Easy 5-Step Guide to Bible Study for Beginners

Have you ever wanted to dive deeper into the Bible, but didn’t know where to start? Maybe you’ve felt intimidated by the sheer size of the Book or the complexity of its teachings. Don’t worry; you’re not alone. That’s why we’ve created this easy to follow step-by-step guide to Bible study for beginners.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to set aside time for study, select passages to read, and use the best tools and methods for beginners. You’ll also learn about memorization and meditation techniques to deepen your understanding of the Word.

By the end, you’ll be equipped with everything you need to start your journey towards spiritual growth and knowledge. So, let’s get started!

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1. Set Aside Time for Study

To get the most out of your Bible study, it’s essential to set aside dedicated time for it. Consider scheduling a regular time in your day or week to avoid distractions and give your full attention to your study. This could be early in the morning before the hustle and bustle of the day begins, during a lunch break, or in the quiet of the evening before bed. Find a time that works for you and commit to it.

It’s also important to create an atmosphere conducive to study. Find a quiet, comfortable space, free from distractions like television, social media, or phone calls. You may want to light a candle, play soft music, or have a cup of coffee or tea nearby to create a relaxing ambiance. For me, it’s Diet Dr. Pepper!

Setting aside time for study not only helps form a habit of regular study, but it also communicates to yourself and to God that you value His Word and the relationship you have with Him. It’s a discipline that may require some sacrifice, but the rewards of spiritual growth and knowledge are well worth it.

I prefer to study in the morning before I begin my day. That way, I have fewer distractions to put aside in order to focus. And I’m spiritually fed and strengthened for the day ahead. When do you plan to study each day?

2. Select a Passage

The Bible is a vast collection of 66 individual books, so it’s essential to choose a specific passage for your study.

If you’re a beginner, I recommend starting with one of the Gospels, such as The Book of John or The Book of Mark. These books are filled with stories about Jesus’ life, teachings, and miracles, making them an excellent starting point for understanding the Christian faith.

If you’re not sure where to begin, try using a devotional guide or Bible study plan. Many of these resources provide a daily reading schedule and/or offer insight and reflection questions to help you better understand the passage.

You can also ask your pastor or small group leader for recommendations on passages to study.

Now that you know how to select a passage let’s move on to exploring the basic tools for Bible study for beginners, so you can begin to dive deeper into your study.

3. Gather Helpful Bible Study Tools

Exploring the Bible can be an overwhelming task, especially if you are a beginner. However, by utilizing the right tools, you can make the process easier and more fruitful. First and foremost, a reliable translation of the Bible is necessary.

I prefer the King James Version, as it is a word-for-word literal translation, as opposed to the translations that only offer a paraphrase of the text. I want to know what God actually said, not someone else’s summary of what He said.

In addition to a trustworthy translation, a concordance is a valuable resource. It provides a comprehensive list of all the words used in the Bible and their corresponding verses. This tool can help you understand the meaning of specific words. A word used in one verse will be defined by its use in another passage. In this way, the Bible defines itself.

A Bible dictionary can also be a useful tool for beginners. It offers definitions of difficult words and concepts, and it provides context for cultural and geographical references found in the Bible. You can also use commentaries and study guides to gain insight and understanding of the passages.

Online resources can also be a helpful tool. There are numerous Bible study apps, websites, and podcasts available that provide additional insight and understanding of the Bible.

By utilizing these and other Bible study tools for beginners, you can enhance your understanding and experience of studying the Bible. Now, let’s move on to the next step, the best methods of Bible study for beginners.

4. Choose a Method of Bible Study For Beginners

In order to make the most out of your Bible study, it’s helpful to employ various methods that work for you. The best Bible study methods for beginners vary in their approach and style, but they all have one goal in mind: to help you gain a deeper understanding of God’s Word.

One popular method is the “Topical Method,” which involves studying a particular topic or theme, such as love or forgiveness, across various passages and books of the Bible. Our 12-month Walking With God Bible Study is a great way to begin studying the Bible by topic!

Another effective method is the “Verse-by-Verse Method,” which involves studying and analyzing each verse of a particular passage in depth.

Whichever method you choose, it’s important to approach your study with an open heart and mind, and to allow the Holy Spirit to guide you.

Next, we’ll explore the powerful tools of memorization and meditation, which can further enhance your Bible study experience.

Memorization and Meditation

In addition to using different Bible study methods, incorporating memorization and meditation techniques into your quiet time with God can significantly enhance your learning and spiritual growth. Memorization is the process of committing specific verses or passages to memory, while meditation is the act of intentionally focusing your mind on a particular scripture or idea.

Memorization can help you internalize the Word of God, making it readily available to you in times of need. You can start with a verse or passage that speaks to you and repeat it aloud several times until you have it memorized. It’s also helpful to write it down and carry it with you throughout the day, allowing you to reflect on it frequently.

Meditation, on the other hand, involves taking the time to actively engage with the Word of God. Find a quiet space, free of distractions, and start by reading a passage multiple times, focusing on key words or phrases. Then, take a few moments to reflect on what you’ve read and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any insights or revelations to you. You can also use visualization techniques to help bring the passage to life in your mind’s eye.

Both memorization and meditation can further deepen your understanding and relationship with God’s Word. As you continue to employ these techniques, remember that the goal is not to simply memorize or recite verses, but to allow the Word of God to transform and enrich your life and walk with God.

Easy to Use Bible Study for Beginners

The easiest to use Bible study methods, I believe, are the ones that encourage you to read your chosen passage, meditating on what you read, and listening for what God brings to your heart and mind. There are many Bible study acronymns that employ this method. Here are a few.

• H.E.A.R. Bible study method is my favorite Bible study for beginners, as well as, for seasoned students of the Word. Most of our Free online LDN Bible studies invite you to use this method. Read more about it and get a FREE study worksheet >> HERE!
• S.O.A.P. Bible study method is a really popular Bible study method. You can find many SOAP study worksheets >> HERE!
• R.E.A.P. stands for Read, Examine, Apply, Pray.
• A.C.T.S. stands for Ask, Chapter, Think, Scripture.
• A.P.P.L.E. stands for Attributes of God, Promises of God, Principles for Life, Lessons Learned, Example to Follow.

So, what is the best method of Bible study for beginners? I would say that the best Bible study for beginners is the one that speaks to you, and is the simplest for you to follow and stick with.

Personally, I like the H.E.A.R. method because it reminds me to not just simply read, but to take time to listen for and hear God’s voice in His Word speaking to me. And while I don’t prefer the name “Apple” for a Bible study method, I do like that the letters remind me what types of information to notice as I read.

Which method will you be choosing to begin your study? And remember, you can change it up a bit from time to time to keep your quiet time with God fresh and not mere habit!

I like the H.E.A.R. method because it reminds me to not just simply read, but to take time to listen for and hear God’s voice in His Word speaking to me.

5. And Begin!

Embarking on a Bible study journey can seem daunting for beginners, but it is a journey worth taking. By setting aside time, selecting a passage, utilizing helpful tools, trying different methods, and practicing memorization and meditation, you can deepen your understanding of the Word and strengthen your spiritual growth.

As you continue on your journey, remember to seek guidance and support from other believers and make studying God’s Word a regular part of your daily routine. Don’t wait any longer to begin your journey towards greater knowledge and insight into the Bible and its Author, your God and Saviour!

As 2 Timothy 2:15 says,

Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

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