Consider

Some practical considerations before undertaking Bible study.

• The books of the Bible were written by men, who were inspired by God, through His Spirit. II Peter 1:20-21, Jeremiah 23:29, Hebrews 4:12-13.

• God inspired the Scripture to reveal Himself to man. He is the subject of the Scriptures. We don’t study to simply know more about God but to come to know Him more deeply and more intimately.

• By and of ourselves, we cannot understand the Scriptures. We need revelation from God. I Cor. 2:14, John 3:3, Isaiah 55:8-9

• God reveals wisdom and understanding and Himself to the simple while the ‘educated’ sometimes overlook or miss them. Matt. 18:1-3, 11:25-26

• The Scriptures aren’t difficult if the hearer has ears to listen Isaiah 6:9-10, Luke 8:10, Acts 13: 41, 28:26-28, Romans 10:16

• It is important to read Scripture in its context, in the light of the whole Scriptures. No one book, passage, chapter or verse should be given more importance or credence than another.

• God’s people have come to know Him through the Scriptures. Certain truths have come to them as a direct result of much study. We should not try to find ‘new’ or unusual teaching or principles. Let us hold to the basic truths.

• The word was written in complete books. Later on, chapters and verses were added for ease of study but as much of a blessing that these additions can be, they can also be a danger. Often, the thought of a chapter actually begins a few chapters or verses beforehand. Wherever you see the words, but, therefore, however, as, etc it implies that something must have come before it in order for the writer to refer to it. Romans 12:1,2 says, “I beseech you therefore…” Look back a few verses or chapters to see what the writer was referring to.

• The Bible was written in the East, not in the West. It was also written over a long period of time and so includes many customs and cultures which are very different and unusual compared to our own.

• Let the Bible interpret and prove the Bible. Don’t look for what you want to prove; look for what the Bible actually proves.

• Seek to understand the general context of a particular Bible verse by reading the verses and chapters just before and after it. Does your understanding of a Bible passage harmonize with the rest of Scripture? Remember, the Bible does not contradict itself!

• Remember that your or anyone else’s convictions, regardless of how strong they may be, don’t necessarily count. God’s word is your ultimate standard and guide.

• The central theme of the Bible is the coming of Jesus Christ, his ministry, death and resurrection.

All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
(2 Tim. 3:16–17)

Contents of pages in the Bible Study section: