A Simple Guide to Bible Study: A Simple Guide to

A SIMPLE GUIDE TO BIBLE STUDY

Jack Hay

Print book ISBN-13: 978 1 912522 97 2

Copyright © 2020 by John Ritchie Ltd.

40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, Scotland

www.ritchiechristianmedia.co.uk

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrievable system, or transmitted in any form or by any other means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise – without prior permission of the copyright owner.

Contents

Chapter 1 - The Value of the Scriptures

Chapter 2 - The Structure of the Scriptures

Chapter 3 - Attitude to Bible Study

Chapter 4 - The Clock and The Closet

Chapter 5 - Posture, Paper and Pen

Chapter 6 - Getting Started

Chapter 7 - Where to Start

Chapter 8 - Character Studies, Themes and Types

Chapter 9 - Theory or Practice?

Chapter 1

THE VALUE OF THE SCRIPTURES

Before embarking on some simple advice about Bible study, it is important to establish just how central the Scriptures are in a believer’s life. Prior to conversion, we were in the dark about salvation, but the Scriptures made us wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (2 Tim 3.15). Either by reading the Bible for ourselves, or having its truths explained through personal witnessing or public preaching, a shaft of Gospel light penetrated the darkness of our blinded minds. Until then, we were in unbelief, but hearing the Word of God dispelled that unbelief; faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Rom 10.17). We were unregenerate, but the Word of God was crucial in effecting the new birth; born again … by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever (1 Pet 1.23). That same Word of God which was such a major factor in our conversion now plays a vital role in our development as believers; it is "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Tim 3.16).

Growth

To get the flow of thought in Peter’s first epistle, ignore the division between the first two chapters. As quoted above, the Word of God was instrumental in effecting the new birth (1 Pet 1.23). Peter goes on to show that that same Word of God is necessary for spiritual growth. As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby (1 Pet 2.2). Some passages of Scripture teach that to be baby-like is to our shame, but Peter makes the point that in one sense we really should be like babies. Our craving for the Word of God should be comparable to a baby’s insatiable appetite for the mother’s milk.

In the physical realm, a miserable appetite results in stunted growth and bodily weakness; there is a parallel in the spiritual realm. Spiritual growth and strength are dependant among other things on having a hunger for the Word of God. That is why it is so important to read it consistently, treating it as you would your regular meals; you need to approach it systematically, and in a disciplined