“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15.

That believers are to study the word is clear from Paul’s instruction to Timothy, but how is that done and where does one start?

It starts with a good translation of the Bible.  The King James Version (KJV), the New King James Version (NKJV), the American Standard Version (ASV), and the English Standard version (ESV) are all reliable translations and easily obtainable.

You will want a translation as opposed to a paraphrase.  A translation is word for word from the original languages.  (The paraphrase is someone simply writing down what they think the translation is saying.  When it comes to paraphrasing, one man’s idea is as good as the next.)  A translation will tell us what the Bible says, not what someone thinks it says.

Personally, I like the language of the old KJV, but I use the NKJV MacArthur study bible.  The language is updated and this study bible is loaded with notes on the text.  It is a very useful study tool. There are other reliable translations out there but they may not be as readily available or as easily recognized.

Studying the Bible can be as simple as reading it systematically.  By systematic reading I mean that one begins reading a certain book,  or the Old or New Testament and continues on a regular basis until finished with that book or section.  There are 1189 chapters in the Bible.  If one reads four chapters a day, the entire Bible can be easily read through in a year.

Reading through the Bible helps to tie everything together and gives one an overall view of God’s revelation of Himself to man.  It also helps to familiarize the reader with the Scriptures enough so that he/she is more comfortable  remembering and finding passages.

One can read through the Scriptures and at the same time study a particular book of the Bible.  The book of Proverbs for example has thirty one chapters, one for each day of the month.  It can be read through twelve times during the year while reading through the entire Bible at the same time.  Proverbs is full of practical instruction.

Do not read with an eye on your reading schedule.  If it takes you more than a year, so be it.  It is far more important to absorb what is being read rather than being able to say one has read it through.

Read with a pen in hand and do not be afraid to mark passages for memorization or for future reference.  Make notes on recurring words, themes or doctrine and write down questions for your Bible believing pastor if something is not clear.

Think about or meditate on what has been read.  Ask God to make His truth known and be willing to obey what He reveals through His word.  “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” Psalm 119:105.

Note:

• Our experience never trumps the Bible.
• My pastor often reminds us; “If we tried something from Scripture and it didn’t work, we didn’t do it correctly.”
• If one does not make Bible study a priority, it probably won’t happen.
• Obtain the Bible on audio, if reading is not working.
• When finished reading through the Scriptures, do it again!