How to Improve Your Personal Bible Study

First, recognize that Bible reading and Bible study are both important, but different. In order to grow, you need to read the Bible every day as part of your time with God — your devotions or quiet time.

Have A set Time For Bible Study!!!

Learn to Ask Questions.

First, read the passage. Then be a detective; look for clues. What’s going on? What stands out to you? What don’t you understand? Look for anomalies — things that you might not expect to find here. Let’s look at John Chapter 3 and the dialog between Jesus and Nicodemus.

Several questions occur to me as I read this:

• Where does this incident take place?
• What did the Pharisee believe? Acts 23:8
• How were they viewed by society?
• What does it mean that Nicodemus is a member of the “Jewish ruling council” or Sanhedrin? What does this tell me about him?
• Why did he come by night?
• Why does Jesus respond as he does to Nicodemus’ remarks in verse 2?
• Is Nicodemus’ response in verse 4 mocking or is it a sincere question?
• What does “born of water” mean in verse 6?
• What does “born of the Spirit” mean?
• What does “born again” mean in verse 3?

Your questions of this passage might be different than mine, but that’s okay. There are no right or wrong questions. But questions are vital, since they provide direction to where you’re going in your Bible study. Give yourself freedom to follow some “rabbit trails,” to explore one theme and then another as you get acquainted with a passage.

Other questions you should ask:

• Who wrote this?
• When was it written?
• Where did this happen?
• To whom was it written?
• What circumstance or event prompted this incident or teaching to take place?
• What did it mean to those hearing or reading it in the First Century? {Revelation}
• How can I apply what I learn?

Take Notes on What You Learn.

One main difference between reading and studying is writing down what you learn. This isn’t just so you’ll remember it later. The very act of writing requires you to formulate your thoughts clearly. Writing forces you to recognize fuzzy thinking for what it is and push beyond it. Write down what you’re learning because it helps you understand it better.

Don’t Forget the Most Important Part Of Your Bible Study Time.

What is the most important purpose of Bible study? It’s not Bible knowledge for its own sake nor being able to quote verses and recite doctrine. The purpose of Bible study is to learn exactly what the Bible teaches so that you can apply its teachings to your life and therefore be able to share it with someone else!

One last question to ask yourself, “How can I apply what I’ve learned to greater serve Jesus Christ?”