Kingdom Bible Fellowship

Tools for Effective Bible Study

Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needed not

to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

Spiritual and Mental Tools

· Prayer!

a. Essential starting and ending point for any serious bible study!

b. Ask God to prepare you, open your understanding and to direct

you in your journey of study of God’s Holy Word!

· Openness, Patience, Humility and Commitment!

· Sense of adventure, discovery and exploration!

Physical Tools

Primary Resources

· Clear and understandable translation of the Bible —e.g., King James Version (KJV), New King James (NKJV), New International (NIV), New Revised Standard (NRSV), New American Standard (NASB), etc.—at least 2

· Paper and Writing Utensils

Secondary Resources

· Bible Concordance—way to locate scriptures in the Bible using keywords

· English Dictionary; Dictionary of Theological Terms; Greek/Hebrew Lexicon/Dictionary

· Bible Commentary

· Computer Bible Research Program (optional) – BibleWorks, Logos, PC Study Bible, etc.

· Bible paraphrase –a restatement of scripture in other words – e.g., The Living Bible, New Living Bible, The Message, etc. But Beware!

Environmental Tools

· Quiet Study Location – quiet location with no distractions!

· Daily Regime for Study – set aside hours and establish routine!

· Discussion/Study Group -- ask questions and discuss what you’ve learned!

Techniques for Effective Bible Study

Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needed not

to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

Step One: Begin with Prayer!

Step Two: Read the Bible Text! (2-3 times)

Step Three: Ask Questions of the Bible Text

Who is speaking;

Who are they speaking to;

What are the circumstances surrounding the event;

What is the historical/cultural background/type of literature (genre) you are reading;

Where is this occurring?

What is the issue being addressed?

Step Four: Take Notes

Step Five: Observe the Bible Text more closely

Do word studies

Research related passages

Ask “What is this text saying to me?”

Step Six: Interpret the Bible Text

Ask “What does this text mean to me?”

Step Seven: Draw Conclusions from the text

Don’t read into the text – draw from it

Step Eight: Research the Secondary Sources – Commentaries, etc.

Step Nine: End with Prayer and Thank God for Revelation!

Pray God’s continued revelation of Scripture to you!

God will reveal the mystery of His truth to those that believe!!!

Step Ten: Bring it all together and Apply it to your Life!!

Pray . . . . . . . Observe. . . . . . . .Interpret. . . . . .Draw conclusions. . . . . .Pray. . . . . Apply!