• Be filled with the Spirit
  
• Pray for discernment
  
• No distractions
  
• Good Bible Translation
  
• Good Biblical Aids
  
• Scripture with scripture
  
• Know bible concepts
  
• Know God's Character
  
• Know Bible Times
  
• Whole Counsel of God 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

The Apostle Paul encouraged Timothy to "study to show himself approved." Like exercise which is good for the body, biblical study is good for the spirit and profits even more. For the body will die, but the spirit lives on into eternity. Therefore it is imperative we as Christians take an active interest in pursuing righteousness.

Biblical study is not necessarily reserved for scholars, pastors, teachers and those who participate in the ministry of God. In fact, there are ministers who seek not our salvation and spiritual growth, but their gain at our expense. So it behooves each and every one of us not to be passive in our Christian faith. We most be knowledgable enough not to be led astray. Christ warns us, "Beware of wolves in sheep's clothing."

To rely simply on one's pastor, or biblical teacher, or favorite Chrisitan personality to teach us "the whole counsel of God", I believe sells ourselves short. We must take an active role and suppliment our knowledge of God's Word through personal study. Yet, I do believe their must be guidelines to follow set out by those who have matured and grown substantially in God's Word.

I have included some guidelines and tips on successful biblical study gleaned from others and my own study. Again, personal study is not to say we do not need the leadership of a spirit led minister, but another means to increase our knowledge.

Now, lets move forward with tips of good biblical study.

1. You must be filled with the Spirit. The Bible is more than a historical account, or a literary masterpiece. It is food for the soul. And to properly digest such food, one needs a spiritual digestive aid. Such is the role of the Holy Spirit, who performs this role for us, but ONLY when we are filled with the Spirit.

2. Prayer for discernment, wisdom, and divine counsel sets our hearts and minds in the right attitude for study.

3. No distractions. Get alone and away from worldly, day to day activities. Your focus is on learning what God has to say.

4. Choose a bible translation that is easy for you to read but remains close to the original language.

5. Choose a good concordance, or computer bible program as well as a Greek/English and Hebrew/English lexicon for word studies.

6. Compare scripture with like scripture to get the complete picture.

7. Understand basic biblical concepts:
.....a All scripture inspired by the Spirit, 2 Peter 1:20-21
.....b. Scripture cannot be broken, Jn. 10:22
.....c. Discern from figures, symbols, and literal meanings.
.....d. Do not add nor substract for God's Word, Dt. 4:2
.....e. All scripture profitable, 2 Tim. 3:10
.....f. Scripture is the power of God, Mt. 22:29
.....g.Scripture is the key to eternal life, Jn. 5:39

8. Learn and understand God's character. He is the Almighty, Everlasting, Awesome and Loving God. His Word is true and NOT subject to change even though we might. Search God's Word on "God is". eg. God is holy...just...light...good, etc.

9. Learn to understand the times the bible was written to help understand its parables and metaphors and figures of speech. The bible was written in a time when the economic engine of its people was agricultural and textile without electricity, computers, and advanced machinery. Learn of its customs and habits.

10. Finally, I cannot emphasis enough that biblical study must always be balanced by the whole counsel of God from Genesis to Revelation. If this is not done, as it so often is not, the student will find himself at odds with God and participate in heresy, false doctrines and cults.