Many Christians really want to understand the Bible. But they struggle to study it in a way that helps them learn. Even though there are many ways to study the Bible, there are 5 basic keys that can transform how well you understand it. These keys make studying the Bible simple. Anyone can use them, even beginners.
1: Ask the Holy Spirit to Help You Understand
The first key is the most important one. You must ask the Holy Spirit to give you understanding as you read the Bible. The Holy Spirit wrote the Bible through the authors. So only He can best teach you what it means. Before you start reading, pray a simple prayer like this:
“Holy Spirit, please help me understand what this passage means. Bring it to life for me and show me how to apply it.”
The Bible contains many confusing parts at first. All those names and weird laws seem pointless. But over time, the Holy Spirit will make them clear. What once seemed like a jumble of random facts will have meaning.
Don’t give up reading because something doesn’t make sense. Ask for help. The Spirit wants to guide you into all truth in the Bible (John 16:13).
“Open my eyes that I may behold wonderful things in your law.” (Psalm 119:18)
2: Set Aside Regular Time to Read the Bible
The second key is making a habit of reading the Bible. To understand anything well takes time and repetition. That includes studying the Bible. Reading it once in a while is not enough. Set aside a small amount of time daily to read the Bible.
Start with just 5-10 minutes if needed. Or do just 1-2 chapters a day. What matters is building a habit. Over time you can increase your reading goal.
Remember that Jesus called the Word of God spiritual bread (Matthew 4:4). Just like we need food each day for health, our spirits need the nourishment of God’s Word regularly.
3: Carefully Understand Passages in Context
The third key is being careful to understand what you read in context. Pay attention to who wrote each book. Ask why they wrote it and who they wrote it for originally. Notice what literary style was used – history, letter, poetry, prophecy, etc. These provide clues to properly interpret the meaning.
Don’t just read a verse and assume whatever comes to your mind is valid. Scripture must interpret scripture. Use other verses on the same topic to correctly understand. Comparing the gospels shows how Jesus’ death provided salvation, not our own effort.
When the Bible is taken out of context, incorrect teachings emerge. Some believe all people will be saved in the end no matter their beliefs. But many passages show that only through Jesus is there salvation (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
4: Think Over What You Read
The fourth key for learning well from the Bible is thinking deeply about what you read. Don’t just rush from one chapter or book to the next every day. Let important verses and passages sink in. Repeat them throughout your day. Ask God to reveal more insights on them. This is called meditation.
Reading gives information. But meditation gives transformation as the Bible moves from just head knowledge to changing your heart. It now shapes your values, attitudes, words and actions. Just as food must be digested to provide energy, we must digest God’s Word to experience its power.
“Blessed is the one…whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.” (Psalm 1:1-2)
5: Apply What You Learn
The fifth key for maximum life-change from the Bible is applying what you read. Don’t keep all this glorious wisdom to yourself! Put it into practice daily. Knowledge always proves itself through action.
Carefully think how passages relate to your situations and relationships. Then allow the Word to adjust your decisions, words and responses accordingly. Don’t let busyness or difficulty keep you from obedience.
The Bible says those who merely hear the Word but don’t apply it deceive themselves (James 1:22). We learn deeply through experience. So step out beyond intellectual study into actual practice of loving God and others based on the Word.
“If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” (John 13:17)
Start Enjoying the Bible Today!
There you have 5 essential yet simple keys to understanding and benefiting from God’s priceless Word, the Bible. Follow these to unlock truth and guidance you’ve not yet discovered in its pages.
Don’t let difficult passages steal your joy anymore. Lean on the Spirit to unravel their meaning over time. Remember that Scripture promises to equip you for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). You’ll gain wisdom greater than all the experts of earth as an intimate friend of God.
