The Bible is the bright light of life. The Bible is the torch that illuminates the path of victorious men in Christ Jesus. The detailed study of the Bible guides us to a great knowledge of the wisdom of God and to establish a better intimacy with the heavenly Father.
A Christian leader declared: "I will never have emphasized too much the importance and value of Bible study ... especially in these days of uncertainty, when men and women prefer to decide things from the point of view of convenience rather than to do it, based on the eternal principles left by God. "
The study of the Bible begins with observation. Our observations of any object, including the Bible, are made according to the nature of the object to be studied. We see the stars look at them through a telescope night after night. We observe the behavior of the animals observing them for a long period in their natural habitat. We observe the Bible as we would any other book, reading it frequently.
A great Bible teacher said: "There is only one law for the study of the Bible, and that law is to read the book. And once you have read it, read it again, and then sit down and read it again and again, and soon you will begin to know the book. "
In one session, read the entire book of the Bible you are studying or going to study. Philippians or Santiago are very suitable books to start a study. Read them immediately to get a clear idea of the book as a whole. Do not pay attention to the chapters and verses. Read it over and over again and occasionally use several translations to better understand the message. Ask yourself: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?
After observing the text, follow the interpretation. We must prevent our presuppositions from influencing our interpretation. Pray for the Holy Spirit to enlighten him. If we do not have his light, we will not have the correct understanding (1 John 2: 20-27).
Examine the context of the passage you are interpreting. Also compare the passage with parallel accounts and other biblical references.
The best biblical commentary is the Bible itself. But manuals, biblical dictionaries and a good atlas help us better understand the lands, customs and biblical history. Consult them when you need them, but be careful not to spend too much time reading about the Bible without having to investigate it.
Finally, try to apply the Word of God to your life. If the Bible does not change its behavior, it has not applied it. Find relationships between the Bible and the different areas of your life: your strengths and weaknesses, your attitudes and actions. What does the Bible tell you as a son or daughter, as a father or mother, as an employee or employer?
The apostle James warns: "But let us not deceive ourselves; this is a message that we should not only hear but put into practice" (James 1:22). Obey the Word by meditating on it in prayer, seeking greater understanding and a more practical application.
Observation. Interpretation. Request. These three simple steps are the key that will open the door to a dynamic and exciting Bible study.
Why don't you start enjoying your personal Bible studies?