HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE
Approaching Bible study may seem like a daunting task. But God intends for us to study His Word, no matter where we are in our Christian walk and growth.
Interpreting the Bible
A key foundation of Bible study is interpretation. Technically known as hermeneutics, biblical interpretation offers some basic principles to help understand the Bible.
The most important principle is context. This means that when studying the Bible one must keep in mind not only the immediate context of the portion under study, but also other forms of context such as the cultural context, the literary context and more.
Another important aspect of Bible interpretation is not to base an elaborate theological teaching on the basis of an apparently obscure or isolated passage.
One interpretation but many applications
It’s popular in today's culture to say things like “everyone can have their own interpretation.” However understanding the difference between interpretation and application is a small thing that makes a big difference.
The authors had one intended meaning behind the words they wrote. We have to take into consideration the historical context, the key points the author is trying to make and many other factors to do our due diligence in figuring out what the author's intended meaning was. Once we know what that one meaning is, then it is ok to come up with multiple different ways that this principle can be applied to our lives today. However if we misinterpret the passage we may misinterpret the principle being taught and therefore come to applications that are not biblically sound.
Bible Study Tips
Reading the Bible slowly and carefully is preferable to reading it quickly and carelessly. In our fast-paced culture, we often want to try to get to a point of understanding as fast as possible. But the Bible is best read slowly, not quickly. Once a passage for study has been selected, read through it slowly.
Another tip involves asking some basic questions about the passage being studied. The typical journalistic questions may be helpful: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How?
Keeping a journal often helps Bible study. This may be for devotional notes, theological questions and insights, questions you may have and more. It need not be an elaborate journal but a simple notebook where you can keep your thoughts.
Studying the Bible alone is helpful for personal, devotional times, but your Bible study can involve others too. Jot down insights you come across during your Bible study times.
Reference: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/faith/how-to-study-the-bible/
How to Study Your Bible in 2021
Here are three commonly cited steps that will prove helpful as you reengage your Bible in 2021
1. Observe: What Does It Say?
The first step is observation (or perhaps better, comprehension). Whenever we open God’s Word, our most fundamental task is simply to see what’s there.
The good news is that observation isn’t complicated. It mainly consists of reading slowly and carefully in order to gather the basic facts of who, what, where, and when. If you come across a confusing passage look at the previous passage and see what question was posed that this passage is answering.
2. Interpret: What Does It Mean?
The next step is interpretation. You’ve considered what the passage says, but what does it mean? It may help to ask questions like:
Does the surrounding context clarify any confusing words or phrases? (It’s wise to examine the “nearest” context—other verses in the same chapter or other chapters in the same book—before consulting “farther” passages or outside resources.
Is the author quoting a previous passage.
How would I paraphrase this passage in my own words?
Why did the biblical author write this particular passage? Why did he feel it necessary to include?
Is my interpretation consistent with what I noticed in the observation stage, or is it too dependent on a few details?
Do other passages of Scripture fill out my interpretation? (The saying “Let Scripture interpret Scripture” reminds us to let clearer passages shed light on more complex verses.)
Where does this passage fall in redemptive history? How does it fit within the Bible’s teaching as a whole?
3. Apply: How Should I Respond?
After observation and interpretation comes application. This is the ultimate goal of Bible study. In the first two stages you study the text; now the text studies you. To quit prematurely, before applying what you observe and interpret, is like chewing without swallowing.
Reference: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/how-to-study-bible/