PREPARATION FOR STUDY

Perspective

"All scripture is inspired by God (God-breathed) and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16,17

"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God As a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth." 2  Timothy 2:15.

Planning

Choose a short time each day or a longer period of time each week for study.  Make and appointment with God and stick with it.

Select a place where you can keep your Bible, notebook, pencil, dictionary, and any other study material together.  That way you won't have to look for every thing each time you study.

Develop a plan for what you are going to study.  If you are new to Bible study I suggest that you try this method on small book of the Bible. However, at some point in our growth, a Christian should take on the challenge of studying through the entire Bible.  This method can be used to accomplish even a task that size.

Perseverance

Satan does not want you to study God's Word and he will try to discourage and distract you.  Even your own human nature will resist he discipline study takes, so you'll need to seed God's help in persevering from the start.  Don't give Satan the victory and don't give in to sinful desires like laziness or lack of discipline.  even if you slack off for awhile, keep going and be determined to start back.  If you want learn God's Word, it's going to take time and determination.

Prayer

Pray each time before you start to study, asking the Holy Sprit to open your understanding and to help you apply what you learn to your life. 

Pray for guidance to find answers to difficult passages.

Preliminary Plan

Select a passage of Scripture that's manageable for the time you have - the method I'll describe works best with one chapter or a portion of a chapter at a time.  I'd suggest beginning with some of the smaller books of the Bible. 

 General hints that often help in Bible study (they will help you recall your study when you return to the passage later):

• Underline the main people in the passage.

• Circle important places.

• Put a ? by words or phrases you don't understand.

• Put a ! by verses that are new and exciting to you.

Now it's time to get out your Bible and note and begin.

*Taken from the American Tract Society "7 Practical Principles of Bible Study" by Victoria Johnson, Special thanks to American Tract Society