How to prepare your heart for a bible study

Begin by asking yourself this question; Why do I read or study the Bible?

I will start by addressing personal bible study. We shouldn’t view it as an intellectual exercise like the way we study science, history, or anything that interests us. When studying, the mind must be engaged. God desires that every believer increases in the knowledge of His word with our minds but He also intends for the power of His word to transform our lives to become more like Christ

Some people study their Bible for help, encouragement, revelation, spiritual cleansing, or protection. The purpose of the scripture is transformation, and this is often achieved when our hearts and minds are prepared to be involved in this journey. No wonder we spend time reading and studying the bible yet remain the same. The day I began seeing results was when I approached God’s word _dependently and purposefully.

Dependently

On one occasion, Jesus was teaching people about His Father’s work in the lives of those who would be saved. He quoted the old testament when He said, “It is written to the prophets, “And they shall be taught by God” (John 6:45). As children of God, we have the gift of the Holy Spirit resident/indwelt in us. He is our teacher and the one who gives us understanding. I have actually spent years studying the Word without having the understanding I desire and this reminds me of the disciples, they spent almost all their time with Jesus but could barely understand His words and teaching until Jesus left and when the Holy Spirit came upon them, they understood all things.

Therefore, once we have recognized our need for help from the Holy Spirit to understand God’s word, we should regularly pray for His assistance. John Newton, the author of Amazing Grace hymn wrote; I was once lost but now I’m found, was blind but now I see. I believe he was referring to his experience of not grasping biblical truth as a person who was spiritually lost.

Purposefully

By saying we must study the bible purposefully, I mean we should be clear in our minds why we are spending part of our day studying. What is it that motivates us to study like the Berean Christians in Acts 17:11, who searched the Scriptures daily? Is it..;

1. To grow spiritually
2. To receive personal blessings and encouragement
3. To receive guidance
4. To defend ourselves against the devil.
5. To effectively teach God’s truth to the generation
6. To be able to counsel others
7. To be ready to speak to unbelievers about Christ
8. To verify that the teaching of others is the truth of God
9. To present ourselves as approved of Christ.

Whatever our reasons may be, when we approach the Bible with the purpose of knowing God and His ways better, when we approach God’s word with the purpose of becoming Christ-like, we are making strides toward successful study.

   “God’s word is truly “Living and active, ready to transform us from the inside out”.

If this article is helpful, please let us know and share it with someone who may have a challenge understanding their Bible.

If you are like me who had to struggle with understanding the Bible, share with us your experience and what made the difference.