1. Getting the Most Out of Bible Study
2 Timothy 2:15

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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)

6. 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)
mention Bible on CD along with daily reading programs
daily reading programs – useful for familiarity – relying on harmony of Scriptures, will recognize related passages more readily – quicker appreciation of greater context of Scripture, i.e., passages are not fully understood in isolation
commentaries/study bible notes – useful for ideas and insight – taking advantage of the wisdom of another’s years of study – must be careful not to get our understanding directly from man’s opinion about God’s word
lexicons/original languages – most passages can be understood well enough within the context of itself and other Scriptures – useful in detailed, in-depth studies
Bible history, archaeology, apologetics – faith confirming, not faith building – useful for building a greater appreciation for the accuracy of the Scriptures

7. 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)

8. 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

9. 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