|
Why study the Bible? Paul, in his second letter to Timothy (2 Timothy 3:16-17), gives a concise answer: “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.” Read the following verses for a few more reasons:
- Matthew 28:18-20
- 2 Timothy 4:2
- Matthew 4:4
- 1 Peter 2:2
- Acts 17:11
- John 8:32
- Hebrews 4:12
- John 17:17
- Romans 10:17
- Ephesians 6:17
1. Study - Reading Scripture
The best way to read the Bible is to read it cover to cover, beginning with Genesis in the Old Testament and ending with Revelation in the New Testament. However, as some readers might find parts of the Old Testament difficult to understand, they might find it easier to start with the gospels–the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John–that document the life of Jesus, and then work their way through the remaining 23 books in the New Testament.
Once done with the New Testament, you could read through all the books in the Old Testament. To go through the entire Bible in less than a year, you would need to read an average of three chapters a day. Chances are that you might not understand much, but the purpose of this first reading is to get an overview of the entire Bible. Use the “One Year Bible Daily Reading Plan” to mark your progress.
The second reading should be slower–perhaps a chapter at a time–and this time you might want to think a little more about what you are reading. A few questions might help: What is this passage saying about God? What is it saying about the way I live? Is there a lesson to be learnt? How can I apply it in my everyday life? Write the answers to these questions in a log book and very soon you will have built up a treasure house of scriptural knowledge.
A Few Tips
- Get a good Catholic Study Bible. The notes in them will help you understand the text better. A good one, like the Harper Study Bible, is expensive, but look on it as an investment for a life time.
- Find a quiet place that is relatively free from distraction.
- Pray before you begin reading the Bible and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you.
- Do not lie down and read.
- Read the Bible to learn how to live a better life and not to win arguments.
2. Study - Studying Scripture
Even as you are reading the Bible cover to cover, you can also study portions of it. One of the training modules in the School of Discipleship includes a Bible Study program. Reflect on the matter that is being taught to you and take notes as thoughts or questions strike your mind.
A Few Tips
- Focus on the important questions. You might be curious about how a man can survive in the belly of a fish for three days (Jonah), or how the serpent could speak to Eve [Genesis], but the important question is always this: “What is God trying to teach me here?” Keep your focus on that and you won’t go meandering down rabbit holes.
- Do not be reluctant to mark your Bible. Underlined scriptures, good marginal notes and chain-referenced scriptures may be useful for years to come.
- Record and memorize verses you consider important.
Additional Aids
- Here are some aids that you can use to enhance your Bible study. The list is only suggestive. Recommendations are listed in brackets.
- Two or three versions of the Bible to do comparitive study. (NRSV/NIV/NJB/NKJV).
- A Concordance (Concordance to the Bible (RCB))
- A Bible Handbook (Zondervan Handbook to the Bible)
- A Bible Dictionary (Nelson’s Dictionary of Christianity)
- A Commentary (The New Jerome Biblical Commentary)
- An Atlas (Holman Bible Atlas)
Computer Aids
There are numerous aids available for those who like to use the computer and a simple search will turn up many resources. One of the very best is e-sword (www.e-sword.net), which has several versions, maps, commentaries, notes and definitions. It has powerful print and seach capabilities and much more. Best of all, it’s free!
3. Study - Memorizing Scripture
Ephesians 6:17 tells us that God’s Word is the sword of the Spirit. Memorizing Scripture helps us to wield the sword well, so that we can not only defend ourselves against the devil’s attacks when he tempts us, discourages us, or confuses us, but also get on the offensive and attack him. These hints will help you make Scripture a part of your life.
- Develop and follow a plan. Set a goal to memorize a certain number of verses over a period of time.
- Memorize shorter verses to begin with.
- Partner with somebody so that you can challenge/quiz each other at regular intervals.
- Write verses on small cards that you can carry with you. These cards should note the topic, the chapter/verse number, and the verse itself.
- Repetition is the key to learning. Read and review the verse and reference over and over.
- Find reasons and opportunities to use the verse at appropriate times.
- Write the verses on pieces of paper and place them in strategic locations.
- Memorize meaningful verses. You will find it easier to memorize verses that have some personal relevance.
- Pray.
There are software applications that can aid you in memorizing Scripture too. A very good free application is InVerse, which can be downloaded at www.bibleinverse.org. It can also be used on a Palm PDA or Pocket PC.
4. Study - Hearing Scripture
Romans 10:17 says that “faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ”. While the verse cannot be taken literally, it does help to develop a “ear” for the gospel, which was always meant to have been heard, not read. We hear the Word proclaimed in Church during Mass, but usually forget the message the moment we have heard it, assuming, of course, that we were listening in the first place. To ensure that we do pay attention, we recommend making notes of the readings after Mass is over.
|
HSI's next 
Lessons 
