Do you ever feel like your Bible studies are getting too simple? You want to go further than the devotionals and “read the Bible through in a year” plan, but you’re not sure where or how to start. Been there, done that. Today, I’ll introduce you to a few ideas that will help spark some biblical curiosity and prompt you to dig a little deeper.
Before we take a look at each idea, I’d like to remind you that every Bible study should include a few key essentials:
Obviously your Bible
Highlighters, pens, paper/notebook...some people use their journaling Bibles
Commentaries and study material
Knowledge on context; this is the “who, what, where, when, and how” stuff that I talk about in THIS BLOG POST
A willing heart that wants to apply this knowledge
Digging Deeper Study Ideas
1) Theology. Some people may think that theology is just for pastors and lay people, but that’s not the case. I encourage people all the time to look at theology, especially if they want to look into the origins of their specific belief system. In my denomination, we have tons of resources and references that talk biblically about the institutions of the church, inerrance of God’s Word, and prophecy. Theological topics make us think hard about what we believe and why we believe. It will also help us determine the truths and the lies that we often hear not just in church settings, but as we’re out and about doing our daily business.
2) Attributes of God. One of the purposes of the Bible is to teach us about who God is. It would make sense because God is the Author and Inspiration. The Bible often talks about God’s holiness, faithfulness, and eternality, among other attributes. But we can’t know God and His attributes if we aren’t studying them. The prophet Isaiah speaks of God’s holiness. David, in the Psalms, praises the faithfulness of God. He also talks of His goodness and mercy. Exodus expounds on God as Deliverer, foreshadowing the events that would take place as seen in the Gospels. Christ Himself is the very essence of these attributes; loving, merciful, forgiving. The learning of these attributes can help us to grow in our relationship with God and understand who He is.
3) Outlines. It’s natural for us to read through a book of the Bible without paying very much attention to the layout of the book. Outlines show us how it all fits into the entirely of the Bible’s ultimate story; God’s relationship and redemption with man. Outlines put things into perspective; we might recognize Levitical laws within the pages of Hebrews. We may begin to see the process of redemption from the time of the exodus to the coming of Christ. Prophecies begin to make more sense in light of how the books themselves are outlined.
4) Prophecy. Studying prophecy in the Bible is extremely rewarding. I’ve often heard it said that prophecy is hope for the believer and a warning to the unbeliever. Either way, it teaches us what is the ultimate end. It all points to a loving Savior who died for our sins. It all points to a mighty King who will one day return in glorious power. In prophecy, we learn how to handle persecution in a godly way. In prophecy, we see God’s plan of salvation unfolding, even for the sinners in ancient times. Prophecy, studied correctly, can be very powerful.
Have you ever studied anything outside of your regular Bible reading? If not, this is a challenge to do so! I’m excited to hear from you.
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