There are many ways to get to know God. We may think we are getting to know Him pretty well through our prayer life, our efforts to support helping ministries, and our involvement and appreciation of Him through nature.
But, if we stop there, we are missing out on the most important avenue for knowing God, which is through the written word. The Bible provides us with the most complete picture of who God is and what His plans are for His created beings. It tells us who we are praying to, how to best serve those around us, and what the inconsistencies of nature actually mean to our existence.
There is no other book, known to humankind, that represents more fully what our Christian faith is about—no other book that takes a lifetime and more to learn from. And no other book that is more important for us to know and understand. Because in studying the Holy Bible we are equipping ourselves with the armor it takes to stand any and all of Satan’s attacks upon us and those we love (see Eph. 6:16, 17).
That said, we may wonder how to best undertake the Bible study that comes so highly recommended to us. Many successful ways have been suggested, and any or all of them have worked for others and are certainly worth our consideration. A good concordance and Bible dictionary will prove helpful in any of these methods.
A few well-known methods of Bible study include:
Book by book
Lives of great persons
Great chapters
Topics of doctrines
Straight through
There are a few other miscellaneous methods worth exploring. For instance, one might study all the miracles in the Bible, all the parables of Christ, the recorded prayers in the Bible, the meaning of the sanctuary service, or the various prophecies about end times.
Another intensive method was used by a man in my church, who wrote out the entire Bible by hand. So, be creative in undertaking your preferred method, and make it a part of your daily routine.
Whatever method you choose, author and historian Charles W. Conn suggests we observe these instructions when studying God’s word:
- Read carefully (find a convenient time and place to study).
- Read prayerfully (always ask God to illuminate your understanding).
- Read reflectively (think, meditate, contemplate what you are reading).
- Read regularly (and often).
- Read repeatedly (don’t rush; review constantly).
- Read introspectively (apply what you have read, as a message to your own heart).
Proper reading and study of the Bible can be the most exciting and enjoyable mental/spiritual activity we can ever experience. Don’t deny yourself this rewarding and necessary challenge that enables us to know God in the fullest way possible.
Group Study
If your church provides systematic study helps for group study, like our own Sabbath School Bible Study Guides (absg.adventist.org) by all means take advantage of this method of study as well.
You will find it a great way to share corporately what you have studied during the week, gaining valuable insights from the experience and knowledge of your fellow church members. These lessons are designed to cover the entire Bible in a certain number of years, so take full advantage of this global resource that reaches those of like faith around the world.
Editor’s Note: If you are teaching a weekly Bible study class, check out Teresa’s blog.
The Teacher’s Notes contain supplemental material and is posted every Sabbath for the coming week’s lesson.
outlookmag.org/author/teresathompson
