Spiritual Practices: Bible Study

The discipline of Bible Study is much more than just reading it like you would a novel -- it's reading the Bible to know God better and hear what He's saying in your life. For a devotional approach to the Bible (still reading the Bible to hear God, but less focused on learning and more focused on conversing with God), check out the Sacred Reading resources.

Scripture reference: Read in your Bible or access 2 Timothy 3:16-17 at Bible Gateway

Scripture reference: Read in your Bible or access Hebrews 4:12 at Bible Gateway

Scripture reference: Read in your Bible or access Acts 17:11 at Bible Gateway

There are probably as many different approaches to Bible study as there are people who study it, but some common themes in this discipline are reading the text, gaining an understanding of what the author intended, and thinking about how it applies to you. One you may hes about is "OIA" -- which stands for Observation, Interpretation, Application. This method is good for times when you want to dig deep into meaning, cross-references, etc. Check out this resource for explanations. (Note, the OIA approach works best for people generally familiar with the Bible.)

Access resource: OIA resource page

No matter where you're at in terms of Bible knowledge, a Bible Reading Plan might guide your approach to the discipline of Bible Study. This resource provides numerous options for plans that suit every interest.

Access resource: Bible Reading Plans

A beginner might start with just reading the text and seeking to understand it better. Reading the Gospel of John over the next 30 days is a great place to start.

Access resource: 30 days - Gospel of John

This exercise includes aspects from several different spiritual practices, including a Bible Study section about patience. Read about how people in the Bible dealt with having to wait.

Access resource: Patience exercise

A simpler approach to Bible Study is found in this Spending Time with God activity.

Access resource: Spending Time with God exercises

Bible Study - for whatever you're facing: What the Bible Says About...

Bible study can realte to any topic you're facing -- from wondering about money and debt, to knowing how to encourage others, deal with doubts, face conflict and forgiveness, or seeking wisdom. This tool helps you search the Bible by topic -- which can point you to passages to study more closely.

Access resource: wbsa.logos.com

Bible Study about Purpose & Spiritual Gifts: Spiritual Gifts Study

Bible studies can help you understand many different topics. This study prepared at Gateway is about understanding your Spiritual Gifts, which relate to your purpose in life.

Access resource: Spiritual Gifts study

See related Way of Christ category pages: Bible

See related Way of Christ category pages: Discipline of Sacred Reading