Vol.12 No.2

Tips for Your Bible Study
by Dana Acevedo

Read the Bible as a special book. It is the very Word of God, “for all scripture is given by inspiration of God.” 2 Timothy 3:10. It is the infallible standard of life, applicable to people in every age, never changing its principles, as Jesus Christ is the same “yesterday, to day, and for ever.” Hebrews 13:8.

Include the Old and New Testaments. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4, emphasis added. When Jesus stated this, the only part of the Bible in existence was the Old Testament. Today, many belittle the Old Testament, but Jesus showed that it is applicable now. “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39.

Before studying, pray for the Holy Spirit, the special Interpreter promised to all who search the Scriptures. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost … shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26. Man cannot understand God’s thoughts. Isaiah 55:9. Only the Holy Spirit, who inspired the Bible writers, can unfold truth to people. 1 Corinthians 2:7, 10-14.

Approach God’s Word with a humble, teachable attitude, ready to learn all that He desires to reveal. God cannot give wisdom to those who feel no need for wisdom other than their own. Jesus said, “I thank thee, O Father … because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.” Matthew 11:25.

Earnestly seek to know truth and God’s will. Be willing to follow it. It is dangerous to disregard knowledge that God graciously reveals. Those who do, risk being deceived by the master deceiver, “Even him whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish;  because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12.

Search wholeheartedly for the truth. “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13.

Study everything the Bible says on a subject. Obtain a good Bible concordance. “For precept must be upon precept … line upon line; here a little, and there a little.” Isaiah 28:10. By comparing Scripture with Scripture, the Bible interprets itself. Christ did this while on the road to Emmaus when enlightening two followers about His true mission. “Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And … he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:25-27, emphasis added.

Let truth free you from Satan’s power. John 8:36; Romans 6:16. God does not impart truth so that we may continue living as usual.  “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…”—knowledge of God and His will.  Hosea 4:6. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life…” John 14:6.

Through God’s Word you can become acquainted with Jesus Christ personally and understand the plan of salvation. The Bible is God’s plan for happiness in this life and the life to come. Why not study its pages and find God’s will for your life?

* Dana Acevedo was a student at Hartland College when she wrote this article.