Reading the Bible is often described as a daunting task for many Christians. They are worried they won't understand, or they just don't know where to start, or how to study. At The Oasis Church we know how important good bible study is and so we want to help you grow and get better at studying the Bible. It's not hard, but it does take some practice.
Here are three easy tips to help you get more out of your bible study and make you a more talkative member of your Home Group discussions!
#1 Define all the important terms.
I live with a little tool close at hand, and I use it often. It revolutionized my bible study time. In fact, if I could only have one tool to go with me on a bible study journey this one would be it. Ready?
A bible dictionary! This simple tool can be found online and it helps you define important terms so that you don't end up making big mistakes in your study!
When you study a passage of scripture you always start first with observing what is there. Sometimes we simply just don't slow down and ask the question, what does that word mean. How does this author use this word?
That's where a bible dictionary comes in handy! It helps us understand some of the technical terms that we are not familiar with. For example, when Jesus tells the apostles in Acts 1:8 that the Holy Spirit is going to give them power and then they will be Jesus' witnesses, we want to understand several terms. 1. Holy Spirit, 2. Power, 3. Witnesses
A simple word study leads us to learn that the Holy Spirit is actually the third person of the Trinity! It's God's power they will receive. This power is explosive and without it they can't succeed in being witnesses. The word witness we discover comes from the same greek word that we get the word martyr from. This kind of witnessing is going to be more than just verbal, they are going to give their lives! Grab a bible dictionary and started defining your terms!
#2 Read the passage over and over again.
Repetition is one of the best bible study tactics at your disposal. Meditating on the word by reading it again and again is not only an effective way to learn a passage, but it's actually how God prescribes good bible study!
97 Oh how I love your law!
It is my meditation all the day.
98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
for it is ever with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers,
for your testimonies are my meditation.
(Psalm 119:97-99)
Christian churches are need of christians who know how to slow down and read repeatedly. There are so many benefits to this approach. You will begin to remember larger chunks of Scripture that you can use in times of trial. The Holy Spirit will begin to teach and shape your heart according to God's word.
#3 Ask good questions and bring them up in your Home Group.
Studying God's word is a church endeavor as much as it is a personal endeavor. Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know." or "I don't understand this..."
Chances are that others are asking the same questions. You will make your home group more dynamic and fun for everyone by asking good questions that you can then seek the answers to together.
Our home groups in Tucson, AZ have home group leaders who are putting in a lot of time during the week preparing to help discuss your bible study questions. The Oasis Church home groups are centered on learning God's word and so you should never be scared to come with questions!
Did this help you learn how to study the Bible a little better? If you want to do a deep dive and really learn how to study the Bible like a pro consider buying the book by Dr. Howard Hendricks, Living by the Book, and reach out to our pastoral staff. They love to teach people how to grow as students of the Bible.