How do I study the Bible?
Introduction. The casual reader of Bible Questions is aware of the emphasis we place on Bible authority. Hence, the question about how to study the Bible. It is evident from all the religious confusion and division that the Bible is greatly misunderstood.
Must approach the Bible with the right attitude and correct study approach. We must study the Bible to determine what to believe, not to try to prove our preexistent beliefs (Acts 17: 11). We must believe the Bible (Acts 27: 25). The purpose of learning must be to put into practice what we learn (Acts 10: 33,48). There must be respect for the scriptures (2 Tim. 3: 16,17, 1 Cor. 14: 37, Rev. 22: 18,19). If we approach the Bible using the mystical, allegorical, spiritual, hierarchical, rationalistic, or apologetic methods of study, we will not arrive at the truth. The inductive method is profitable (gather all that is taught on a given subject and make sound, necessary deductions as to the truth being taught).
We must observe the basic rules of study. Always determine by whom it is spoken, to whom spoken, under what circumstances spoken, the context (before and after given verse), and the general purpose of the book it which the statement or verse is found. Being aware of prevailing customs is often of great help. Words must be observed. Good sources of Greek word definitions are invaluable. W.E. Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words is a simple work to use.
We must handle aright the word of God. This is precisely the truth which Paul is articulating to Timothy (2 Tim. 2: 15). We must recognize the two main divisions in the Bible (old and new covenants). There are four divisions generally observed in the old covenant and five divisions or sections in the New Testament. Failure to correctly study the Bible results in confusion and chaos.
Must approach the Bible with the right attitude and correct study approach. We must study the Bible to determine what to believe, not to try to prove our preexistent beliefs (Acts 17: 11). We must believe the Bible (Acts 27: 25). The purpose of learning must be to put into practice what we learn (Acts 10: 33,48). There must be respect for the scriptures (2 Tim. 3: 16,17, 1 Cor. 14: 37, Rev. 22: 18,19). If we approach the Bible using the mystical, allegorical, spiritual, hierarchical, rationalistic, or apologetic methods of study, we will not arrive at the truth. The inductive method is profitable (gather all that is taught on a given subject and make sound, necessary deductions as to the truth being taught).
We must observe the basic rules of study. Always determine by whom it is spoken, to whom spoken, under what circumstances spoken, the context (before and after given verse), and the general purpose of the book it which the statement or verse is found. Being aware of prevailing customs is often of great help. Words must be observed. Good sources of Greek word definitions are invaluable. W.E. Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words is a simple work to use.
We must handle aright the word of God. This is precisely the truth which Paul is articulating to Timothy (2 Tim. 2: 15). We must recognize the two main divisions in the Bible (old and new covenants). There are four divisions generally observed in the old covenant and five divisions or sections in the New Testament. Failure to correctly study the Bible results in confusion and chaos.