Bible Study for a Lifetime
Several questions come to my mind when I am asked, “How do I study the Bible?” The first question that comes to mind is “What Bible Version do I use for a Bible Study? This is harder than it seems at first glance. With multiplicity of versions in English it is hard to choose which one to use for a bible study. If a person has training in the original languages, Hebrew, Aramaic and Koine Greek, then that person is going to translate the particular passage that is reading or studying into English. Logos Bible Software is ideal in searching for not only that particular biblical language for the passage, but also interfacing with various English translations. The person doing the Bible study in the original languages will be able to also check the semantic domains of various words and bring up in separate windows various commentaries to check the data. Bible dictionaries, word studies, geography, maps, historical background, et cetera, are also checked to help the person understand better the passage of Scripture that is being used for the Bible study. If a person is not proficient in the original languages, then the various Bible study helps found in Logos Bible Software are invaluable. Many of the same helps used by scholars are also available in easy to use format so that a novice can do very well in doing his/her Bible study.
Once the particular Bible is chosen, then the particular passage, book, group of books or topic is chosen. It is very important that regarding topical studies that one pays attention to all the information gleaned about the topic. This is where a commentary, theological dictionary, systematic theologies, et cetera, become very useful and important. These study helps will, hopefully, prevent one from straying too far from that text and the overall view of the topic being studied.
Personally, I begin in my Bible study reading the particular passage I have chosen about five times to get the flow of thought. I read the passage out loud, so that I will be able to pick up the nuances of the grammar. I remind myself that the Bible was meant not only to be read by the eye-gate, but also to be read OUT LOUD! The recipients of the letters of the New Testament, even people of the Old Testament, heard the words being read from the pulpit. It was written to them, most could not read or write, but they could hear. In fact, Revelation 1:3 indicate that there is blessing on the one who reads, and hears, and keeps the words of this prophecy. It is amazing how the hearing of the word that would not have been picked up by just reading it picks up certain nuances. Faith cometh by HEARING, and HEARING by the word of God.
I always keep a paper and pen handy to mark in my Bible certain words referring to God and His name, references to the Trinity, the Deity of Christ and the Holy Spirit, particular themes that run from the Old Testament and New Testament (grace, mercy, righteousness), fulfillment of prophecy, et cetera. Take righteousness as an example. It is first found in Genesis 15:6 in connection with Abraham, but this passage is also commented on in Galatians 3, Romans 3:20-26 and in James 2. Paul’s comment on righteousness is regarding its legal definition and implications in Galatians 3 and Romans 3:20-26. James comments on the ethical or social implications of righteousness. Colin Brown’s, New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology will help one see the various uses in the Old Testament, New Testament, Intertestmental period, Rabbinic Literature and early church fathers. For Hebrew words, I would use Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament.
If one is not proficient in the original languages, Colin Brown’s work is still good to use, because it gives the English transliterations for the person to see and is quite easy to follow. Using Nave’s Topical Bible will also allow one to gather all the verses on a particular topic. Concordances are also helpful. Strong’s and Young’s Concordances are very helpful in following the words. Strong’s does give the numbers for finding the particular Hebrew, Aramaic or Greek word. Young’s does also, but in a different manner in that it breaks down each English word according to the particular Hebrew, Aramaic or Greek word used starting with the verb, noun, participle, et cetera. As always, each word has meaning in the way not just the dictionary or etymological rendering of the word uses it.
In my bible study, I write cross-references to each of the passages for easy reference and use. When one is talking (witnessing) to some one about salvation in Christ these cross-references from one’s own Bible study become invaluable guides to leading some to Christ. It is important to remember that what the Bible says regarding a particular topic of Scripture is what all of the passages of Scripture say about that topic.
At times, Bible study will be hard. First, it is not normal. We are sinners. To do a Bible study on God is not natural for man. Second, it requires diligence. Read the text. Do it over and over again until God the Holy Spirit starts to illumine (shed light, opens one’s eyes) to what is being read. Third, pray for understanding. God will answer the prayer through what one is reading, but also through the person’s experience. Fourth, do it. It takes time to do Bible study right. Ask questions not only of the text, but also of the sources one uses from bible dictionaries, commentaries, theology books, and knowledgeable persons that one can ask, such as the pastor, deacon, et cetera. Practicing what one has learned from the Bible study is a must, a necessity. If what I am doing is not according ot God's word, then I must change, God's Word NEVER CHANGES. God will require it from you. May God grant you many blessing with the study of His Word.
Submitted by Bryant J. Williams III