In order to understand the Bible you must understand this principle: Studying the Bible is different from studying any other book. It's different because its Author's knowledge and understanding are different.
God is the Author of this incomparable Book. This fact is clearly stated some one thousand times, and implied in every word. More than that, there is a wealth of solid evidence surrounding the Bible which offers satisfying proof to the honest inquirer.
Since God is the Author of the Bible, the contents, the wisdom, and the truth in the Bible are from God Himself. No human being could have formulated the Bible, nor is the truth learned about God's Word simply by human reason and effort.
God's method of teaching His boundless wisdom is by revelation. By revelation we mean simply that to the earnest seeking person God will gladly show His Truth. This revelation is without regard to riches or poverty, education or ignorance, color of skin, culture, or young or old.
More than that, God earnestly desires to reveal Truth to all people. This is the purpose of the Bible. This is proved by the miracle of worldwide distribution of the Bible. To all this, you may add the immeasurable Gift of the Teacher of the Bible, the Holy Spirit.
In order to recognize the proper approach to Bible study one must realize first: God's Truth is received in God's way (revelation). Secondly: God reveals Truth only to sincere, teachable, obedient hearts.
How foolish to approach the Bible with this attitude... "Let God show me, and I will consider as to whether I will accept..." Rather, our attitude should be, "dear God, show me Your Truth, and this will automatically become the law of my life."
Finally, prayer must accompany any study of the Bible. Ask God to help you understand His Word and Praise Him when He does!
Practically speaking, You should own a well-bound clearly printed Bible. It should be comfortable to you. There are many good translations, such as: the New American Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, New International Version, and the excellent New King James Version. Many of these Bibles are reference editions and have many study aids and cross-references.
The first law of successful study is simply to read. Every moment spent in prayerful reading will certainly reward you. While your devotional reading may be of necessity take only minutes daily, your study time should be as much as can allow. One of the most amazing features of Bible reading is its continual freshness. No matter how many times a verse of scripture is read it never seems to grow old.
Do not be disturbed over difficult verses. If you could understand the Bible at first reading, the Bible would be like any other book. Many people have studied one book of the Bible for years and continue to gain new insight all the time. You will also find plenty you can understand at first reading. Don't be to concerned about the thing you do not understand, but focus on those things that you do understand.
There are many methods to Bible study. None is right for everyone. A rule to follow though is simply: Pray-Read-Pray. Christian bookstores have many study aids and books available to help in Bible study for those who think it necessary.
There are tools, too. Everyone who is serious in study should at some point obtain a good Bible Dictionary (Smith's or Nelson's, etc.); and a Concordance (Young's or Strong's). The dictionary will explain terms, places and persons. The Concordance will enable you to find quickly the location of any verse in the Bible. These two books will be a great aid to word studies.
Eventually you may want to own helpful commentaries. These are explanatory books by various authors giving personal comment to Bible meaning. Some commentaries cover the whole Bible, and some cover only a book or two.
Many great aids to Bible study are available on CD's for your PC. Many books and study aids are now available for computer use.
Finally, read it for yourself first. Try to read an entire chapter, or book, at a sitting. Don't hesitate to read it a number of times, thoughtfully, unhurriedly. Don't worry about what you do not understand, but Praise God for what He wishes to share with you from His Holy Word, the Bible. A good place to start is with gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The book of John is especially good because the narrative is easy to understand and apply. The Psalms and Proverbs are also good places to begin. The real issue: Just start and be blessed.
(Portions of this lesson are based on a booklet by William W. Orr entitled "Believer's First Bible Course")
