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Studying Scripture (part 1) WHY STUDY? It seems in modern Christianity, studying has become a byword surpassed by experiences and expediency. Perhaps it is not knowing how to study that prevents believers from delving into the Word. Perhaps getting to know God's Holy Word is preempted by busy lives and circumstances. However, resources today are so abundant that there is absolutely no excuse for believers not to spend time in God's Word daily. Good Internet sources abound. Cars come equipped with tape decks and radios. Personal radio/tape players are on every belt. There is no excuse for neglecting the very Word of God. First, God commands us to study His Word. He doesn't suggest it, doesn't say it is optional but commands it! Who are we not to obey? "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. " 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) Second, we are blessed for knowing His Word to us. These are God's love letters to those who follow Him. Why wouldn't we want to know what the Author of our Salvation has to say? "For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God." 1 Peter 1:23 (NIV) Third, we praise God with our study. "For I delight in your commands because I love them. I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees." Psalm 119:47-48 (NIV) Fourth, the Word brings LIFE! "...holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain." (NASB) HOW TO STUDY Pick out a Bible that you will use, not one that that just looks good! There is no point in spending money for resources your are not going to use. Resources I find valuable in a Bible are cross-references, topical index and concordance. Maps and commentaries are nice, but you must be careful about commentaries. Remember that this is the opinion of man, and should not be taken as authority. Commentaries can really be helpful for understanding the historical setting of the time Scripture was written as well as for understanding weights, measurements and other terms that would be familiar to the writers, but not to us today. Read the introduction of each Bible as you examine it. Find out who the publishers are and if it is directed to one particular denominational group. Deciding which translation to use isn't as tough as it may seem. The King James Version (KJV) is still loved and used by millions. The rich tradition from this translation cannot be ignored. If you grew up with this translation and are comfortable with the 'thees and thous" then by all means use it! If you enjoy the beautiful prose of the KJV but wish a modern translation then the New King James Version (NKJV) or the New American Standard Bible (NASB) may suit your needs. Those new to Scripture and Bible study may prefer the New International Version (NIV) which comes with a variety of study helps. Get a Bible study plan and stick to it. It may be studying scripture by themes or topics or book by book. Many Bibles come with Bible reading plans or any number of reliable Net sources My own personal preference is to study one book at a time. If you are a new believer I would suggest starting with the Book of John or the Book of Matthew. When reading a passage of Scripture, ask yourself the following questions:
Only study as much as you can comprehend at one setting. If you get to a place where you are "stuck" don't be afraid to ask questions of other believers or come back and look at the passage again. This is where cross-references can come in handy. Remember, that studying Scripture means you are getting to know the Author of Life! How can we know how to live our lives if we don't bother reading what He wrote to us? How can we get to know Him if we ignore His Eternal Word? "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Please think about those two verses. God is telling us that if we want to please Him and serve Him in His ways, we must know His word! Start today getting to know the Master and Savior. His blessings await!
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