Bible Study Basics | 4 Tips for More Effective Bible Study

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Does studying the Bible ever seem like a daunting task?
The Bible is full of information. Within its pages, you will find history, poetry, proverbs, parables, laws, names, nations, places, principles, prophecy, and the list goes on and on.
With all of that information, it can be easy to not know where to begin.
And with so many preachers and teachers out there who disagree, Bible study can seem intimidating.
So in this video, we’ll go through 4 easy to follow keys to revolutionize your Bible study!
Following these 4 keys will help you discover and better understand the wonderful truth the Bible has to offer.
And please, don’t just believe us, but look up these verses in your own Bible!
Okay, let’s get started…
First we need to… # 1 - Pray for Understanding
Asking God to open our minds to understand His Word BEFORE we open our Bible to study, will pay dividends.
The Bible emphasizes the need for a teachable attitude (James 4:6-7; Prov. 1:7).
Jesus said, “learn from me” (Matt. 11:29) and “take heed how you hear” (Luke 8:18).
So the first key is to approach Bible study with the right attitude and humbly ask God to fill us with knowledge and understanding (Col. 1:9).
God blesses those who respect the scriptures and revere His holy word.
As we are told in Isaiah 66:2, “But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.”
If we humble ourselves in prayer and ask God for understanding, we will be on the path to better understanding His word.
We should ask God, as David did, “Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day” (Psalm 25:4-5).
Key #2 - Keep It in Context
A singular or partial verse taken out of context can be easily misunderstood.
To keep a verse 'in context' means that the meaning is understood not only by the actual words in the verse, but also within the overall message of the chapter and book.
So it is important to read all the scriptures around a verse you are studying.
Dissecting the Bible to fit personal emotions and perspectives will lead to misunderstanding.
We must be careful not to read our opinions, perspectives, and ideas into the Bible.
For example, if we are going through a tough time, we may try to comfort ourselves with Romans 8:28 which says, “...all things work together for good…”
That sounds wonderful on the surface, but it could lead us to justify some pretty bad behavior.
Let's read the entire verse for the full context, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
If we want things to work together for good, then we have to love God.
Well… what does it mean to “love God”?
This brings us to Key # 3 - Study All of the Related Scriptures on a Topic
If we want all things to work together for good, then we have to love God.
So, how do we love God?
1 John 5:3 explains, “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.”
Again, the Apostle wrote, “This is love, that we walk according to His commandments” (2 John 6).
And Jesus said, “if you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15)
This reveals another layer of depth to Romans 8:28.
If we want things to work together for good in our lives, then we need to love God by actively keeping His commandments.
We cannot disobey God, and commit sin, and then expect everything to work out for the good.
So studying the related scriptures will help us dig into the deeper meaning of a verse.
And it will help us avoid false doctrines or misleading beliefs.
God says His word needs to be understood piece by piece, bit by bit.
He says, “For precept must be upon precept… line upon line… here a little, there a little.” (Isaiah 28:10)
A full and proper understanding comes through studying all of the related Scriptures on a topic.
Finally, to take your Bible study to the next level… # 4 - Prove ALL Things
Simply following claims of what the Bible teaches is not enough.
1 Thessalonians 5:21 tells us to, “Test all things; hold fast what is good.”
Or as the KJV says, “Prove all things….”
But how can we test whether a teaching is Biblical or not?
Well… one way is to follow the Berean’s example mentioned in Acts 17. When Paul and Silas preached in Berea, the people there “received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” (Acts 17:11).
Checking up to make sure the Bible says what is being taught is very important because the Bible warns of false teachers & deceptive ministers (2 Cor. 11:13-15; 2 Tim. 4:3-4;1 Peter 2:1-2; Jude 1:4).
Many will simply go along with the crowd and accept what they hear.