Monday, January 3, 2011

How to have a successful personal Bible study

What does it take to have a successful personal Bible study? First you need to choose the right Bible and then you need to have a simple system that you can use.

Choose a modern translation that you can read and understand. The New International Version (NIV) is a safe choice. The best ones for those who are just starting should not be a study Bible full of notes. A simple Bible means you can focus on what it says and not on what other people say it says. You can get one of the fancy Bibles later. Right now you need to read the Bible and make some simple observations. That bring us to a simple system.

I recommend that you consider the SOAP method developed by Wayne Cordeiro of New Hope Christian Fellowship in Honolulu Hawaii. Take a piece of paper and down the left side put the letters S, O, A, P.

  • The S stands for scripture. Read today's scripture.(In a moment I will help you know what to read)  Beside the S write down the scripture reference and a key verse or verses that stood out to you.
  • The O stands for observation. Write your observations. What is God showing you here today? What was the scripture about. Was it Jesus walking on water, or the teaching about the end of time? Jot down in your journal any words or  events that stand out. Are there any truths God wants you to learn? Warnings?  Commands? Guiding principles? Record those in your journal. Now what is the  overall message God has for you in this passage? Whatever it is just put it in your own words.  
  • The A stands for application. You need to make the APPLICATION. How can you apply this to your life today?  Does God have any instruction for you today? Encouragement? Correction? Write it down and prepare to think on it for the rest of the day.
  • The P stands for prayer.Prayer is having a conservation with God. As you read through the Bible you will see how others have prayed. These will help you grow in your prayer life. Write down your prayer request. Write down your prayer request and at least once a week write out a complete prayer. As they are answered come back in your journal and mark when God answered your prayers.
Now a plan for your Bible reading that will help you grow and develop. You need to grow in your faith and knowledge of Jesus.

  • BEGINNERS - Those who have not had a consistent Bible study or who are new to reading the Bible. Start by reading the book of Mark. Mark is the quickest and simplest story of the life and ministry of Jesus. Read a chapter a day and use the SOAP journal study method. When you finish Mark next Read Luke followed by Acts. These two letters were written by Dr. Luke. They are a history of the life of Jesus and the early church. You will notice more about the teaching of Jesus and see how the early church developed.
  • INTERMEDIATE - Read through the New Testament using you daily Bible study Journal. Starting with Matthew go through to Revelation. You will grow deeper in your faith and understanding. 
  • ADVANCED -  Read John then Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philippians. As you make your journal entries pay close attention to the Lordship of Jesus and the directions given for believers to follow. Now you are ready to read through the Bible. Plan to read through in one year. There are many different plans. Choose one and then you are ready to discover the depth of the word of God. With the foundation you have in your New Testament reading and study you will be amazed at how much you already know.
The Bible is the book inspired by God that never grows old. You will learn something new every time you read it. Blessing as you read and grow.


yours in Christ Jesus
   Bob Highlands III