12 Step Program For Bible Study

"These were more fair minded… in that they searched the scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so"{Acts 17}. Oh how important it is to have a working knowledge of the Bible! How many people do you know are well versed in God’s Word? Many revere the Book yet seldom get around to reading it. We are urged to "Be DILIGENT to present yourself approved to God by rightly dividing the Word {2 Tim. 2}. The sole focus of this ministry is aiding those who have decided that Bible study is paramount. We have found the following points to be beneficial to those searching for the will of God.

[1] Leave your preconceived beliefs out of it! Too many times I will hear, "my church teaches…" or "I think…" if you let those voices influence your study- you are doomed to learn error. When it says that the whole world is deceived {Rev. 12}- realize that if you are in the world you are wrong as well. Allow the Bible to interpret itself by cross-referencing passages.

[2] Let the Holy Spirit guide you. Many say that the Bible is hard to understand- and it is if God is not leading you. The Spirit of truth will guide you into all Truth {John 16: 13}.

[3] Be willing to change when the Bible shows you are in error. Ask yourself what is your goal of studying. Is it truly to find the will of God and your desire to be a part of His Kingdom? The cost is high and will take total change on your part.{Jn 15/ Mt 5}. God will not show you things if you will not bend to His ways.

[4] Dedicate yourself to daily study. We have hundreds of things pulling for our precious time every day. Make up your mind that your Bible study is the highest priority. Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling {Phil. 2:12}. Sometime make a chart and you will be amazed at the time you waste each day.

[5] Purchase helps. Even if your budget is tight, cut other things out if necessary. Usually the price of a movie or ball game tickets will buy a nice reference book. I recommend a couple of different translations, a concordance, and Bible dictionary. Later on you may add a couple trusted commentaries. But be aware that even commentaries differ in their conclusions- so they are not infallible.

[6] Always say a short prayer first that God will open your mind to His understanding. Believe it or not- conversion is by invitation only! No man can come to Jesus unless the father draws him {John 6:44}. Jesus spoke in parables to hide the path of those not chosen {Mat. 13:10}. God is noted for blinding people to His ways {Rom. 11}.

[7] Never let an obscure passage interpret clear scripture. Be careful about forming a doctrine by just one verse. Isaiah said it best: "whom shall he teach knowledge, line upon line, here a little and there a little" {chapter 28}. Remember that even Satan can quote scripture. A common deception is "proof texting" or using verses out of context.

[8] Don’t get discouraged. When a person starts to veer off the path of the world, Peter revealed that your friends will think you are strange that you don’t run with them anymore {1 Pet 4:4}. Jesus said that following Him would even set families against each other {Mat. 10}. You are not apt to get any encouragement. Your only satisfaction will be knowing you are now on the Path that leads to eternal life.

[9] Bring a friend. Study can be better accomplished when several believers are together- especially a mate. "Where 2 or3 are gathered I am there in the midst". And, "Iron sharpens Iron so a man sharpens the countenance of a friend" {Prov. 27}. You will be swimming against the current and the buddy system will give you additional strength.

[10] Be organized. Go about your study like you would any topic of study. Take notes in a loose-leaf binder. Keep topics separate for easier reference later.

[11] Don’t be overwhelmed. We can quickly get discouraged and think we can never learn it all. Keep it in perspective; the Bible is small enough to be held by a couple fingers whereas some studies require shelves of books to learn. We are not in a sprint- but a marathon. God is interested in progress not completion. Start with easier books- maybe the Gospels and Psalms.