Which is the best way to study the Bible?

Question

Topic, Character or by Book ? Are there any other ways to study to get the best understanding of Gods Word?

Answer 1

Expositional. That is, take a small passage of the Bible and try and understand exactly what it is God is trying to convey. Take into account the author, his audience, the context (what has been said just before and just after) and try and understand the point. :) God will help you understand.

Answer 2

The Bible as the written word was always meant to lead us to the Living Word. This is what Jesus was talking about when He told the Pharisees, "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life" (John 5:39-40).

While it is good to read through the whole Bible, it is also invaluable to take the time to read through a verse, passage, or book slowly and prayerfully. Dialogue with God as you're reading and if something jumps out at you, don't rush on too quickly. Take your time and really meditate on it. I've spent days on a single verse, and it's incredible the revelation that comes with that. Not only that, but it comes alive in me and deepens my prayer life at the same time. It's a way of reading the Bible that has been coined "prayer reading." You can read more about it here: http://www.ihop.org/Publisher/Article.aspx?id=1000001088

Be careful, however, to keep the "big picture." Don't take a verse out of context and thereby twist the Scripture to say something it was never meant to say. When in doubt, the Bible itself is the best clarifier and explainer. It will never contradict itself. (For example, if you wonder why Abel's sacrifice was accepted and not Cain's (Gen. 4), you can check out the following verses: Heb. 9:22 and 11:4.) It's also good to seek out the counsel of other, trusted Christians.

Other than that, I would say it's fun to study by character or topic. For example, if you're studying the life of David, read the Psalms as you read 1 Samuel. Notice the Psalms he wrote at certain points in his life (example: Psalm 34 & 1 Samuel 21:10-15). The same thing works when studying the prophets (reading the books they wrote with the corresponding history--both the history of what was happening when the wrote the book, and when it was fulfilled, if it has been yet).

It also works in the New Testament, like with the Apostle Paul. Read his letters as you read the book of Acts. For example, he wrote 1 Corinthians when he was in Ephesus. And what did Paul do in Corinth and where did he come from? Well, he had just come from Athens, where he preached his famous "relevant," philosophical message, but only saw few converts. And now what do we find him writing to the Corinthian church in his letter? "For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." The lack of effectiveness of his approach in Athens must have made an impact on him.

But I'm getting off topic.

Anyways, I really recommend that "prayer reading" thing. It's revolutionized my personal Bible study/prayer time by blurring the line of distinction I subconciously made between the two.

Answer 3

You can study either of the ways that you stated above. My suggestion is to make sure first that you have read through the whole bible first. It's hard, but to get a proper understanding of the word we need to read the whole thing. Then study different aspects of it. There are a lot of tools that can help you get through the whole bible, like read the bible in 90 days, read the bible in a year and one of my favorites is a chronological bible. It puts everything in order for understanding. I hope this helps and be encouraged! It's great that you want to study!

You can also study with commentaries, they help you get a better understanding. Great commentary authors are J.Vernon McGee, John MacArthur to name a few.

Answer 4

By reading it and asking God for understanding of His word. It's called the living word, for one reason, because it means so many different things to so many different people. Are all of these people wrong? Absolutely not. God gives different people a different understanding or interpretation to best suit His needs in their lives. Also, study with others, and listen to different understandings. If 10 people read the same passage you will get 5 or more interpretations of it. None are "wrong", but listening to other people's thoughts may help you have a deeper, more meaningful understanding.
Yours in Christ.

Answer 5

To get the most benefit from studying the Bible,it would be adviseable to study it with someone who is familiar with its content and who also has Bible understanding .
The only organisation that regard the Bible as their instruction manual provided by their creator are Jehovahs Witnesses.They study the Bible and apply its principles in their daily lives.They use the Bible as the only standard by which they live their lives
They are also the only religious organisation that uses God's personal name and are provided with spritual enlightenment through the faithful and discreet slave class.
Visit your local kingdom hall of Jehovahs Witnesses,they would be only too happy to conduct a free home bible study with you.You have nothing to loose and everything to gain.(John 17:3)

Answer 6

Study the King James Bible chapter by chapter, verse by verse.
You can take the Bible back to the original languages.
You can use a Strong's Concordance. This is a great tool.
You may also check this web site...

http://www.shepherdschapel.com/

This uses the Strong's Concordance
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search.html

Answer 7

begin from the front to the back, study GOD's word alone when ur mind is clear and u can focus on each and every word. Pray about things u don't understand. He'll give u the understanding.

Answer 8

I suggest that you find a church that offers Bible study classes.
The Bible says "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Your Paster will teach you to hear ( gain an understanding of the Bible)

Answer 9

For a new Christian, the New Testament should be read first and in order. I would then go back and read the Old Testament chronologically. It would mainly depend on if you are reading just to read it or if you have a problem or question. Then you you should go by topic.

Answer 10

The best way is to start somewhere and read. My pastor gave some instruction about praying prior to reading for the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom as you read and then praying after reading to talk to God about what you had read.