(a). Make A Decision
First, you need to make a quality decision, followed by a serious determination to study the Bible. When these are in place, it becomes easy to follow through in your actual study.
(b). Allocate A Period Of Study To It
It is important that you allocate a period of time for the study of the Bible. This could be either a particular time of the day, a specific length of time, in a particular place or a combination. Personally, I prefer the early hours of the day, in the morning. It is important for you to be consistent. But in case you miss out on it once in a while, never give room to self-condemnation. Get back on track!
(c). Get A Personal Bible
Get your own personal Bible that you can use for study; do not cultivate the habit of borrowing someone’s Bible for use. There are different translations of the Bible, but for a start, I would really recommend the King James Version. This is what I use most of the time, even up till now. You may also add the Amplified Bible to it. As you study the Bible, you can underline scriptures that have special meaning to you. This will make the Word of God become more real and personal. You can even write and make notes right inside your Bible. Personally, I do this a lot and I can assure you that it really works.
(d). Start Right
For a start, begin your study of the Bible from New Testament. This is not to suggest that you should not read other sections of the Bible, rather, it is to make you spend more time in studying the New Testament.
Of course, for a balanced Christian life, you need to study the whole Bible. However, for new believers, I usually recommend starting from the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, etc. to Revelation.
(e). Read And Think
As you read the Bible, spend time and think deeply about what you read. Meditate on the Word. Ponder and reflect continuously on what you read. To meditate is to converse within oneself.
Take in as much of the Word of God as you possibly can, each time you study it. Interestingly, there is no over-dose of it
Read the scripture over and over again. I assure you, you will be glad you did. This helps me a great deal, personally.
(f). Prayer And Word Study
Prayer and Word study go hand-in-hand. Your study of the Bible cannot be adequate without prayer and vice versa.
It is important that you pray before, during and after the study of the Bible. In prayer, ask God to open the eyes of your understanding so you can comprehend what you read in His Word.
As you read, expect God to reveal His Word to you and He will fulfill your expectations.
(g). Study Materials
For effective Word study, certain support materials will be of help to you. These include Bible concordance, dictionary, computer Bible, etc. You may also get different translations of the Bible.
(h). Think, Speak, Act and Live The Word!
In essence, the ultimate of studying the Bible is so it can become your way of life. Acting on the Word of God is what produces results (Matthew 7:24-27).
When your life is Word-controlled, you will always be in control! You will also keep growing spiritually.
In concluding this write up, let me say categorically here that when your life is ruled by the Word of God, you will surely rule your world!
Shalom!
#pstnath