I’ve had so many Christian girls ask me this simple question, “How do I study my Bible?!” They’re not wanting to know how to read their Bible, they’re wanting to know how to dig in and study it. And they’re wondering if there’s a way to do it and LOVE it.
The answer is YES!
You can learn how to study your Bible and absolutely love it in the process!
I’m going to teach you how to do that right now. But first, this question; why would a Christian girl need to “study” her Bible? Why does this even matter?
Well, if you want to know what’s true, know how to find blessings, live in victory, grow as a Christian, gain true power in your life, and have guidance for the decisions you make, you must study the Bible.
As John MacArthur says, “The Bible is the source of truth, the source of God’s blessings when obeyed, the source of victory, growth, power, and guidance.”
I recently discovered a gem for studying God’s word.
I study the Bible using this method when I’m alone and when I’m mentoring younger girls. If you want to dig deeper into God’s word every day, this is a simple but powerful way to do that.
It’s called, “The Swedish Method.” This method can be used for personal study, or with someone one-on-one. All you need is your bible and a journal/notebook for taking notes.
You begin by praying and asking God to speak to you through His Word. Next, you read a short Bible passage aloud (one chapter is ideal). Next, go back to the beginning and read it again, but this time look carefully for the following 3 things:
1. A Lightbulb
This is something that really stands out to you. Something that catches your attention and causes you to take notice. Write every “lightbulb” down that you find.
2. A Question Mark
Write down any questions that you have about the passage. If you could ask the original author anything about what he wrote, what would you ask him? What would you ask the Lord about the passage? Write it down.
3. An Arrow
Last, but most importantly, look for specific ways to practically apply some of the verses to your life. What kind of personal application can you take away from the passage? How could this passage impact your life? Write it down.
And there you have it!
An easy, uncomplicated way to study the Bible alone, or with someone one-on-one. I love this method because it helps you dig into any book of the Bible and apply it to your life.
For me, the Bible didn’t come alive until I started digging deeper. It wasn’t until I “dug in” that the Bible really became exciting to me.
There’s honestly nothing more exciting than watching God’s Word transform your thinking and actions.
Until the Bible changes you, you’re probably never going to “love” reading it.
I have been so challenged by these words from John MacArthur:
“Studying Scripture without allowing it to penetrate to the depths of your soul would be like preparing a banquet without eating it. Bible study is not complete until we ask ourselves, ‘What does this mean for my life and how can I practically apply it?’ We must take the knowledge we have gained from our reading and interpretation and draw out the practical principles that apply to our personal lives. If you skip this step, you will never enjoy your Bible study and the Bible will never change your life.”
Application should be one of the most important steps in your Bible time.
Don’t skip it! Applying this step to my personal Bible study was the key that unlocked my love for the Word.
I encourage and challenge you to dig deeper into God’s word this week! Try out the Swedish Method – I think you’ll not only find it helpful, but enjoyable and fun!
Let me know how it goes!
- At this point in your life, do you enjoy reading your Bible? Why or why not?
- In what ways have you personally seen God’s Word change your thoughts and actions?
Photo Credit: Here