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Blessed Are They Who Thirst For Good Bible Study

Sometimes I feel a thrilling tingle go up my spine when I hold the Bible in my hands, which is the word of the living God! But the long-lasting richness of understanding the scriptures is only found through diligent Bible Study.

What are some of the key points that help with good Bible study?

1. It can be said that good Bible study is based on good Bible reading. Nothing is better than reading observantly and with a child-like questioning approach.

2. A rewarding question to ask when doing Bible study, especially in the New Testament is to ask “where have I heard this before?” Because frequently we can find “Bible echoes” in a passage we are studying. For example, when the Lord was asked about giving tribute to Caesar, he was given a denarius and asked whose image and superscription it bore. When he was told “Caesar’s” Jesus made his masterful reply “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s and unto God the things which be God’s” (Luke 20:20-25). It is the word “image” that should ring a bell, particularly in relation to things which are God’s. The "echo" is in the record of creation. Man is made in the image of God and surely Jesus is saying to his listeners that since they are in the image of God they should render to God that which is due, namely themselves?

3. Using reference material in Bible study is a great asset and so easy, now that it is available online at the click of a mouse! For example when the Grecian widows were being neglected in the young church (Acts 6), why did Peter suggest that “seven men of honest report” be selected to handle the matter? Why seven? Did Peter who knew his Bible so well draw on an Old Testament example? Using say, The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge we are taken to 2 Chronicles 31:14-15 where we read that seven men were “over the freewill offerings of God…”

4. Without doubt, the most vital reward of diligent Bible study is that the word of God will come alive in our imagination! It will change our lives and the way we would naturally think! We will appreciate the grandeur of God’s purpose for his kingdom and for his people.

Yes, blessed are they who thirst for good Bible Study, for in drinking, their cup shall run over!