Getting the Most Out of Bible Study2 Timothy 2:15

Why do we study? What is the goal? we study to get to Heaven

we will be judged by our life according to God’s standard

(2 Cor. 5:9-10)(Jn. 12:47-48) God’s design and desire for us is revealed in the Scriptures

(1 Cor. 2:9-16)(Eph. 3:3-5) therefore, Heaven is only accessible through

understanding!

study understanding application

Considerations for Studying

some form of reading/study each day like prayer, often falls off our busy schedules – priorities?

(Mt. 6:33)(1 Thess. 5:17)(Ps. 1:1-3) study and prayer should be inseparable

(Ps. 119:18)(James 1:5) develop the habit of reading

find suitable time, surroundings, material, expectations

if it’s important to us, we’ll find the time

Considerations for Studying

occasions for study sermons/bible classes (Acts 17:11)(1 Tim. 4:13, 15-16) general personal study (2 Tim. 2:15)(2 Pet. 1:5) general family study (Deut. 6:6-9)(Eph. 6:4)(Josh. 24:15) doctrinal questions (Acts 2:42)(Acts 15:4-7, 12, 15) important decisions (1 Chron. 15:13)(Prov. 3:5-6)(2 Cor.

5:7)

if we are lacking in one of these areas, we are endangering ourselves, and possibly others

Considerations for Understanding

understanding essential to proper study(Eph. 5:17; 3:3-4)many rely on aids for study, stopping short of the goal

(1 Cor. 2:4-5)for proper understanding? read the Bible, meditate, pray

(Rom. 10:17)(Ps. 119:11, 15-16)read and discuss Scriptures with others for greater effect

(Acts 8:30-31)(Prov. 27:17)

Considerations for Understanding

aids to our understanding daily reading programs commentaries, study Bible notes lexicons, original languages Bible history, archaeology, apologetics the Old Testament (Gal. 3:24-25)(2 Tim. 3:24-25)

Considerations for Application

studying bears its fruit outside of study time(James 1:21-22)do whatever you must to remember – notes, etc.

(James 1:23-25)(Prov. 7:1-3)think about application during study – then go do it

don’t just understand its meaning, understand what it means to you in your current situations (1 Pet. 1:22-25)

Considerations for Application

topical studies (lessons, books, etc.) useful for examining a topic or application in greater

detail helpful tools: concordances, word studies possible to lead to out-of-context interpretations if no

foundation of broader Bible knowledge already present

Concluding Thoughts

build and maintain the habit of careful study, proper understanding, and dutiful application our hope of Heaven relies on our diligence (Heb. 11:6)

for those needing help or just getting started: get a quality Bible (for durability, readability, and accuracy) start reading a few chapters a day from the New Testament set aside an hour or two each week to study the past week’s

daily readings in more depth, especially for application study and talk with others as well, especially your family