Bible study is one of the most important disciplines that we need to grow in and focus on as disciples of Jesus. Why is it then, that so few Christians actually read their Bibles?
A survey conducted in June 2020 found that a shocking 34% of Christians in America had not even cracked open their Bibles in over a year. Only 9% of those polled said that they read it at least once a month, and sadly, only 3% of American Christians said that they read their Bibles at least 4 times a week.
As Americans, we have become used to a fast food culture. Bible study is reduced to having a verse of the day that we read when we wake up, maybe a 20-second prayer to thank God for waking us up that morning, and then we're on with the rest of our day.
This is a stark contrast to the way that studying Scripture is referred to in the Bible. David said it this way:
I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us. I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.
Wow! I can honestly say that I have not always 'rejoiced' or 'delighted' in the Word of God. I remember when I first became a Christian, I decided that I was going to read the entire Bible, cover to cover. Everything was going great until I hit Numbers, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy. About halfway through Numbers I was no longer 'delighting in God's decrees.'
So what role does Scripture even have in our lives today? Why do I need to know how big the tabernacle was supposed to be? Paul explains the usefulness of Scripture here:
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
Now at this point you may be thinking: "All Scripture, huh? Even the Scripture where we're learning about how many horses were in Israel's military? I mean, surely that isn't useful to me."
There's a saying among a lot of pastors that I've heard: "All means all, and that's all all means."
God decided that the stories of Israel and Numbers and all of that was important enough to keep in there, so there must be something important that we can get out of it.
So what is the right way to study the Bible? Well, I don't think there is one "right" way, but I do know that reading a verse of the day is definitely the wrong way.
Here's a little Bible study guide to get you started. It's something that I used at the beginning of my journey that really helped me make sure I was taking my time and studying the Word, not just reading it.
read:
Okay, okay. This one is pretty self-explanatory, and you probably didn't need this as a step. But I just had to make sure I covered all my bases: you do actually need to read the passage.
In fact, the first time I would just read straight through it and take it in all at once. This will give you a good idea of the overall point of the passage.
Observe:
Here's where we start to get into the real study of the passage. Observation asks the question: What does it say?
The easiest way to observe the passage is to ask the six investigative questions:
- Who are the main characters?
- What is happening?
- Where do the events occur?
- When do the events occur?
- Why do the events occur?
- How do the events happen?
Understanding the answers to these questions gives you a good baseline for understanding the story as a whole. Once you've answered these questions, write a brief summary of the passage. If there are any unsolved questions that you have, make note of them. These may be solved by context, or you may have to consult a reference, like a study Bible or a commentary.
Interpret:
Interpretation of the passage is really answering one simple question: What does it mean?
- Definitions
- What do the terms, phrases, and sentences mean?
- How would we rephrase this today?
- List any surprising terms or figures of speech used: similes, metaphors, plays on words, hyperbole, etc.
- Relationships
- Why this phrase, word, or idea?
- Why did the author say it here?
- What relationship does one train of thought have with another?
- Implications
- What is the significance of the statements that the author makes?
- (Be careful that you don't try to make a deeper spiritual meaning than is there!!!)
Apply:
Here is where the rubber meets the road. The main purpose of application is answering this question: What does it mean to me? How does this passage influence the way I live my life?
Application, by design, takes a lot of intentional thought. This is where we break down the main message of the passage and overlay it on our own lives. You should ask questions like:
- What is a new concept to me? What has already been a part of my thinking?
- What requires a change of thought? How can I make that change?
- How do I need to change my behavior?
- What can I do now?
Pray:
Last but certainly not least, Bible reading is only a part of the time that we spend with God each day. At the beginning and end of our Bible studies (and often in the middle!), we should be praying and asking God what He would have us learn as we dive into His Word. We also should be praying for the Holy Spirit to be transforming us as we learn and grow in Him.
Finally...
Whew! Thanks for sticking with me as we broke down why daily Bible study is important, and what exactly that could look like!
Remember; what I listed above is a pretty exhaustive list of things to do. Not all of those questions will apply to every passage that we read in Scripture, but it's a good outline for us to get started in the discipline of daily Bible study.
Not sure where to start? Check out our 2021 Summer Reading Plan!