How to study the Bible on your own
2 Tim. 3:16 tells us that: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (NKJV).
The Bible is God's infallible and inerrant Word regarding His plan of Salvation. We need to covenant with God and one another that we will study His Word daily so that we can be fed from it, cleansed by it, empowered and guided by it.
YOU WILL NEED THE FOLLOWING:
A good translation of the Bible
A Bible Study Note Book that can fit into your Bible bag for daily notes.
Pens, pencils and colouring pencils.
Above all, you will need determination, discipline and commitment.
HOW TO BEGIN
Choose a definite study PLACE and study TIME: Plan when and where to study your Bible. If you don't decide and choose a definite time, you will never get around to it. You might have to begin to force yourself at first until you establish a regular habit and pattern for Bible Study. Remember, every habit takes only approximately 21 days to become a part of your lifestyle.
HAVE A COMFORTABLE PLACE: Study at a desk or table. Not just slouching or lying down on your bed or you will become drowsy and fall asleep.
Decide on a DEFINITE SCHEDULE: Draw up a time-table of your week's activities and plan your Bible Study and Quiet Time slots. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Remember, Bible Study is for information and your Quiet Time or daily devotion is for inspiration.
Decide on ONE HOUR PER WEEK for serious Bible Study or 15-30 MINUTES PER DAY to begin with until you find a pattern that works for you. Tailor your time to 'suit' you.
Be free of DISTRACTIONS. Don't study with music or the television on, as it will only hinder you. Rather find a quiet place for Bible Study. Discipline is really the key to effective Bible Study and effective Christian living. Study when you are fresh and not when you are tired.
Begin all Bible Study with PRAYER. Ask God to forgive your sins and to fill you with His Holy Spirit. Ask for the covering of the Blood of Jesus and for God to open the Scriptures, anoint them as well as your understanding, as you begin to study the Word.
GIVE GOD YOUR BEST. It is good to study the Bible, Book by Book, Chapter by Chapter, Verse by Verse and Word by Word. There are, however, many methods available. Here are some of them:
THE "S.P.A.D.E." METHOD
Take any passage, a chapter or part of a chapter in the Bible, and apply the following after reading it at least twice:
S = Setting: Establish the context i.e. what goes before and after the passage
you are studying, what is it about, where does it take place?
P = People: Establish who are the people involved in the passage i.e. Who is
speaking? Who is spoken to?
A = Actions: Establish what actions are performed (if any) e.g. preaching,
healing, casting out of demons etc.
D = Doctrine: Establish what the passage is teaching about e.g. holiness, healing,
the Second Coming, resurrection etc.
E = Everyday Application: Establish how the teaching of the passage can be applied to your everyday living as a Christian. Put it into practice. Establish how, when and where you can apply it to your own life.
Write down the things, which you learn and are going to apply, in your Bible Study Note Book.
Check up on yourself to see that you practice these things daily.