How to Actually Study the Bible

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2 Timothy 3:16 KJV

The Bible is one book whose authenticity we can boast of. Imagine having writers of its part writing similar occurrences predicting what should come(Jesus’ birth and purpose on Earth). It’s amazing when you also realise that the source of such a book couldn’t have just been any man. It takes divine orchestration and wisdom to find consistencies in the testimonies of different men and women from different walks of life, all pointing to the same purpose; man’s redemption/salvation.

As a believer, it’s important to know how to read such a book even after you’ve been saved.

God has already put together a structure for every Believer’s growth and it’s important to pay attention as these truths are shared. You might want to jot them down and apply them to your daily life as a Christian.

Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
1 Corinthians 10:6‭, ‬11 KJV

I’d list out the points I learnt and embed a link to the Facebook live video I did last week Friday:

• You need a teacher: This is quite obvious right? Just like you cannot just go to school and actually teach yourself all you need to know and end up being the best student. You need resources already put together by a teacher who has been trained. In this case, whoever you’re learning the word from must be a pastor who’s been trained in the things of the word. One who rightly divided the word and also understands the Gospel. So it’s important to have a church community where you not just learn but also attend regularly. This is God’s idea.
• The Bible wasn’t written in English
• The Bible wasn’t originally written in chapters and verses, just books but was done so for our easy read (the irony lol)
• The Bible must be read in context: Let me give an example. Since the Bible wasn’t written in English, you cannot attempt to read it like your English literature and still understand it. Remember the second point? You shouldn’t just jump on the tenth verse to understand the whole chapter or book. You need to read all.
• The Bible especially the Old Testament requires a lot explanation not just quotation for understanding!! See why the first point is very important?
• The Bible was inspired by God but not written by Him
• Not everything written in it is about Jesus although Jesus is the focus: This can seem a bit tricky but think about it. There were times it was recorded that the devil spoke and we had it written. There were other times it was Jonah who was just being sentimental and upset that God was being merciful to the folks in Nineveh. If you just pick any verse without asking, who was speaking here? To who was he speaking? What was the intention?, You’d most likely miss the point.
• Not everything written in it is actually written to you(as a believer, unbeliever, Nigerian or Jew). Careful study and explanation lets you know which is to which.
• It’s important to know what each book addressed and who as well
• Pay attention to the tenses: when I was studying tenses in my English classes back in secondary school, I saw how a change in the verb tenses can change the entire meaning of a sentence or passage. Till now, I still find it fascinating and I wonder why it is overlooked when studying Scripture. Let me give an example: deliverance in Scripture is not an action word for you as a believer but a gift. See this verse:

For He has rescued us and has drawn us to Himself from the dominion of darkness, and has transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption [because of His sacrifice, resulting in] the forgiveness of our sins [and the cancellation of sins’ penalty].

Colossians 1:13‭-‬14 AMP

It’s not a prayer point because if you’re in Christ, you got the whole package in Salvation. “Because of his sacrifice”, we have been rescued