How to Study the Bible: What I’ve Learned

1. Study the Bible before you read books and/or listen to popular YouTube preachers. Read it cover to cover at least once, twice, or more.

I’ve loved to study the Bible for over 40 years. Unfortunately, in those early years, I made some big mistakes that led me to false teaching. I got up before dawn, before I had to get my children ready for school, so I could study the Bible.

The problem was this: I looked to books about the Bible and to popular “Bible teachers” for understanding. Even though my heart was after God, I was seduced by Word of Faith teaching, which eventually led me to become heavily involved with a NAR (New Apostolic Reformation) church.

Seduced? Yes seduced! It can be very enticing to read books by popular “Bible teachers” who appear to understand the deeper things of God.

2. Study verses in context.

In other words, if you read a single verse but fail to interpret its meaning from the context, you might completely misunderstand its meaning. For example,

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 ESV

“All things” means all things. Right? I can win this football game! I can get this job! Wrong!

Only when you look at this verse in context will you understand what Paul was trying to convey. First of all, Paul wrote this letter from a Roman prison with no idea of its duration or ultimate outcome. (“…I am in chains for Christ.” Philippians 1:13)

And in chapter 4, look at verses 11 and 12:

“I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Read full chapter

Paul is teaching the church at Philipi to stay hopeful, encouraged, and joyful no matter their circumstances.

This is one of many examples of a verse taken out of context to teach a false interpretation. Always study verses in context.

3. Use a good Bible translation.

Personally, I like the NIV, the ESV, and the NASB. Be aware that some Bible translations are not reliable. For example, The Passion Translation is not considered an accurate or reliable translation by many scholars and critics. (See Holly Pivic’s article, ” Important Facts about the Passion Translation for more.)

Personally, I do not recommend The Message Bible for several reasons. You can find several articles that provide critical information about this Bible HERE.

Conclusion: If you do these three things, you will be well on your way to understanding the Bible correctly. These are things I learned the hard way. But God is faithful! He rescued me from deception.

My Advice: Seek Truth. Love Truth.

Other posts related to this topic:

The Skill of Discernment

Rescued From “Word of Faith”

In His Love, Cindy

Would you like to learn more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

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