I walked into the Christian bookstore and went to the section with the signs reading: “Devotionals.” Easy! Go there, grab a devotional on a book of the Bible, and leave.
Not so easy.
Looking around that section at all the different books about motherhood, womanhood, verses of the day, mostly edifying and helpful (while others unfortunately should not have been in the Christian bookstore) was confusing. As I stood there staring at the mix of books, I kept thinking that it had to be simpler than this. Why couldn’t I find a book to help me learn about the Bible?
A kind woman wearing a maroon vest turned the corner and asked if I needed anything. I told her that I was looking for a devotional to help me understand the Bible better. I explained that I wanted something to ask me questions and help me along the way as I read the Bible. She then explained that I was in the wrong section of the bookstore and lead me over to the wall of Bible studies.
The difference between a Bible study and a devotional is an important one. A devotional gives comments or encouragement on an idea or verse. There may be a handful of scripture references, but it’s mostly commentary to help you connect.
A Bible study, on the other hand, helps you learn what the Bible says and what it means by what it says. It helps you know and understand it first, then connect and feel it second. While a good devotional is important, a full theology (your thoughts about God) cannot be established and rooted in truth without understanding the Bible in context — including how the topics and ideas of the Bible flow throughout. A book on systematic theology can also help you put the categories and topics together in a coherent way, but that’s a topic for another day.
There’s not just one correct way to study the Bible. There are book options, but you can also study it yourself, at least to start.
This is a step-by-step of my preferred method – adapted from Jen Wilkin, Lara Williams, and Hendricks. Two things before you begin: research the context of the author and people to whom they are writing of whatever book of the Bible you are studying. Context is key to understanding what the writer meant by what he said. Second: Pray. Pray that the Lord would reveal Himself to you as you study His word, seeking to know Him more to love Him more.
Step One: Read the Bible.
This is the “what does it say” portion of studying. Read the Bible. That probably seems too simple. But that is the first step. Just read. Start with a book and stay there until you complete it. Read it all the way through. Multiple times. The shorter books, like Ephesians or Galatians, can be read through in a sitting. When I’m unable to read it multiple times, I listen to it. Reading through a book or multiple chapters helps you to keep it in context.
Repetition helps us see or hear things slightly differently. We’ll catch a phrase or word or detail that we’d missed the first few times. As I’m reading, I take note of words or phrases that repeat. Then lookup words that I don’t quite understand or that would make the meaning clearer with definition. This is a step that I learned reading Women of the Word, by Jen Wilkin. She looks up words, in English, and writes their definitions. Bible translators try to find the best words to communicate what was said in the original language, so we need to understand what the words mean in our own language.
Step Two: Summarize and explain
This is when I get into the “what does it mean” portion of breaking down a verse. I will rewrite it in my own words and look for verses that cross-reference and support. Sit with the scripture for a while. One urge I have is to look up a commentary as soon as I get stuck in a spot. Fight the urge! Instead, pray about it. Pray that the same Holy Spirit who inspired the writers of the scriptures and lives in you will help you understand them. Don’t worry when it’s confusing or you have to reread multiple times. Sit with it for a while before you look for help. At the same time, don’t think of commentary or sermons as a negative. They are terrific helps!
As you’re going through this step, I take note of any attributes of God that are in the passage. What is the passage telling you about God? That is- who the Bible is about. It’s not about you. It affects you and tells your story, but it’s not about you. This is also the time that I write any truths, promises, and commands.
Step Three: Application
This is the “what do I do now?” portion of the study. Take it personally. What did you learn about yourself? What sin do you need to confess? How can you glorify the Lord? There are many questions to consider, but these are a few.
Bible study is amazing because it is simple enough that you can get a grasp of the concepts. But it’s complex enough that you can study it your whole life and never run out of topics or depth.
On Thursday we’ll be sharing some of our favorite Bible study resources. The idea is to know God more by understanding His word more fully.
What are your biggest struggles or fears when trying to study the Bible for yourself?
Rooted and Redeemed 
Thank you so much for sharing this. As women, we need our souls nourished and our minds challenged by His word every day. Thank you for tackling something that is simply overwhelming for many, and helping it seem as simple as it is.
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