Bible Study Tools
1. Find a tranlation you understand.
The Bible was written in three ancient languages. Each translation to your language represents years of work to help you process the Bible in a way that makes sense.
Formal or exact equivalency - word for word - original translation and did word for word. Problem is that grammar changes. KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESV
Functional/dynamic equivalency - still translated from the original language but instead of word for word then did it thought by thought - sentence by sentence: NLT, GN, TodaysEnglishVersion, NIV - the one we use here = they actually put the two together and over 100 scholars got together and worked on it.
Paraphrase - Brought to todays language - LB - not from org language and was written for his kids. MSG is from org language but is a paraphrase
2. Get a study bible.
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The Life Application Study Bible
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New Spirit Filled Life Bible
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Maxwell Leadership Bible
3. Pick a Time, a Place, and a Plan
Are you a morning person or night owl? Do you like quiet places or bustling coffee shops? Do you learn by watching, listening, or reading? Do you sometimes read paper and other times digital?
Once you decide on a routine that works for you, start one of these Bible Plans or consider finding a paper Study Bible.
1. You can start with a book of the Bible.
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Beginning God’s story Genesis and Exodus
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Gospel—Start w/ John (foundational)
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Practical wisdom—Proverbs and James
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Hurting—Comfort—Devotional—Worship—Psalms
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Theology—Not lite—Gospel/Sin/Salvation—Romans
2. You can study a person in the Bible. (Ruth/Elijah/Peter/Esther)
3. You can study a topic in the Bible.
4. You can do a daily devotional or YouVersion Bible Plan.
5. You can read through the whole Bible.
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3. Uncover the text.
Think like a detective and discover the story behind the story.
The Bible is a collection of 66 different books, written in three languages, across three continents, over a 1,500-year period by 40 different authors. Use tools like these to learn who the text was written to, when, where, and why.
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4. Read Slowly and Ask Questions.
There’s no need to rush. Take your time and get curious.
After studying the context, what questions do you still have? Use your questions as tools to help you dig deeper through prayer, study, and conversations with friends.
SPECK:
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Is there a SIN to be avoided?
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Is there a PROMISE to be claimed?
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Is there an EXAMPLE to follow?
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Is there a COMMAND to obey?
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Is there something to KNOW about God?
