[A.W. Bowman]

“How to Effectively Study the Bible"

This also applies to the study of Christ's instructions.

Reading the Bible through in a Year is a commendable undertaking. Such an effort will result in true value for the reader. Even so, it does not compare to actual studying the scriptures. There is a world of difference between the two tasks. Regular reading of the word will result in increased biblical knowledge and discovering new information and/or spiritual insight. I highly recommend the practice.

Yet, to study the Bible brings not only additional knowledge, a storehouse of information and spiritual insights, it brings a deeper understanding of who and what God is plus additional spiritual insights. There is also the prospect of gaining a deeper degree of spiritual wisdom. However, studying requires an extended time, effort, energy and commitment; perhaps even some investment in additional reference materials. It also requires the student of the word to engage in continuous self-reflection, and a serious consideration of the following:

1. Our personal mental, spiritual, and emotional filters through which the scriptures are read and interpreted.
2. Who was writing (teaching) the scripture you are studying?
3. Why did the author write his message?
4. What did the author intend to achieve by his message, and what were the results of the author’s efforts, if recorded?
5. What did this author say elsewhere concerning the same subject, if he did?
6. What did other authors say about this same subject, if any did?
7. What was is the context of the passage?
8. What was the religion and how was it practiced at that time of the writing, as much as we can know it?
9. What was the history at the time the passage was written?
10. What was the culture and social structure at that time?
11. What was the language and the worldview of the author and the people?
12. What, if anything, do the scriptures being studied require of me in this century and culture?

These are critical areas of investigation to understanding the entire Bible, and the foundation for formulating the best working biblical interpretations and developing a sound theology.