have many applications.

Although Scripture has one meaning, its applications are numerous. After we learn what God said, and what He meant, we can then ask the question: "How does this apply to me?" Application should be made when we know the truth about a given passage of Scripture. Remember God has given us His Word to change us or to bring us into conformity with His Son, Jesus Christ.

These principles for studying the Bible can help you as you read the greatest message ever given to mankind. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the "good news" that Christ came into this world to redeem sinful man and to restore fellowship between God and man. Have you experienced God's gift? You can receive Him now and begin to enjoy your new life in Christ today.

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