How to Study the Bible: A Guide to Diving Deep Into God's Word

So, you’re ready to dive into the Bible and really understand it. Maybe you’ve tried reading it before, or maybe this is your first time really wanting to get into God’s Word for yourself. Wherever you are, let me tell you—there’s no wrong place to start! Studying the Bible is about connecting with God, understanding His story, and seeing how He’s been moving through time, even up to our lives today.

This is a big book with a lot of life-changing wisdom, but with the right approach and some good tools, you’ll be reading and learning with confidence. Let’s go step-by-step through different ways you can study the Bible, what tools to use, and practical ways to get the most out of your study time. Ready? Let’s dive in.

Why Study the Bible?

We’re called to study the Bible as believers. 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV) says:

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

This tells us that it’s not just about reading the Bible, but understanding it correctly and using it effectively in our lives. We’re meant to handle God’s Word with respect and diligence, allowing it to guide us, convict us, and build us up in our faith.

Choosing Your Bible Study Method

When it comes to studying the Bible, there’s no one-size-fits-all. You might find that a certain way feels best for you, or maybe you’ll switch it up as you grow. Here are some different ways to get started, with the pros and cons of each.

Bible Study Plan

A Bible study plan is like having a spiritual guidebook. There are plans for all kinds of topics, timeframes, and focuses. Some walk you through specific books of the Bible, like Psalms or Romans. Others might guide you through themes, like faith, healing, or wisdom. You can find these online, on Bible apps, or in study books.

• Pros: A plan keeps you on track and organized. You don’t have to wonder what to read each day—you just follow along and build on each reading. This is perfect if you’re someone who likes structure and seeing your progress.

  
  

  Cons: If you’re someone who likes freedom, sticking to a plan every day might feel too rigid. Plans can sometimes be a little too focused on one area and not cover the Bible’s big picture.

Spirit-Led Study

A Spirit-led study means you’re trusting God to guide you to what you need to read each day. Maybe you’re praying, and a certain verse or book comes to mind, or you open the Bible and read whatever passage stands out. With this approach, there’s a lot of freedom, and often you’ll find that the Scriptures you read will speak directly to what you’re dealing with.

• Pros: It’s personal and can feel like God is meeting you right where you are. If you’re going through something specific, this method allows you to address it directly with the Word.

• Cons: Without structure, it’s easy to feel lost or miss out on some of the broader teachings. You may end up focusing only on certain topics or books without getting the full message of the Bible.

Start from the Beginning

Starting from Genesis and reading through to Revelation is a classic way to study. It’s for those who want to understand God’s story from start to finish. This approach lets you see the historical and spiritual flow from creation, through the life of Israel, Jesus’ ministry, and the early church.

• Pros: Gives you the big picture of how God’s plan has unfolded over time. You get to know major biblical figures, how they lived, and how God moved in their lives.

• Cons: There are sections—let’s be real—that can feel slow or hard to understand. The commitment is big, and some books (like Leviticus or Numbers) can feel a little dry without guidance.

Start with the New Testament

For a lot of folks, starting with the New Testament makes the Bible feel more approachable. The New Testament begins with Jesus’ life in the Gospels and moves through His teachings, miracles, and the early church. It’s relatable and full of messages on grace, forgiveness, and how to live with faith.

• Pros: Jumping into Jesus’ life right away gives you a strong foundation in the message of grace, forgiveness, and the Kingdom of God.

• Cons: The New Testament references a lot of Old Testament teachings, so without the background, some things may feel incomplete.

Essential Bible Study Tools

You wouldn’t go to the gym without sneakers, right? Well, when it comes to Bible study, the right tools can make a big difference. Here are my go-tos:

A Bible

Find a Bible that you’re comfortable reading. The She Reads Truth Bible is my personal favorite—it’s visually beautiful, easy to read, and comes with devotionals. Choose a version that makes sense to you; some prefer the King James Version (KJV) for its poetic style, while others might find the New Living Translation (NLT) easier to understand.

Commentary

A good commentary can feel like having a Bible teacher right next to you. I recommend Tony Evans’ commentary. It’s easy to follow, breaks things down, and brings in life application. Commentary helps when you’re reading something that makes you go, “Wait, what does that mean?” It explains the historical context, cultural background, and theological points in everyday language.

Highlighters and Pens

Marking up your Bible can help you engage with the text. Use different colors to highlight verses that stand out, words you want to look up, or key themes. Some folks like to highlight promises from God, verses about Jesus, and commands in different colors.

Notebook or Journal

A journal helps you reflect, jot down insights, and process what you’re learning. It also becomes a record of your spiritual growth over time. We’ll talk about how to use this in your study time a little later on, but trust me, this is where your thoughts, questions, and lessons start to stick.

How to Study the Bible After Choosing a Plan

Once you’ve decided on a study method, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to go deep into the Word.

1. Research the Character: If you’re studying a story about a specific person, take some time to learn about them. Knowing David’s background as a shepherd boy who became a king brings depth to his Psalms. Understanding Paul’s journey from persecutor to apostle changes the way you see his letters.

   
   

2. Read the Chapter: Whether you’re focusing on a single verse or story, read the whole chapter it’s in. This gives context, so you can see what happens before and after. Reading around your main verse helps prevent misunderstandings and shows you the bigger picture.

   
   

3. Highlight Key Points: Take two colors: one for verses that touch your heart and another for words or phrases you want to dig deeper into. Maybe you highlight all the times Jesus says “love” in one color and underline “forgiveness” in another.

   
   

4. Check the Commentary: Now that you’ve read the chapter, pull out your commentary. Tony Evans’ commentary is great for this. Write down anything that helps you understand the passage better. Often, commentaries will reveal cultural details or historical context that bring a verse to life.

   
   

5. Look Up Hebrew/Greek Meanings: The Bible was written in Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament). Sometimes, our English translations don’t fully capture the richness of the original language. Use a tool like Strong’s Concordance to look up keywords and write down their definitions. This can open up new layers of meaning.

   
   

6. Reflect on Your Highlights: Go back and re-read the verses you highlighted. Take a moment to let them sink in. What might God be saying to you? Sometimes, just sitting with a verse and asking God to speak will reveal more than you expected.

   
   

7. Summarize What You Learned: Finally, take some time to journal. Write a few sentences about what you learned from your study. Did you see a pattern or theme? Did God reveal something personal? Write down any questions that came up, too. This is your chance to capture insights and see how God is moving in your life.

   
   

Bonus Tips for Bible Study Success

• Set a Time: Whether it’s morning coffee time or winding down at night, find a regular time for Bible study so it becomes part of your routine. Pray for Understanding: Before you start reading, ask God to open your heart to understand His Word. This simple prayer can make a big difference.

  
  

• Memorize Verses: Keep a list of verses that stand out to you. Having God’s Word stored in your heart gives you strength and peace throughout your day.

  
  

• Discuss with Friends or Family: Studying alone is great, but sometimes talking about what you’ve read with a friend or in a group can bring new insights and keep you motivated.

  
  

Real Talk: Living It Out

Now that you know the steps, tools, and methods for studying the Bible, the next step is to live it out. Studying the Bible isn’t about checking off a spiritual box; it’s about transformation. God’s Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12), and when you open it, you're inviting God to speak into your life.

It’s easy to get distracted or feel overwhelmed—life happens. But I encourage you to stick with it. Don’t rush through your study time. Take it slow and let God reveal more of Himself to you, one verse at a time. Sometimes, the most powerful moments with God happen when we pause, reflect, and let His Word sink in deeply. You’re not just reading words on a page; you’re reading the very breath of God, and He wants to meet you in every chapter, verse, and word.

Stay consistent. Let God’s Word become your foundation, not just for understanding Him but for understanding yourself and your purpose. In a world that constantly pulls us in different directions, the Bible will be the steady, unchanging truth you can hold onto. Keep seeking, keep studying, and let His Word shape your heart. You’ve got this, and God’s got you.

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