WalkwithGod.com

The Bible is referred to as many different things, the sword of the Spirit, a lamp to our feet and a book which is good for doctrine, correction and instruction in righteousness. Ultimately, our study and reading of God’s Word should help us to learn more about Him. The more we know about God, the easier it will be to begin to know Him in a personal way. This article will help you in learning how to study God’s Word.

One of the biggest problems that some people have with reading and studying the Bible is consistency. They begin to read through the whole Bible and get lost after two or three weeks. Or they intend to study through a whole book but are not sure what to do once they have read a few chapters.

In Bible reading as with life in general, it is best to start with a goal. Let me suggest the following perspectives. If you print this sheet and prayerfully consider things that you would really like to know about God or His Word, you can write them down in the space provided for a reference.

1. Develop a one month goal

2. Develop a six month goal

3. Develop a one year goal

4. Develop a five year goal

5. Develop other goals for longer term development

2. Examples of Goals for Developing the Use of Your Sword

a. Read the history books of the Old Testament (Joshua-Esther)

b. Read the New Testament through (260 chapters)

c. Read the Old Testament through (929 chapters)

d. Get wisdom! (Proverbs/Ecclesiastes – one chapter per day)

e. Practice prayer and praise (Psalms – five chapters per day)

f. Memorize a verse

g. Memorize a chapter

h. Memorize a book

i. Study a theme in scripture (faith, love, patience)

j. Study a character in the Bible (Jesus, David, Lot, Abraham)

k. Study a book (verse by verse, thematically or geographically)
l. Study to get insight on a current event or problem

m. Study to find out how to help someone else going through a problem

n. Study for the future (what will I need to know when I reach this age or when my children reach a certain age)

o. Learn the names and events of the life of Christ and his disciples

p. Study end time prophecy

q. Develop Bible studies related to spiritual growth you have experienced

r. Write a tract or witness sheet related to nuggets you get from your study

3. Work on the Basic Disciplines of Consistently Reading and Memorizing Scripture

Scripture Memorization Scripture memorization is as vital to your spiritual growth and survival as boot camp and physical training are to a soldier. You must discipline yourself to do it. It is hard work, but like any work, your attitude can make it enjoyable or a drudgery. The benefits are visible in the present life and in eternity: “your Word I have hid in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).

1. Start with something easy and even some scripture you like (or ask God to assign you a portion of scripture to learn: He’s the best Teacher!)
2. Learn chapter and verse (for your reference and for others)
3. Read the verse through several times
4. Read the verse aloud several times
5. Break the verse into parts, memorizing bits at a time
6. Write the verse (or passage) down or type it out
7. Carry the scripture(s) on index cards wherever you go; read them at stoplights, while waiting for appointments or during your break at work.

4. Practice Sparring with Other Believers to Hone Your Skills

The purpose of sparring is to give realistic battle scenarios in order to hone one’s skills. At no point is the