A lesson about good study habits.
How to DISCOVER What a Specific Word Means in a Bible verse
Ask yourself what the words say before and after the particular word. Then ask yourself how the rest of the verse relates to the word in question.
Look up the word in a Bible dictionary.
Look up the word in a concordance. See what the concordance says the word means, and search the other verses in which the word appears.
After you know the meaning of the word, rewrite the verse. instead of writing the word, write its meaning in place of the word in the verse. For example: Ephesians 2:8 says, “For by grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves”, so look up the word “grace”, and find out it means “unmerited favor” or “getting what you don’t deserve”. Rewrite the verse like: “For by getting what you don’t deserve, you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves.”
How to UNDERSTAND a Bible Verse
Answer the FOLLOWING questions
What does each word of the verse mean? (see the section above)
“Who is talking in this verse?”
“About whom is he talking?” or “about which person is he speaking?” For example: if the verse says “he”, then find to whom the “he” refers. if the verse says something like “Saul of Tarsus”, then find out which Saul- who is Saul? where is Tarsus? etc.
“What is the topic?”
“What kind of [the subject] is he describing?” For example: if the verse says “Repent and be baptized”, ask yourself what kind of baptism? Baptized in water? Fire? The Spirit?
“What is he saying about the person or thing?”
“What do I need to do now according to this verse?”
“How do I do what this verse is telling me to do?”
Do’s and Don’ts of bible Study Time
DO:
Ask God to help you understand and remember what you study.
Go over your studies multiple times until you understand them. Take occasional breaks.
Refresh yourself from your previous study time, adding some new information from your current study.
Review your previous study notes. Doing this will help you see what you can remember.
Glance over your notes/verse just before you go to sleep and/or right when you awaken.
Study with a friend.
Pay attention and take good notes during classes and sermons. Record questions to ask speakers later.
DON’T:
Wait until the last minute to study everything at once.
Stop your study session until you are able to understand the big picture of your subject.
Only think about your lessons during class or study time. Briefly look at them throughout the day as you get a chance.
Play until you have studied what you need to study first.
Be distracted while you are studying. You can allow Christ to control your thoughts. Choose to focus on your studies instead of distractions. Ask God to help you with that.
Go over everything at once. Review in small segments to retain what you cover.