How To Study Your Bible

When studying and discovering the facts and details of the Bible, there is a sequence of three components: 

1.    Observation answers the question, what is the text saying? What is the actual content in the the entire text?

2.   Interpretation answers the question, what does the text mean? Our task is to discover the original intent and meaning of what the author is meaning to say.

3.   Application answers the question, what does it mean to me, and how does it apply to my life? 

*It’s important to always practice this as you want the important details for proper interpretation of the scripture.

Observation

The first component: Observation always comes first. You need to read and reread the full context of the text. Take your time and observe what it is saying. Remember your looking for the facts. How do you do that? You investigate! As you observe ask yourself these six questions.

1.     Who? Who was writing this? Who was the message written to and who are all the people involved?

2.    What? What is going on and what is being said? Are they being rebuked, exhorted, praying, repeating another scripture, or asking a question? What is the main point to this scripture? Are there key words being spoken? Is it a narrative conversation, parable, prophecy, poetry, a letter or a sermon?

3.    When? Are there time references? Look for words that would relate to present past or future. Look for words like after, until or then.

4.    Where? Is there a location being spoken of? How about a town or a region, or even some type of landmark.

5.    Why? Look for why things are being done or said.

6.    How? Is there anything being said about how this is being done or said.

*Remember, asking yourself these questions will help you gain important insight on what the text is really speaking about.

Adding Principles to Observation

Literal Principle

The literal principle just means that you’re interpreting the Bible with normal meaning of words. You will recognize words, figures of speech that contain symbolism, allegories

(a metaphor in which a character, place or event is used to deliver a broader message about real-world issues and occurrences) and metaphor. God communicates with us through His written word and we need to understand them the way we use them in our everyday life. When Jesus was born of a virgin, when Jesus preformed miracles and when Jesus rose from the dead were all literal. However, when you read some scripture they are filled with figurative language. For example, when you read poetry or prophecy you will see figurative language. When the scripture says, “He will cover you with his feathers, and under His wings you will take refuge,” is figuratively speaking. This is not saying that God has feathers or wings; it provides and image of God our Father protecting us. Let’s look at a prophetic example. Revelation 1:16: “He had in his right hand seven stars, and out of His mouth went a sharp two-edge sword.” Literal understanding here does not suggest that it was actual stars in Hs hand or a real sword that came out of His mouth. It’s a prophetic word with a symbolic meaning. You can find the meaning of the symbolism through looking up the word in its language (Hebrew or Greek) as well as finding a cross reference in scripture. However, when the literal principle is used it’s much easier to understand.

Historical Principle

You must understand the scripture in its historical setting before it can be understood in our times. You really need to understand the lifestyle and customs of the Bible times. Jews and Gentiles had different lifestyles in the New Testament and in the Old Testament, so we must look at the scripture historically to see what the author meant by what he wrote. In our day and time, it may make no sense to us and thus, we need to ask what it meant to the people of that time before we can understand the true interpretation.

Contextual Principle

What does contextual mean? It means to interpret a verse with the verses that surrounds it. However, you must make note that with some scripture you will find that it will begin in the middle of a sentence, so you’ll need to go back to the beginning to make sure you understand what is being said. Context, context and context! It’s one of the most important things when reading and understanding scripture. You should never read scripture by its self. By doing so will lead you to misunderstanding what the author has written. It has been said that “A text out of context becomes a pretext for a proof text!” What does that mean you say? It means a Bible verse by itself can be misunderstood or misused to prove error. Remember, when Satan tempted Jesus, he said that Jesus should throw Himself down from the top of the temple? Turns out, the evil one misquoted scripture. He quoted it out of context and it gave it another meaning. A verse about trusting God was turned around to mean it was OK to test God. See Matthew 4:7 and Deuteronomy 91:11-12. However, one must note how Jesus responded. Jesus responded by saying “it is written” and quoted another scripture that rectified the evil ones wrong. Look at Matthew 4:7 and Deuteronomy 6:16. It’s so important to get the whole picture instead of a small piece of the text. Details are everything! By doing this, you will need to:

1.     Find out the general theme of the book.

2.    Determine the importance or significance of each chapter and how it ties into the theme of the book you are in.

3.    Make sure to look for paragraph divisions and how that relates to the thrust of each chapter.

4.    Really look into verses to see the main idea and how they relate to each other.

5.    Go deeper. When going deeper into the verses, look for words that jump out at you and do word studies. You will be amazed at what happens when you take the time to do this.

*By doing this, you will find how much clearer and accurate the scripture becomes.

Compatibility Principle 

Compatibility principle is taking verses of scripture or passages that you are reading and comparing them with other scripture to help interpret what is being said. Scripture interprets scripture. You will note that the Bible does not contradict itself, so if our understanding of it contradicts what it says elsewhere, then you need to continue to find change to your understanding. By doing this it will safe guard you from error.

Grammatical Principal 

This is pretty obvious. The grammatical principal has to do with grammar and sentence structure. It’s important to understand and recognize parts of speech and how they are like each other and can show you many things about the scripture you are researching.

Here are a few words that are sometimes overlooked when researching scripture, therefore, and, but, that, for, because, and if. These may not seem important, but they are.

What does this look like? Take Paul when he writes in Romans, he says” I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice.” When you notice a word like therefore, you need to ask why it’s there. Notice Paul has laid out the foundation of God’s mercy regarding salvation, and afterward Paul gives his thoughts to a practical conclusion by asking the Romans to present themselves to God as dedicated servants. He separates it by using the word “therefore” (Romans 12:1).  As you keep reading, Paul says, “And do not be conformed to this world.” And introduces an addition. Next, He says “but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (the source for renewed thinking is the Bible). But points to a contrast. Paul then says, “that you may prove what is that is good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” That is used to begin a conclusion (Romans 12:2). Sometimes the word that, for or because can be used to introduce purpose or reason. If may be used when a condition is present. These words can assist us in understanding the structure and the meaning of the scripture.

Christological Principle 

We must always remember that Jesus Christ is the main theme of the entire Bible. In our researching we must always look for references to Him and of Him. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to point us to Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is the Helper, the Spirit of truth and will testify of Jesus (John 15:26). Many times, you will see the word Me, Him or His. Notice, many times they are capitalized. We need to look for Jesus in the Old Testament as well (John 5:39). Look for Jesus!

Now that you have asked your six observation questions, and applied your six principles of observation questions, now it time to look at the literal Principle.

Interpretation 

 The second component: It’s important to ask yourself, what does God mean about what he said? So, interpretation means that once you have investigated (looked for the facts) and asked your questions you can determine the meaning. Without gathering all the evidence, you can’t properly come to the proper understanding of the text. Yes, it does take time, but leaving this out will leave you open to the wrong understanding. The Bible was intended to mean what the author was saying. Opinions, feelings or experiences is not interpretation; it’s a matter of gathering the evidence and following the principles that are established for proper interpretation. 

Note: There are things in the text that will be clear, and their meaning will be obvious. Meaning, don’t read into it something it is not.

Applications

 The third component: Application is asking the question, how does this scripture of passage apply to me and my life as a Christian? When we research scripture, it’s not just to gain wisdom and knowledge, but to renew the mind, and be transformed. In order to be transformed, you must apply the truth (the word of God) to your life (John 17:17). In doing so, it may come in the form of a warning, a command or a promise. If it’s a warning, take heed. If it’s a command, obey it and if it’s a promise, believe it and receive it. We are to not only be hearers, but also doers of the word (James 1:22).

So, the Bible should be affecting our lives and we should humbly respond to obeying His will.

Scripture is beneficial for four things, three having practical emphasis. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God.” - 2 Timothy 3:16, 17

1.    Profitable for doctrine

2.   For reproof

3.   For correction

4.   For instruction in righteousness 

These four benefits will lead a believer to a righteous and prosperous life. However, we must choose to embrace the truth of the word and allow it to transform us and thus coming to the fullness of what God has for those who do.

Be a Berean

“These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the WORD with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” - Acts 17:11 KJV

Balance

Finding balance is important when studying your Bible. There are two important things to keep in mind.

Old and New Testament 

1.     Study both the Old Testament and the New Testament. Many believers tend to spend their time studying the New Testament because of being under the dispensation of grace. However, it must be balanced. Leaving out the study of the Old Testament will leave you missing some New Testament information. It’s been said, “The new is in the old contained, and the old is in the new explained.”

When the Bereans searched the scriptures, they studied the Old Testament. Remember, the New Testament was still being written during that time. They would study as it was gradually added. This is called progressive. Take Apollos, he was a Jew, a mighty man of God and had truth, However, the  truth Apollos knew was the baptism of John. It wasn’t until Pricilla and Aquila who heard him teaching shared the way of Jesus and the new covenant more accurately. Apollos grew and began to be more effective in teaching the full Gospel from scripture (Acts 18:24-28). 

Doctrine & Christian living

2.   Balancing the study of the word and applying the doctrinal truth to the believer’s everyday life.

Paul preached the “whole counsel of God”

(Acts 20:27). It’s an all-inclusive term related to God’s revelation covering both doctrine and duty in the Christian life. There was no subject that he intentionally omitted from his teaching. He was well rounded in all of his preaching. Paul wanted his hearers to do the same and imitate his walk with Jesus Christ. 

We as believers must strive to do the same. We must study the “whole counsel of God” and thus it will result in building a good and strong foundation based on truth.

Sadly, many Christians study occasionally when something sparks their interest or from grabbing the latest book being marketed by the church, conventions, conferences or religious TV programs. Nothing is wrong with reading books, going to conventions or conferences but we tend to fall back on our pursuit of truth from the Bible and rely on men and women for truth of the Gospel. Unfortunately, many never check the author’s or speaker’s scriptures making sure it lines up with the word of God. Believers put these activities above reading and studying the word of God. Additionally, many will be led astray from false teaching because of it. To add insult to injury, Christians have been known to abandon the Bible altogether and follow a teacher or preacher exclusively. It’s very important to have a healthy balance in life. So, whether it’s a Bible study, working out or maintaining a proper diet, with each one, balance is paramount and requires one to make the appropriate choices to ensure the outcome will leave you in optimum condition.

Methods

The Expositional Method

Expositional study means studying the book of the Bible verse by verse using your observation, interpretation and application guidelines. A Bible commentary is a good method to accomplish this task.

The Survey Method

The survey method is where you study the books of the Bible as a whole to become familiar with general information. We can survey the Old Testament and the New Testament and how they are divided. In the Old Testament they are divided into 5 categories:

• The first five books are Genesis through Deuteronomy which are called books of the law or Pentateuch.

• The sixth book through the seventeenth book is Joshua through Esther which are the historical books.

• The eighteenth book through the twenty second book is Job through Song of Solomon and are the five poetic books.

• The twenty third book through the twenty seventh book is Isaiah through Daniel and are the five major prophets.

• The twenty eighth book through thirty ninth book is Hosea through Malachi and these are the twelve minor prophets.

The Old Testament was written in Hebrew with some small sections written in Aramaic. These deal with the relationship with God’s chosen nation, Israel.

There are twenty- seven books in the New Testament, they were written in Greek and are divided into four different categories:

• The four Gospels and Acts are the historical books.

• Romans through Philemon are books six through eighteen and are letters of the apostle Paul to the churches or individuals.

• Hebrews through Jude are books nineteen through Twenty-six and are called the general letters.

• Revelation is the twenty-seventh book and is the prophetic book, and appropriately ends the New Testament.

A Bible encyclopedia will be useful for this as well as the Bible dictionaries and the old and New Testament overviews will assist you when researching the Bible.

The Topical Method

Many time’s we have a specific subject or topic that we’ve become interested in either by a discussion we’ve had with someone or something we’ve read that perked our interest and now have chosen to study and seek out the answer. We will of course research all the biblical information and then organize what we’ve have found. To aide in this, using a Bible concordance and a topical Bible will be a great guide finding specific verses. Using a Bible encyclopedia will help as well. When using a topical Bible make sure to match the verses with a King James Bible as some verses can easily be misunderstood.

The Word Study Method

Many time’s in your study a word or words will stand out to you. Don’t pass this by. Began to research them to further your understanding of the deeper meaning in the language in which it was spoken.

Words may have several meanings depending on the scripture you are reading and what language it’s was being spoken in at that time. It’s very, very important that you use the proper word translation. In order to accomplish this, using a Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance will yield you great results. Again, it’s essential you understand the variety of meanings as to not fall in error of the proper understanding and thus changing the true meaning of the entire scripture.

The primary truth is the Bible. Sola scriptura, is Latin, meaning, “the Bible alone.” The Bible is the God breathed word where nothing can or will ever substitute it! How sad it is that churches are moving away from ever opening the Bible during services. Unfortunately, pastors and teachers have stopped encouraging believers to bring Bibles to gatherings altogether. Many churches and believers have allowed technology to take the place of the actual book itself. Bible studies have leaders failing to use the bible when explaining the weeks lesson due to the answers being previously filled in for them on the leader’s guide.

Don’t allow the world and technology to replace the only book that is authored by the greatest Father who lives to have an intimate relationship with you. The Father who has never and will never change His words and promises that gives life. Things of this world will pass away, but His word is eternal and will never pass away. He is the same yesterday, today and forever! Don’t allow yourself to be conformed to sensations of the world. Take the time to stop, drop and pray, seeking the Father who loved you so much that He sacrificed His only Son so you could have an everlasting life with Him. This is nothing more than amazing grace. I implore you…Seek to find life.

Limited information was used from Robert M West